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?

The festival takes place in June, and for 2026 will be the 6th - 21st June. The event features over 20 walks. The festival takes in the coastline of our 3 major towns, Brixham, Paignton and Torquay - following the South West Coast Path and delves into the history and heritage of the whole area. Agatha Christie walks, Chocolate and Gin, Wine, Crimes and Sea Shanties are just a flavour of the themes available for this years festival. 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 historical to the magical, with ones for all fitness levels. You can choose from a short half-mile stroll underground in one of Europe’s top prehistoric caves, 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!

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2024 Festival reviews:

Hello Bill….we thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you. Your knowledge and enthusiasm made it.’ Paul & Jon 

Thank you Bill we had a wonderful walk with you. I particularly liked the access arranged to the wonderful villa with the glorious gardens and the church. A great experience all round.' Kind Regards Stephanie and Alex

Thank you very much Bill for the walk last week, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a great opportunity to see the area and learn about some of the history.  So helpful to have the route all planned out for us and the access to some of the beautiful mansions, which you would not normally be able to see.  I knew some of the area from the past, which made it even more interesting for me to "fill in some of the gaps" and update my knowledge. Sandra

Hi Nick, I just realised that I didn't write to you last week to say many thanks for the interesting walk recently. I have been walking around Torbay for over 50 years and it is really interesting to learn new facts. It was a very pleasant walk. I was also impressed with the work of the Geopark so well done for that too. Tino

Thank you Paul and Graham for a fantastic day and brilliant walk so much appreciated and I hope we do it all again couldn't of wished for a better day Dave

Graham and yourself guided and shepherded us  well. A really enjoyable day! Thanks again. Nigel P

Hello Paul & Graham....we had the best walk ever today thank you. Nunzio

Hi Paul...we're just on our way back from the vineyard, we've had a great day thank you. May see you again as we would love to do some more walks in the future. All the best. Silvy