English Riviera Walking Festival - 2027 Dates TBC

Join us for the 2026 English Riviera Walking Festival, which will take place the 6th - 21st June 2026. With our locally based guides, learn all about the history and heritage of the English Riviera, bringing local stories to life across a range of walks, set within the English Riviera’s 22 miles of naturally inspiring coastal scenery. The 9 day Walking Festival has walks for all abilities and interests, whether its a short historic walk or a longer meander to see some local wildlife - you will find the walk for you that lets you discover the beauty of the English Riviera Coastline.

Join us for the 2026 English Riviera Walking Festival, which will take place the 6th - 21st June 2026. With our locally based guides, learn all about the history and heritage of the English Riviera, bringing local stories to life across a range of walks, set within the English Riviera’s 22 miles of naturally inspiring coastal scenery. The Walking Festival has walks for all abilities and interests, whether its a short historic walk or a longer meander to see some local wildlife - you will find the walk for you that lets you discover the beauty of the English Riviera Coastline. 

When and Where is the English Riviera Walking Festival?
It takes place between Saturday 6th – Sunday 21st June 2026. The event features over 20 walks. The festival incorporates our 3 major towns, Brixham, Paignton and Torquay – including the South West Coast Path and delves into the history and heritage of the whole area. This year’s themes include Agatha Christie, photography, sketching, mindfulness, wine, and even Sea Shanties.  For more details you can view the English Riviera Walking Festival Programme. If you are interested in attending please sign up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about the 2026 festival. 

What is the English Riviera Walking Festival?
The English Riviera Walking Festival offers over 20 coastal walks led by experienced guides, who will take you on a unique journey along one of England's most scenic coastlines. For more details you can view the English Riviera Walking Festival Programme. Sign up to the English Riviera Walking Festival newsletter to be the first to hear all the details about the 2026 festival. 

The English Riviera Walking Festival is a not for profit festival, delivered by the English Riviera BID Company in partnership with Torbay Council.  Ticket sales allow us to provide professionally guided tours and to showcase the English Riviera to a wider audience.

What are the types of walks?
The walks range from the artistic to the ice age; sketching to singing; and swimming to yoga. Some are very easy, others more challenging – most importantly, there is a walk for all fitness levels. You can choose from a one mile mindfulness stroll, to a 12-mile hike from Torquay to Brixham along the coast path.

Discover the famous South West Coast Path and breathe in the fresh sea air as you spot the local wildlife, or venture inland to unearth the hidden history down old alleys.

Meet the Expert Guides of the Walking Festival
We’ve selected the ‘creme de la creme’ of tour guides from across the English Riviera to share their stories and knowledge of this stunning region. Of course, they all enjoy walking and talking, but above all, the guides are united in a passion for this beautiful ‘corner’ of Devon, with its towering cliffs, picturesque bays, golden beaches, woodland trails and fabulous coastal paths. 

Our guides are eager to lead you on jaw-dropping walks, whilst telling tales about the area, its people and colourful history…to take you on routes that only locals know about and experience places that will enhance your appreciation of the English Riviera.

What should I expect on a walk?
Many of our walks incorporate the South West Coast Path, the UK’s longest national trail, which winds through some of the most spectacular coastlines in the country. There are jaw-dropping views, secluded coves, plus an abundance of wildlife to spot and photograph. You might even see pods of dolphins and curious seals that appear around our rocky outcrops and beaches.

Relax and Unwind After Your Walking Adventure
Once you've finished exploring the beautiful coastline, connecting with nature and maybe even spotting some of the local wildlife, you'll need to refresh. Reward yourself with a delicious meal and a glass of wine or two at one of our many restaurants or bars. In fact, why not make a long weekend of it and book an overnight stay to make the most of your trip to the Bay.

Join us on this adventure and make wonderful memories of an unforgettable holiday during the English Riviera Walking Festival. Explore the Festival Programme and book your space and accommodation now!