Guide to Visiting Dawlish
Tranquil and pretty, Dawlish is an early Victorian and classic Regency style town, which was once a bustling resort during those times. Less than two miles from Welcome Family, many of our guests enjoy a walk along the sea wall adjacent to the railway line to get there.
A big visitor attraction are the legendary black swans who live in the gently babbling brook that runs through the Lawn in the centre of the town. In the evening the Lawn is lit by the soft glow of fairy lights.
Take a look at our quick Dawlish guide below and find out what you can see and do during your stay in this beautiful part of Devon.
Delights of Dawlish
The town is situated near the beautiful South Devon coastline at the outlet of a small river, Dawlish Water, or, as the locals call it, the Brook. This river flows through Dawlish, and on it you can spot the famous black swans and other waterfowl.
Beside the Brook is an attractive park known as the Lawn. Home to exotic plants, palm trees and chestnut trees, it offers a relaxing environment to while a way a sunny afternoon. It has an outdoor bowling green, Tourist Information Centre, flower beds and duck hatchery.
Shops lie on either side of the Lawn, with gift shops, cafes, pubs and grocers. Shopping in Dawlish is a lovely experience due to the calm, relaxing environment the area enjoys; popping over the Brook and back makes it something special.
Dawlish is home to many restaurants and pubs popular with locals and visitors from across the UK and abroad. As you would expect, the seafood here is excellent, particularly mussels, and the local eateries serve traditional English dishes in warm and hospitable surroundings.
Dawlish Carnival
Dawlish Carnival is a week-long event not to be missed if you are visiting Dawlish! This popular Devon carnival, full of colour, music and festivity, usually takes place in August and involves a pram race, It’s a Knockout competition, duck race (the plastic yellow variety!) and, of course, a carnival procession. Be sure to catch it if you can.
Dawlish Museum
If you’re looking to find out more about the history of Dawlish, you’ll enjoy a visit to Dawlish Museum. Here you’ll also find an interesting exhibition retelling the story of the 2014 storm that severely damaged the railway line, as well as a display on the history of seaside resort Dawlish Warren and how it exploded into popularity after starting out as a ‘tiny hamlet with its tavern in the sand dunes’.
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More Local Towns
Devon boasts many historic market towns surrounded by glittering coast and beautiful countryside, just waiting to be explored. There is also the county capital, Exeter, a small vibrant city with a lot going on.
