English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark

We sit in One of Earth’s Extraordinary Places, the English Riviera Global Geopark, endorsed by UNESCO in recognition of its internationally significant geological, historical and cultural heritage.  The Geopark covers the entirety of the Torbay, including the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Torbay's geology has created the beautiful coastline of today, which fundamentally links the rich diversity of landscape with wildlife, people and culture.

The geological tale behind the English Riviera Geopark is quite spectacular and one of extremes. From a seascape bathed in the warm and beautiful tropical seas of the Marine Devonian to a landscape of arid, barren Permian desert; from our earliest relatives, living in caves, to modern civilization. The Geopark's outstanding historical contribution, both in terms of the development of geological and archaeological sciences is astounding, from the Huttonian Theory, to the naming of the Devonian Period by Sedgwick and Murchison and even Pengelly's discoveries influencing world wide public opinion as to the antiquity of man.

But our UNESCO Global Geopark involves so much more than geology – from adventures, educational programmes and conservation, to cultural development and tourism. You can find out more about the English Riviera Geopark here.

As Geopark Partners, Torquay Museum works with the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark Organisation, developing projects to celebrate and explore our incredible environment.  Torquay museum was setup to hold the Kents cavern collection – a designated national collection – including Pengelly’s diaries of the excavations, a substantial geology collection including the marble exhibition and fine examples of the terracotta industry and other collections relevant to the local heritage and culture of the Geopark. 

Download our free Torquay Geology Tea Trail and take a gentle stroll around the seafront to discover Torquay's amazing geological past.

Find fossils, spy sea stacks and relax at one (or two!) of the cafe's on your way round.