English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark

The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark covers all of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

The English Riviera in South Devon is a diverse and outstanding landscape underpinned by awe-inspiring geology of global importance. Around every cove, the geology changes, and so do the worlds within them. The extraordinary landscape and blooming biodiversity that live here have stories to tell. Stories of tropical seas and scorching deserts, raised beaches and drowned forests, hippopotami and mammoths, straight-tusked elephants and sabre-toothed tigers, cave bears and earliest man.

Because of this, in 2007 the English Riviera was designated as a Global Geopark by UNESCO, one of only nine in the entire UK and 140 in the world. 

The English Riviera’s dramatic scenery, exceptional coastline and rocks were formed millions of years ago at the bottom of a warm tropical sea and then scorched by the equatorial sun. We are very proud of our incredible local geology and rich cultural heritage and encourage visitors to explore this fascinating area.