Jetsettersblog

“An Epic Adventure…400 Million Years In The Making”

2007 the English Riviera joined an elite group of 63 places around the world to be designated with UNESCO Geopark status.The accolade is awarded to areas of outstanding geological, archaeological, ecological and cultural interest and becomes an invaluable tool for protecting, understanding and promoting the region.

The status is awarded by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation), and the Global Geopark Network includes some of the most stunning areas of natural beauty in the world, encompassing countries as diverse as Australia, Brazil, China, Austria, Malaysia and Italy.

What makes the English Riviera Geopark so unique is that it is the world’s first urban Geopark.

There’s no need to climb mountains or trek through the wilderness to enjoy everything our Geopark has to offer.

It’s all around you when you visit the UK’s premier seaside resort, making it the ultimate 2-4-1 experience!

Our geological journey has created the spectacular landscape we can all enjoy today. Scratch below the surface and discover tales of tropical seas and scorching deserts, raised beaches and drowned forests, hippopotami and mammoth, sabre-toothed tiger and earliest man.

To help bring these stories to life, you can visit one of the three brand new Geopark Information Centres located at Kents Cavern in Torquay, Berry Head in Brixham and the Seashore Centre in Paignton, where you’ll find the interactive Geopark display room.

Greenway Ferries offer exclusive Geopark Cruises around the Bay, with a fascinating commentary providing a unique insight into our stunning natural heritage, from the best vantage point – the sea!

Walking the English Riviera section of the South West Coast Path is another rewarding way to experiencing our awe-inspiring Geopark first-hand. There are some fantastic natural features to explore, created over million’s of years including the Downs at Babbacombe, Saltern Cove in Paignton and Churston Cove in Brixham.

Below the waves, a rich marine life thrives thanks to the warm, protected waters, which makes snorkelling and diving in the Geopark a must for those with a keen interest in exploring an array of rare species.

There are a number of other key sites linked with the Geopark. Occombe Farm shows how food and farming are inextricably linked to the land, while Cockington Court demonstrates artisan and craft skills inspired by the Geopark landscape.

Other Geopark sites include Torquay Museum, where the Geopark’s history is brought to life and Torre Abbey, built in local quarried stone, shows the importance of our natural environment over eight centuries of architecture and heritage.

More information on the English Riviera Geopark is available online at www.englishrivierageopark.org.uk , while a free Geopark leaflet can be found at the Tourist Information Centres.