Staying at Dawlish Warren and looking for an easy family day out? Teignmouth is just a short journey away, making it an ideal choice when you fancy a change of scenery without spending hours in the car.
Perched at the mouth of the River Teign and surrounded by lush Devon countryside, Teignmouth is blessed with a truly beautiful setting. One of South Devon’s classic seaside towns, it offers sandy beaches, a traditional pier, gorgeous Georgian houses, and a wealth of independent shops and waterfront cafes.
It’s also an easy journey from Dawlish Warren, making it a natural choice for a relaxed family day trip.
Why Teignmouth Is a Wonderful Day Out for Families in South Devon
Teignmouth is compact, walkable and full of seaside charm.
A family day trip to Teignmouth offers:
- Two beaches: a main town beach and a quieter riverside back beach
- A traditional pier with amusements and coastal views
- Independent shops and waterfront cafes
- A rich maritime history
- Easy travel from Dawlish Warren
- Good accessibility with a flat seafront promenade and level routes between key attractions.
Getting to Teignmouth
Teignmouth is well connected by rail and road, so you have options whether you’re driving or using public transport.
Travelling by train: On the mainline between Exeter and Newton Abbot, Teignmouth is an easy rail trip from Dawlish Warren taking around 10 minutes on Great Western Railway services. From the station it’s a level walk to the promenade, with the beach, the Den and the pier all close by.
Travelling by bus: Local operator Stagecoach runs services to Teignmouth from towns across South Devon. An hourly bus from Dawlish Warren takes around 25–30 minutes and can be more fiddly with buggies, but it’s a useful option if you don’t want to drive.
Driving to Teignmouth: Road links from Dawlish Warren, Exeter, Torbay and the wider area are straightforward. From Dawlish Warren, a 15-minute drive along the A379 is the simplest route, with a choice of seafront and town centre car parks once you arrive.
Things to Do in Teignmouth
Whether your family loves building sandcastles, exploring the seaside, discovering local history or simply stopping for an ice cream, there’s plenty to enjoy in Teignmouth. You can spend the day by the water, let the kids burn off some energy at The Den, explore the town’s maritime heritage, browse its independent shops or cross the estuary to Shaldon for a change of scene.
Beaches
Teignmouth has two very different beaches. The main Town Beach offers classic seaside fun: a long expanse of sand, lifeguards in season, and a promenade lined with kiosks for ice creams and snacks. Back Beach is quainter, with views across the river to Shaldon, fishing boats and crabbing off the quay. Its west-facing outlook makes it a lovely spot for sunset.
Playtime
There’s plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained. The Grand Pier has traditional seaside amusements, attractions and coastal views. Part of the outer section was damaged during Storm Ingrid in January 2026, so access along the full length of the pier is currently affected. Check the pier’s website for the latest visitor information before you go.
Just behind the seafront, The Den offers a large children’s play area, adventure golf and open space for ball games. If you prefer pool swimming, Teignmouth Lido is a heated outdoor pool open in summer – check the timetable and booking details before you go.
Heritage, Arts & Culture
Once a thriving port, Teignmouth’s maritime past is showcased at the Teign Heritage Centre, home to Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum. Behind Back Beach the Teignmouth Arts Quarter brings together art galleries, independent shops, and eateries. The town also hosts an annual folk festival in midsummer, while Pavilions Teignmouth provides a year-round programme of theatre, live music, films and comedy.
Food
Teignmouth has a growing reputation as a foodie hotspot, with fresh seafood landed locally and served the same day. Menus offer Devon crab, mussels, lobster and fish, alongside quality local meats and dairy. You’ll find independent cafes, pubs and ice cream shops across town, plus classic cream teas. Food lovers can follow the Taste of the Teign Food and Drink Trail, a self-guided route along the estuary celebrating local producers.
Shaldon
Linked to Teignmouth by a historic passenger ferry over the estuary, Shaldon is a picturesque fishing village offering a taster of traditional Devon life. Go paddling or rock-pooling on the sand-and-shingle beach, follow a smugglers’ tunnel to Ness Cove, or go crabbing off the quay. You can also admire rare wildlife at the petite Shaldon Zoo, or wander round the Botanic Gardens. Make sure you have some change as the ferry is cash-only.
The Perfect Base for Exploring Teignmouth and South Devon
Staying at Welcome Family Holiday Park in Dawlish Warren puts you in prime position for exploring Devon’s beautiful coast, including Teignmouth and Shaldon. Take a look at our range of accommodation and start planning your next South Devon family escape.