As it’s National Walking Month, we’re looking at an inspiring selection of coastal walks and walking holidays that groups can enjoy across the UK all year-round.
From the white chalk cliffs of the Isle of Wight to the rugged Yorkshire coastline, there’s no doubt that Britain has an incredibly diverse coast. And with the recently opened King Charles III Coast Path, it is even more accessible, particularly to walking groups.
We take a look at a selection of routes for groups to consider for future holidays…
Explore the newly opened King Charles III Coast Path
Six of HF Holidays’ 16 historic country houses across England, Wales and Scotland are located on the coast, with many on the new King Charles III Coast Path which was completed earlier this year.
It has created 1,000 miles of new paths and improved 1,700 miles around the country, allowing people to walk the beautiful headlands, cliffs, beaches and dunes that make up the English coast.
The walking cooperative, HF Holidays, has picked out a selection of the most spectacular locations to experience with your group that cover some of the coast path:
Isle of Wight: its 71-mile length of coastline ticks off everything from white chalk cliffs to sandy beaches with highlights including the Needles, Alum Bay, and Tennyson Down – an invigorating downland walk loved by the famous poet laureate and posthumously named after him.
Groups can stay at Freshwater Bay House, just steps from the beach.
This seaside stay charms guests with a seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool and a cliff-top location overlooking the English Channel.
North York Moors and Whitby: steeped in maritime heritage, the Yorkshire coast boasts fantastic views and rugged scenery. Guests can climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey and walk the Cleveland Way for far-reaching sea views and visits to quaint fishing villages like Robin Hood’s Bay.
There are a number of walking holidays based at Larpool Hall including the three-night North York Moors Guided Walking Holiday which picks up the Smugglers Coast on the Cleveland Way.
80 years of walking holidays around the UK and further afield
Ramble Worldwide is celebrating its 80th anniversary throughout 2026. Each of its walking holidays are graded from Leisurely to Moderate, taking into account route, difficulty, walking pace, ability and/or fitness.
Groups of eight or more can book any of Ramble Worldwide’s 300+ itineraries as a private group. One of its many UK walking holidays is a four-night Gower Peninsula itinerary. The Gower was Britain’s first designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and has some of Britain’s best coastal scenery. The holiday includes accommodation in Swansea as well as a visit to Rhossili Village and a climb of the Gower Ridge to enjoy views from the highest point.
New café inspired by Dartmoor’s Abbot’s Way
The Abbot’s Way Café recently opened at Buckfast Abbey near Buckfastleigh in Devon.
Celebrating the spirit of the moor, the café is named after the historic trail that crosses the heart of Dartmoor, one that has been walked by monks and staff of the Abbey.
It will be open daily, for both walkers and visitors to the Abbey, and will serve hot drinks as well as cakes and light snacks.
Celebrating milestone anniversaries
The seaside resort town of Scarborough celebrates its 400th birthday in 2026, marking four centuries since Mrs Thomasin Farrer discovered its spa waters and established it as Britain’s first seaside resort. Various celebrations and commemorative activities are taking place including the installation of the new bronze statue by artist Jethro Crabb, inspired by Mrs Farrer.
Or Coast to Coast Packhorse offers a nine-day walking holiday taking in the Eastern stretch of the walk from Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, finishing at Robin Hoods Bay, half an hour’s drive north of Scarborough. Group bookings of a minimum of eight, and no more than 16, are welcome.
The Jurassic Coast marks the 25th anniversary of its UNESCO status; the 153km stretch of fossil-encrusted coastline is England’s only natural World Heritage Site, showcasing 185 million years of geological history.
Active holiday specialist Walkers’ Britain & Europe has a self-guided five-day South West Coast Path: Exmouth to Lyme Regis which is suitable for groups. You can hike through the Jurassic coast, experiencing the otherworldly forest of the Undercliff, as well as visiting the seaside towns of Sidmouth, Beer and Lyme Regis.
Small group walking holidays
Responsible Travel has almost 60 walking holidays in England to choose from, some of which also take in sections of the new King Charles III Coast Path.
Groups of up to 16 can book onto the six-day Northumberland holiday which takes in the coast path’s Northeast section. Take in a spot of stargazing while there with a visit to the Kielder Observatory. Northumberland’s National Park is an International Dark Sky Park and said to be one of the best places in the UK to stargaze.
Or down south, the Cornwall walking holiday option features visits to coastal settlements including Mevagissey, Charlestown, and Polruan. It includes a trip to Polridmouth Cove, where Daphne Du Maurier based her 1938 gothic novel, Rebecca.
