Things to do in Dawlish
Another highlight of the Devon coast can be found across the Exmouth estuary just northeast of Teignmouth. Situated a scenic 20-mile drive from our Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Dawlish is a pretty seaside town with plenty of surprises in store.
From tranquil walks to engaging activities, here's our curated list of things to do in Dawlish.
1. Dawlish Beach
Address: Beach Rd, Dawlish EX7 0NF
Dawlish Beach is something of a local secret since it all but vanishes at high tide. However, time your visit just right and you can walk its sandy shoreline, build a sandcastle, paddle in the waves, or just relax with a book. The train station is close-by if you’ve come by rail.
At high tide, there’s a recently completed walkway between the railway line and seawall, perfect for joggers and dog walkers.
2. Dawlish Lawn & Brook
Address: The Strand, Dawlish EX7 9PT
The small river the town sits on is either called the Dawlish Water or sometimes simply The Brook. Dawlish Lawn is a green space on the banks of this watercourse, where you can wander, dine in the small café, or look for the famous Dawlish black swans!
You’ll often find local performances and markets taking place, so check local guides or tourist information for up-to-date details.
3. Shaftesbury Theatre
Address: 2 Brunswick Place, Dawlish EX7 9PB
How about a dose of culture? Catch a show or performance at this local community theatre. There's always something on the cards, with entertaining performances and musical nights.
The theatre’s auditorium makes for an intimate experience, with a performance history stretching back over 70 years. You’ll find the theatre on the opposite side of The Brook from Dawlish Lawn.
4. Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve
Address: Dawlish Warren Road, Dawlish EX7 0NF
Nature lovers, this one's for you! Explore the diverse habitats of this 530-acre reserve, which boasts sand dunes, grasslands, and Warren Beach, a sandy haven for swimmers and sunbathers. There’s a visitors’ centre, so you can find out more about the reserve’s 23,000 avian visitors and more than 600 species of plant-life.
Be sure to bring those binoculars: you might spot rare birds, including ringed plovers, dunlins, and red-breasted mergansers. The reserve is adjacent to Dawlish Warren train station, and there’s ample parking too.
5. Dawlish Museum
Address: The Knowle Barton Terrace, Dawlish EX7 9QH
Dive into Dawlish's intriguing past at this local museum. With a rich collection of artefacts and exhibits, it's a charming journey through time.
With 11 rooms over three floors, there’s plenty to see, from a unique collection of D-Day bagpipes to exhibitions about the great storms of 2014 and many rare, historic photographs.
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6. Railway adventures
Address: Dawlish EX7 9PJ
Dawlish's railway line offers picturesque views as it runs right by the coast. Hop on a train and enjoy one of the UK's most scenic rides! Dawlish to Exeter takes around 20 minutes and Teignmouth is just a five minute hop to the south. Why not take the train in one direction and walk back?
7. Seaside walks
Dawlish is perfectly situated to enjoy a range of scenic walks. Stroll along the South West Coast Path, explore the town's charming lanes, or venture to Teignmouth, via the Langstone Cliffs Walking Trail.
Look out for local attractions like the red sandstone bluff at Langstone Rock, or the viewpoint at Lea Mount to the south of Dawlish. There are several good routes for walkers, joggers, or cyclists and all are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on the lead.
8. Shopping in the town centre
Address: 32 The Strand, Dawlish EX7 9PT
Grab a souvenir, delve into Devon crafts, or treat yourself to some local treats. Dawlish's town centre has a smattering of unique shops waiting to be discovered.
For the highest concentration, head for The Strand and Queen Street. There you’ll find a local bookshop, sweet shop, clothing, and curios. There are several good local cafes and places to indulge in that seaside must – fish and chips.
9. Funder Park
Address: Beach Road, Dawlish EX7 0NE
The phrase ‘good things come in small packages’ totally applies to this theme park located right near the beach in Dawlish! It’s a small yet impeccably-kept venue with rollercoasters, a pirate ship, and rides for little ones and big kids! If thrill-seeking isn’t quite your cup of tea, try your hand at adventure golf or amusement games and keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Bring your pooch - they’re welcome to follow you round the park. As you’d expect, there are food and drink stalls to satisfy hungry bellies, plus plenty of parking if you’re driving in.
