Dawlish is a traditional seaside town and ideally located for a great family holiday. Located on the Great Western Trainline, the South West Coast Path, and by the beach, there is something for all ages.
Originally a fishing and salt maker town, Dawlish was transformed during the Victorian period to become a holiday destination for all. The town offers a range of amusements from The Lawn and Brook to Dawlish Town Beach, to keep the whole family occupied.
If you are planning on heading to Dawlish, we recommend arriving by train. The Great Western Trainline runs through Dawlish town. The line between Exeter and Newton Abbot is considered one of the most scenic railway lines in Britain, running along the coast. Admire the boats bobbing along and the water lapping onto the shore from the comfort of your seat, as you ride by.
Dawlish Town Centre is built around The Lawn and Brook, home to the famous black swans. Pack a picnic and spend the day relaxing. It is the perfect place to let the children play and roam whilst you sit back and watch.
With a wonderful golden sand beach on the doorstep, Dawlish is an ideal destination for swimming, exploring rock pools and building sandcastles. The Town Beach is a short walk from the town centre and the perfect place to set yourself up for a day of relaxing and exploration. Or a few miles down the road find the nature reserve, Dawlish Warren, with a Blue Flag beach.
Hop on the train, stroll along the coast path, or arrive by car and explore the beautiful sand dunes, red rocks, and rare birds that the Warren boasts. Located at the mouth of the River Exe, on a clear day you can look out across to Dorset and beyond. Spend an afternoon at the Nature Reserve learning about the local wildlife or at the amusement park located behind the beach.
For the more active visitors, there are some excellent cycling routes in the area. Join the Exe Estuary Trail, starting in Dawlish Warren, stretching sixteen miles along the coast to Exmouth. Cycle along the estuary taking in the countryside and out to sea. Or take a stroll along the coast path with walks to Dawlish Warren and Exmouth to your left, and Teignmouth and Torquay to your right. There is so much to discover on Your Devon Escape.
There are lots of local shops, cafés, and restaurants to enjoy after a big day in the area. Check out The Landsdowne, a traditional pub with live entertainment, sports, food, and great beer. There is an excellent selection of restaurants and cafés to choose from to experience some delicious traditional English food.
For more ideas for what to do on Your Devon Escape, why not check out our journal for recommendations. Or make us all jealous on Your Devon Escape by sharing your adventures with #yourdevonescape or tag us on Facebook @YourDevonEscape, on Instagram @your_devon_escape or TikTok @yourdevonescapeltd.