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If you fancy an activity holiday with a difference then the English Riviera is the ideal place to stay. Why not try something new and exciting such as coasteering into clear waters, wreck diving, or a spot of canoeing off the shores of beautiful South Devon? Of course being a coastal resort, sailing is very much part of the areas natural heritage, be it traditional trawler fishing, collecting precious scallops from nets or luxury cruising. And this is just a few of the many sporting activities to try in South Devon! All of the English Riviera, including the main towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are designated as a Geopark. Geoparks can be encompassed by two networks, namely the European Geopark Network (EGN) formed in 2000 and the Global Geopark Network (GGN) formed in 2004, both endorsed and supported by UNESCO. In 2007 the English Riviera received international recognition as a specific site rich in geological, historical and cultural heritage. This means the area is something very special! From the way its coastal landscape and geology has formed naturally over millions of years, to its buildings and the local festivals and traditions celebrated by its inhabitants developed over the ages, this all interlinks to make a rich diverse tapestry. The SWCP between the River Dart and the River Exe is of particular interest to geologists. Devonian slates and sand stones from over 300 million years ago originated as small deposits on the sea bed. These covered the area at the time and facing mostly east it is mainly sheltered. Falling sea levels now reveal the fascinating story of embedded sea creatures and have resulted in mostly red sandstone cliffs. Evidence of creatures long ago can be seen at The Seashore Center in Goodrington. Popular pastimes like walking or cycling the South West Coastal Path means that the visitor misses nothing on their journey through geological time. With the recent endorsement as a Geopark, it's current inhabitants and visitors are able to enjoy an ever changing yet natural and beautiful coast line, with its future protected for further generations to enjoy and understand. A guided tour around Kents Cavern can help to unravel some of the mysteries of times long ago. It is here that amazing evidence of human settlement has been unearthed that dates far back from between 20,000 and 30,000 BC. A fascinating array of Stalactites and Stalagmites feature in the caves along with evidence of the remains of ancient creatures such as the Mammoth, Cave Bear and Sabre Tooth Cat. Further along the coast at Berry Head during the Iron Age period (600 to 1st Century BC) evidence shows cliff fort settlements and subsequently typical Saxon villages emerging such as Brixham and Paignton. Roman artifacts have also been found at Berry Head. Now a popular National Nature Reserve it shelters colonies of birds such as the Cirl Bunting and Guillemot together with more delicate species such as the Bloody Nose Beetle and Painted Lady Butterflies. Geological tourism such as mentioned, prove that history encompasses not only famous people, dates and places but so much more is also hidden below and above ground, giving us all the opportunity to experience the very rich diversity of our landscape here in South Devon.
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