Is Dawlish good for a family beach holiday?
Yes, Dawlish is considered a great destination for a family beach holiday. Dawlish Warren, in particular, is highlighted as one of South Devon's top family beaches, offering a long sandy beach, sand dunes, and a nature reserve. It provides ample space, amusements, and activities suitable for all ages, including go-karts, mini-golf, and funfair rides. The beaches are known for their clean waters, and Dawlish Warren has received the Blue Flag award multiple times, signifying high standards of cleanliness and safety. Lifeguards are often on duty during peak season at Dawlish Warren, adding to the family-friendly appeal.
Can you swim in the sea at Dawlish?
Yes, you can swim in the sea at Dawlish. Dawlish Town Beach is described as great for swimming. Dawlish Warren also offers ideal swimming conditions and has RNLI lifeguards on duty during peak season (May to September) for safety. Coryton Cove is also suitable for swimming, though it does not have a lifeguard service. Water quality is generally good, with Dawlish Warren having award-winning clean waters.
Are dogs allowed on Dawlish beaches?
Dog restrictions vary by beach and time of year in Dawlish.
* **Dawlish Warren:** Dogs are allowed on the main beach between groyne 4 and 9 all year round. However, they are banned from the main beach between the lifeguard tower and groyne 3 from April 1st to September 30th, and on a section west of Langstone Rock during the same period. Dogs are banned beyond groyne 9 all year round. In the nature reserve, dogs must be kept on leads (max 2m).
* **Dawlish Town Beach:** Dogs are permitted year-round from the slipway adjacent to the Railway Station up to 150m from Red Rock Beach (Langstone Rock). However, dogs are banned south of the breakwater (including Boat Cove and Coryton Cove) and at Red Rock Beach from May 1st to September 30th.
* **Coryton Cove:** Dogs are not permitted from May 1st to September 30th.
* **Holcombe Beach:** This nearby beach is dog-friendly year-round.
What are the beaches like in Dawlish - sandy or pebbly?
Dawlish beaches are predominantly sandy. Dawlish Town Beach is a long sandy beach, though it can be a mixture of sand and shingle. Dawlish Warren boasts a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of sandy coastline. Coryton Cove is a small, secluded sand and pebble beach.
Which is better, Dawlish Warren or Dawlish Town Beach?
Both Dawlish Warren and Dawlish Town Beach have their own appeal. Dawlish Warren is renowned as a top family beach with a long sandy stretch, dunes, a nature reserve, and numerous amusements. It's Blue Flag awarded and has lifeguards in season, making it great for a full day of activities. Dawlish Town Beach is closer to the town centre, offering easy access to shops and cafes. It's a long sandy and shingle beach backed by cliffs and the railway line, providing a more traditional seaside town atmosphere. The choice depends on whether you prefer a bustling family resort with lots of activities (Dawlish Warren) or a beach conveniently located near town amenities (Dawlish Town Beach).
Is there parking available at Dawlish beaches?
Yes, parking is available. Dawlish Warren has two large car parks. For Dawlish Town Beach and Coryton Cove, there are several car parks in Dawlish town, and some on-street parking, though it can be challenging to find spaces at peak times. The nearest car park for Dawlish Town Beach is the Barton Hill car park (postcode EX7 9QF). Dawlish Warren Station also has a car park.
Are Dawlish beaches accessible for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues?
Accessibility varies between the beaches.
* **Dawlish Warren:** Offers disabled access to the beach, including a slipway suitable for wheelchairs to the main beach. The main track from the car park to the visitor centre is accessible for terrain-suitable wheelchairs and buggies, though some paths in the nature reserve can have soft sand. Disabled toilets are available.
* **Dawlish Town Beach:** The promenade extends along the beach with various access points, including steps and slopes. There is disabled access by the Dawlish breakwater with short slopes to the beach. Red Rock Beach has a slope from the promenade suitable for wheelchairs. Disabled toilets are available in the town.
* **Coryton Cove:** Access involves a short but steep slope to the beach.
What facilities are available at Dawlish beaches?
Facilities vary by beach:
* **Dawlish Warren:** Offers a wide range of facilities including toilets (including disabled), cafes, shops, amusements, go-karts, mini-golf, beach hut hire, deckchair hire, shower facilities, a first aid room, and lifeguards (May-September).
* **Dawlish Town Beach:** Has nearby public toilets (including disabled and baby care), a refreshment kiosk, deckchair hire, and amusements. Shops and cafes are a short walk away in the town centre.
* **Coryton Cove:** Has a cafe with an ice cream shop and beach huts for hire. Toilets are available nearby in Dawlish town.
Are there any quieter, hidden gem beaches near Dawlish?
Yes, Coryton Cove is often described as a more secluded, hidden gem. It's a smaller, picturesque sandy and pebble beach on the outskirts of Dawlish, known for its red cliffs, rock pools, and brightly coloured beach huts. It's generally less busy than Dawlish Warren or Dawlish Town Beach. Holcombe Beach, located between Dawlish and Teignmouth, is another option for a more secluded and peaceful beach experience, tucked away at the base of cliffs.
What is the best time of year to visit Dawlish beaches?
The best time to visit Dawlish beaches for warm weather and swimming is typically during the summer months (June to August). Lifeguard services at Dawlish Warren are usually available from May to September. However, Dawlish can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for coastal walks and exploring the nature reserve with fewer crowds. Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve is particularly important for migratory birds outside of the main summer months, attracting birdwatchers.
Are there lifeguards at Dawlish beaches?
RNLI lifeguards are on duty at Dawlish Warren beach, typically from May to September, between 10 am and 6 pm. Dawlish Town Beach and Coryton Cove do not have lifeguard patrols.
Can you hire beach huts in Dawlish?
Yes, beach huts are available for daily or weekly hire at Coryton Cove, Dawlish Town Beach, and Dawlish Warren. For details on booking, you would typically visit the Teignbridge Council website.
What is there to do at Dawlish Warren besides the beach?
Dawlish Warren offers more than just its sandy beach. It features a 500-acre National Nature Reserve with sand dunes, salt marshes, and woodland, which is a haven for wildlife and popular with birdwatchers. There are also family-friendly amusements like go-karts, a mini funfair, crazy golf, and an amusement arcade. You'll find shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants. During the summer, there are often free open-air events and children's entertainers.
How far is Dawlish Warren from Dawlish town centre?
Dawlish Warren is approximately 2 miles from Dawlish town centre. You can walk between the two along the sea wall, which is a scenic route.
Are there any specific warnings or safety advice for Dawlish beaches?
Yes, it's important to be aware of safety advice. At Dawlish Town Beach, signs warn of boats and submerged objects. At Red Rock Beach (near Dawlish Town Beach), signs warn of a deep shelving beach, unstable cliffs, and the risk of being cut off by the high tide. At Dawlish Warren, signs warn of fast-moving tides, submerged objects, and advise against using inflatables in offshore winds. Always check tide times, especially if walking along the sea wall or exploring near cliffs. It's recommended to swim at lifeguarded beaches like Dawlish Warren between the red and yellow flags.
