The 2026 Festival will run from 18th to 27th September 2026

We have begun the planning for our 21st Richmond Walking and Books Festival in 2026.  Once again we will have a wide variety of walks and an eclectic mix of book related events. We are sure you will find something to interest you.

The 2025 Festival was a great success. Here is just some feedback we received: 

• The book events were a joy, with interesting 'in conversations'.
• Well-organised. Excellent subject knowledge by speakers.
• Volunteers were helpful, friendly and kind
• Really interesting topics and authors, very well organised, something to do in a new area for me having just moved
• The variety and range of walks was excellent. The ones I did were all well led and meant I saw a lot of areas that I would not have walked in on my own
• Good company on all the walks and so nice to meet so many people, both local and visitors
• Lots of nice people to talk to. Good pace. Good choice of walks depending on ability. Clear information. Plenty of choice
• An amazing variety of walks, long and short and ones with specific topic and interest
• Such a perfect way to spend a week!
• I really enjoyed my week and hope to be back for a future festival
• I intend to stay in Richmond for future festivals so I can attend evening events. The festival is so well organised and varied, thank you
• Events are well priced which I hope helps to attract a range of people
• Will definitely book some events next year – now firmly established on our calendar
• In total a brilliant week of walking and literary talks. The sun shone too. Richmond is a beautiful town, the castle, architecture and the Swale river, all add up to a lovely place to visit and I expect live

If you are looking for a gift for friends or family why not consider giving them a Gift Voucher? See Gift Vouchers.

If you would like to support the Festival, and get early access to tickets for this year's events please consider becoming a Friend of the Festival. You can join by following this link.

Once again we would not be able to put on the Festival without the help of our many supporters and our thanks go to our major sponsors: Richmond Town Council, Altberg, Millgate House, The Station, Fry Family Office, The Fleece Hotel and Harmony Energy; and the many other sponsors, accommodation providers, advertisers and the organisations supporting our walking programme. And of course many thanks to our wonderful volunteers who give their time freely in planning and preparing for the Festival, leading the walks programme and supporting the book events.

We hope to see you next September.