10. Coryton Cove Beach
Address: Coryton Cove, Dawlish EX7 9EF
This small pebble beach sits just outside of Dawlish, with views of Devon's signature red rocks. You'll also find a welcoming beach cafe, a handful of beach huts for hire, and access to the South West Coast Path.
Coryton Cove can be a quieter beach option along this popular coastline, but please note that a lifeguard service isn't available.
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Ownership offers in Devon
Important information
Terms and conditions
Pre-owned holiday homes from £284 per month – UPDATED 24 June 2026
Representative finance example. Holiday home cash price £19,495, less deposit of £1,949.50, gives a loan amount of £17,454.50. 84 monthly payments of £284.09. Total charge for credit £6,318.17. Total amount payable £25,813.17 which includes the deposit amount. The interest rate is 5.33% fixed / 9.6% APR (representative)
As at 24 June 2026, price is available at the following parks: Burnham-on-Sea, Cala Gran, Caister-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Hopton, Kent Coast, Littlesea, Perran Sands, Seton Sands, Skegness. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
New holiday homes from £313 per month – UPDATED 24 June 2026
Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Representative finance example. Holiday home cash price £34,995, less deposit of £10,498.50, gives a loan amount of £24,496.50. 120 monthly payments of £312.99. Total charge for credit £13,062.69. Total amount payable £48,057.69 which includes the deposit amount. The interest rate is 5.33% fixed / 9.6% APR (representative)
As at 24 June 2026, price is available at the following parks: Berwick, Burnham-On-Sea, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Hopton, Kent Coast, Littlesea, Perran Sands, Seton Sands, Skegness. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
New 2 or 3-bed silver holiday homes with fron verandah from £505 per month – UPDATED 6 July 2026
Monthly price is based on the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 2 or 3 bed and inclusive of Front Verandah at an average price of £6,500, with a combined priced of £56,495 available at; Devon Cliffs. Representative Finance example. Package cash price £56,495, less 30% deposit of £16,948.50, gives a loan amount of £39,546.50. 120 monthly payments of £505.21. Total charge for credit £21,078.28. Total amount payable £77,573.28 which includes the deposit amount. The interest rate is 5.33% fixed / 9.6% APR (representative). Price is available independent of site fee offers available. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England and Wales (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Terms and conditions
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2033
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed preferential letting income (re-calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number and type of letting breaks (i.e. off peak, peak) as set out in the application documents for each year. Instead of site fees being due annually, it also allows eligible owners to pay site fees and receive letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee is charged by Haven after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location but Haven guarantees that there will be no site fee payments due if the eligibility criteria is fulfilled. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance which remain payable. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation.
“Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset” is subject to the following eligibility criteria: (i) applicable to new and existing customers who purchase a new Victory Ashberry 3 bed or equivalent silver grade holiday home (https://www.haven.com/caravans-for-sale/ranges) (ii) the purchase must have been made through Haven; and (iii) customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract at the time of caravan purchase. It is not applicable to caravans purchased by private sale and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion and any other promotions or offers issued by Haven from time to time. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £701.67 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £707.92. The monthly difference equates to £6.25, which will be credited to the owner's account. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2026 figures. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be due after deduction of the letting income. ‘Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset’ is available at Burnham-on-Sea. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability.
“Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 bed or equivalent silver grade holiday home (https://www.haven.com/caravans-for-sale/ranges) through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to caravans purchased by private sale and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £783.75 (includes purchasing discount of £19.58) and monthly letting income of £634.00. The monthly difference equates to £130.17 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.
Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be due after deduction of the letting income. “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance. Offer is subject to availability. "Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 bed or equivalent silver grade holiday home (https://www.haven.com/caravans-for-sale/ranges) through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to caravans purchased by private sale and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £939.58 (includes purchasing discount of £28.83) and monthly letting income of £751.17. The monthly difference equates to £159.58 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL.