UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.

The UK’s Global Geoparks form part of a global UNESCO Global Geopark Network (UGGN) first established in 2004, that now includes over 200 Geoparks spanning more than 45 countries.

All of the UK’s nine Geoparks have internationally significant geology, but what makes them special is that they are community-led partnerships that promote an appreciation of natural and cultural heritage while supporting the area's sustainable economic development, primarily through geological and eco-tourism.

Global Geoparks in the UK and Crown Dependencies are supported by the UK Global Geoparks Committee, which manages the application of the global UNESCO Global Geoparks in these areas.

Explore Global Geoparks

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Black Country
Located between Birmingham and Wolverhampton, the Black Country is a place of internationally important geological heritage and outstanding industrial heritage intimately related to it.
Cuilcagh Lakelands
Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark extends from the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh to the southern shores of Lough Oughter in County Cavan.
English Riviera
Including the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, the naturally inspiring English Riviera is one of Earth’s extraordinary places, situated on the beautiful coast of South Devon.
Fforest Fawr
Fforest Fawr Geopark is situated in the western half of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)…
GeoMôn
GeoMôn is a UNESCO Global Geopark consisting of the Isle of Anglesey.
Mourne Gullion Strangford
Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark’s spectacular beauty has been forged by nature, torn apart by volcanic activity and sculpted by ice, providing a stunning backdrop to remarkable people and places.
North Pennines
A National Landscape (formerly ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’) as well as a UNESCO Global Geopark, the North Pennines covers almost 2,000km2 of some of England’s remotest countryside.
North West Highlands
Located in the most north-westerly part of mainland Scotland, the North West Highlands Global Geopark encompasses an area of approximately 2,000sq km.
Shetland
Located at the northern tip of Scotland, Geopark Shetland tells a geological story that spans almost three billion years.