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News from the Geopark

The English Riviera Walking Festival Returns with New Experiences Blending History, Wellbeing and Coastal Culture

From prehistoric paths to coastal creativity, the English Riviera Walking Festival reveals a bold new programme for 2026.

The English Riviera Walking Festival is set to return with a newly curated programme featuring 20 coastal walks, led by experienced guides.

The annual event, spanning Torquay, Paignton and Brixham from 06 - 21 June, will feature a new wave of immersive, expertly guided walking experiences that combine history, heritage, creativity and wellbeing.

Set against the backdrop of its UNESCO Global Geopark status, the Walking Festival celebrates the English Riviera’s unique charm and incredible scenery.

Among the new highlights of the South West’s most distinctive outdoor events is Simon Akeroyd’s Tree mendous Garden Walk in Torquay, led by the renowned gardener and bestselling author. Visitors will explore a spectacular arboretum collection before concluding the walk at Torbay Gin, where guests will enjoy complimentary samples of locally produced gin and rum.

Another festival highlight features history taking centre stage on the newly created Walking with Mammoths and Neanderthals tour in Torquay, which invites participants to step back 40,000 years and imagine Torquay in the Ice Age. Guests will learn about woolly mammoths, sabre-toothed cats and will find out why Devon was integral to the early understandings of the Ice Age.

Walking Festival organiser, Graham Kerr, says this year's event offers experiences unlike any other. “There’s something truly special about the variety and energy of our 2026 Walking Festival programme,” he commented. “Across the English Riviera, home to the scenic South West Coast Path, the line up spans everything from coastal adventures and hidden coves, to walks inspired by Agatha Christie and sea shanties, bringing together breathtaking landscapes, local stories and unforgettable experiences.”

Wellbeing is a central theme for 2026, with a range of new walks designed to help guests slow down, reconnect and reset. Highlights include Serenity by the Sea in Brixham, a coastal yoga escape guiding guests from Battery Gardens to Broadsands Beach with opportunities to reset, reconnect and enjoy a revitalising sea dip. Guests can also take in the extraordinary views at Berry Head Nature Reserve, one of the English Riviera’s most picturesque locations whilst immersing themselves in a Sunset Solstice Yoga Connection, featuring sun salutations and grounding meditations. For those looking for something truly unique, the Walking Festival also offers a relaxing Coastal Sensory Journey, as well as the opportunity to tap into your creative side with a Painting and Pimms Coastal Walk, blending creativity, mindfulness and wellbeing in inspiring coastal settings. Instructor

Nicola Bianca comments: “There’s something deeply calming about moving alongside the sea. This experience is an invitation to walk, flow and really soften into the natural rhythms of the coastline - to be present with what’s around you, step away from everyday noise, and leave feeling grounded, re-energised and quietly restored.” Early bird tickets for the festival are available from £12 per walk, with walks suitable for all abilities and interests.

Carolyn Custerson, CEO of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “Our exciting new festival programme combines storytelling, wellbeing and creativity. There is a walk for all fitness levels, from a one-mile mindfulness stroll to a 12-mile hike from Torquay to Brixham along the stunning South West Coast Path, and our expert guides are looking forward to welcoming you.”

The English Riviera offers an impressive selection of accommodation to suit all budgets and group sizes, from friendly, family-run B&Bs, action-packed holiday parks, self-catering, and seafront hotels.

English Riviera’s visitors will also come across a wide variety of food and drink offerings to ensure every member of the family is catered for.

For more information, visit https://www.englishriviera.co.uk/

For full programme details and bookings, visit www.rivierawalking.co.uk.