In the heart of South Devon lies the English Riviera, a stunning coastal destination that isn’t just about golden beaches and seaside charm; it’s also a place of international geological importance. In September 2007, this beautiful region was officially recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, celebrating its exceptional geological diversity, rich biodiversity, and fascinating cultural heritage. At the time, it joined an exclusive group of just 57 global destinations featured in both the European and Global Geopark Networks.
Today, the English Riviera attracts visitors eager to explore landscapes shaped by over 400 million years of Earth’s history.
Step Back in Time: 400 Million Years of Geological Wonders
Exploring the English Riviera is like opening a storybook of ancient Earth. Beneath the scenic cliffs, rolling hills, and crystal-clear bays lies a remarkable timeline of geological evolution, from tropical seas to arid deserts, from prehistoric creatures to early humans.
The Devonian Period – A Tropical Paradise (400 Million Years Ago)
Travel back to a time when the area now known as Torbay was submerged beneath warm, shallow seas similar to today’s Caribbean. This era gave rise to the famous grey and pink limestones at Berry Head and Hopes Nose. Fossils of corals, trilobites, brachiopods, and ancient sponges reveal the incredible marine biodiversity that once thrived here.
The Carboniferous Period – Mountains in the Making (310 Million Years Ago)
As Earth’s continents shifted, the landscape of the English Riviera was transformed by a massive mountain-building event known as the Variscan orogeny. Today, you can still witness the dramatic effects of this geological upheaval in the folded rock formations at Orestone Rock and Berry Head.
The Permian Period – A Desert of Red Rock (270 Million Years Ago)
Fast forward to a time of dry deserts and fierce winds, when the landscape turned fiery red. The striking red cliffs and beaches seen across the English Riviera today are made from ancient breccias and windblown sandstones. Natural reminders of this arid, dramatic chapter in Earth's history.
The Quaternary Period – Ice Age Discoveries (500,000 Years Ago)
More recently, the formation of caves such as Kents Cavern and Brixham Cavern opened a window into the Ice Age. These sites are treasure troves of fossils and archaeological finds, including the remains of woolly mammoths, sabre-toothed cats, and even early humans. It's no wonder Kents Cavern is considered one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe.
