Dawlish Warren Beach

If you’re looking for a quality beach holiday, The Times newspaper voted Dawlish Warren as one of the ‘Top Ten Places by the Sea,’ and the thousands of visitors who flock to this part of South Devon every year agree. It’s won the Blue Flag Award nine times in a row and is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With plenty to see and do, Dawlish Warren ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for a traditional seaside holiday.

A Natural Experience

As part of the Exe Estuary, Dawlish Warren is one of the most important areas for wildfowl and wading birds in the country. Thousands of birds come to feed or to spend the winter here, attracting bird watchers (be careful about calling them ‘twitchers’) and wildlife enthusiasts. The surrounding dunes and grassland are home to over 600 types of flowering plants. Dawlish Warren is internationally recognised as an important ecological site and as such is protected by both national and international laws. If you want to learn more but tread lightly, there is a visitor’s centre offering information about the wildlife reserve. From here you can gain access to the various hides dotted throughout the various habitats on-site.

Fun for Everyone

Despite Dawlish Warren’s popularity you don’t have to worry about crowds. The beach is one and a half miles long and there’s always something going on, either on the sands or nearby. During the summer, you can expect to take part in free open-air events, see children’s entertainers and watch spectacular firework displays in the evenings. One of the best times to visit has to be the Dawlish Carnival Week. This is a real community event and kicks off in August.

If you like to surf, then you’ll be able to have a crack at the offshore swells, safe in the knowledge that the area is watched by RNLI lifeguards. There is also plenty of accommodation nearby, from B&Bs and self-catering cottages to hotels. But if it’s getting back to nature you’re after, there are plenty of campsites to be found around the area too.