Coastal yoga, painting and wine walks announced for English Riviera festival

The English Riviera is preparing to welcome walkers from across the country as its annual Walking Festival returns this summer with more than 20 guided coastal and woodland experiences.

Running from Saturday 6 June to Sunday 21 June 2026, the English Riviera Walking Festival celebrates the natural beauty of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, offering routes for all abilities – from gentle sensory strolls to full-day adventures along the dramatic South West Coast Path.

Set within the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark – one of just 140 Geoparks worldwide and the only seaside resort to hold the status – the festival highlights the area’s unique geology, sheltered microclimate and far-reaching sea views.

Organisers say the programme is designed to showcase “all this beauty and heritage on our doorstep”, with experienced local guides leading themed walks that blend wellbeing, creativity, food and history.

New for 2026 is the “Painting and Pimms” coastal walk, combining art with a classic summer refreshment.

Starting at the Osborne Hotel in Torquay, the guided session heads towards a viewpoint overlooking the iconic Thatcher Rock. Local artist James will give a short demonstration of sketching and painting techniques before guests try it themselves, with guidance throughout.

Participants return to the Osborne’s gardens to complete their artwork and enjoy a glass of Pimms. Guests can bring their own materials or purchase a portable painting kit suitable for outdoor use.

The Painting and Pimms Coastal Walk takes place on 12 June and 19 June, both starting at 10am.

Wellbeing also features strongly in this year’s programme with “Serenity by the Sea – a Coastal Yoga Escape”, led by Nicola.

The guided experience follows one of the bay’s most scenic stretches, walking from Battery Gardens to Broadsands Beach. Along the way, participants pause at coves including Fishcombe Cove and Elberry Cove – the latter a favourite bathing spot of crime writer Agatha Christie.

The session includes breathwork at Churston Cove, guided meditation at Elberry Cove and a grounding yoga flow overlooking the bay at Broadsands Green. Walkers are encouraged to bring swimwear for an optional sea dip at the end.

Serenity by the Sea runs on 7 June and 14 June, starting at 9am.

Literary fans can join Paul for “Walking in Agatha Christie’s Footsteps”, a full-day guided journey through locations connected to the world-famous author.

The route includes Elberry Cove, Churston Church, Churston Court and Churston railway station – featured in The ABC Murders. Walkers continue through Galmpton village to Greenway, Christie’s former summer home, which inspired novels including Five Little Pigs, Ordeal by Innocence and Dead Man’s Folly.

The tour also includes a ferry trip to Dartmouth along the River Dart – widely regarded as one of Britain’s most scenic rivers – before returning via Kingswear.

Walking in Agatha Christie’s Footsteps takes place on 14 June and 21 June, both at 10am, with 15 spaces available on each date.

For food and drink lovers, “Take a Walk on the Wine Side” blends countryside walking with vineyard hospitality.

Beginning at Sandridge Barton Wines, set within a 42-acre vineyard in the South Hams, the route meanders to the village of Stoke Gabriel on the banks of the River Dart before returning for a guided winery tour.

Guests enjoy a three-wine and Devon cheese tasting while learning about the production process behind the estate’s award-winning wines. The walk, suitable for over-18s only, runs on 10 June and 18 June at 11am, with 15 spaces available on each date.

With themes spanning yoga, painting, photography, literature, history and food, organisers say the festival is about more than walking – it is about experiencing the English Riviera in a new way.

From short coastal strolls to full-day adventures with views that “literally take your breath away”, the 2026 Walking Festival promises to shine a spotlight on South Devon’s coastline, culture and community.