Perched on the edge of the English Channel, Dawlish is a seaside town known for its sandy beaches and family-friendly attractions. It is clustered with early Victorian and Regency-style buildings and is on the doorstep of Powderham Castle and the bird-filled wetlands of the River Exe.
Things to do in Dawlish
Occupying an early 19th-century “gentleman’s house” overlooking a small stream is the Dawlish Museum, which features a diverse range of artefacts that bring the local history to life. In addition to old photographs, vintage homewares and musical instruments, the collection includes model ships and antique toys donated by Dawlish residents.
A short drive north of Dawlish is Powderham Castle, a fortified manor house that was originally established by Sir Philip Courtenay in the late 14th century. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, it is open to the public for guided tours and regularly hosts concerts by big-name artists. Highlights include the elaborate Marble Hall, the Music Room and the richly decorated Staircase Hall.
For a day on the sand, head to Dawlish Warren where you’ll find a long stretch of dune-backed beach and the wetlands of the Exe Estuary. Thousands of birds come to winter in its grasslands, which are dotted with hides and home to more than 600 types of flowering plants. Once you’ve built up an appetite, you can grab a bite to eat at the Boat House Tavern & Grill, then let loose on the go-karts of Funder Park.
Getting around Dawlish
Dawlish is around 30 minutes’ drive from Exeter and Exeter Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from towns and villages across Devon to the Dawlish railway station and buses travel throughout the town. Dawlish is compact enough to explore on foot.