The seaside town of Dawlish may be known for its sandy beaches and formidable black swans, but we can assure you that, whatever the weather, there are plenty of other things to do in Dawlish too.
Aside from visiting the famous black swans and strolling along sand dunes, take some time to plan some easy, but not to be missed days out in Dawlish with your family using this guide.
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1. Enjoy Dawlish Warren Beach
You can’t be this close to one of Britain’s most beautiful coastlines without actually visiting the beach itself. One of our favourite days out in Dawlish is enjoying a day with the family at Dawlish Warren Beach.
With its traditional seaside feel, you can spend a full day here while still keeping the kids entertained.
Check out the beach library where you can borrow toys, buckets and spades. There’s even fairground rides, shops and plenty of eateries, so even on those rainy days you can admire the beach from the shelter of a cosy fish and chip shop.
2. Dawlish Warren fun park
Funder Park is one of the top Dawlish attractions that entertains both kids and adults alike.
Being big enough that you can spend a couple of hours there, yet small enough so that you still have time to spare to explore other things to do in Dawlish during your visit.
With rides for smaller kids too, this family fun fair is for everyone. Simply buy your tokens at one of their booths and hop on the rides for a thrill seeking adventure.
3. See the Black Swans
One of the top attractions in Dawlish are the Black Swans.
Whether you take the short trail and pass the swans en-route, or take a trip specifically to see these famous waterfowl, you’ll find them on the river running through the centre of the town.
Keep the bread at home though, Dawlish Council asks that you only feed the birds food pellets that you can buy from nearby shops.
4. Visit Dawlish Warren nature reserve
The Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve is another one of the great days out in Dawlish.
Begin by wearing out the little ones with a wander around the nature reserve – this can take up to two hours for the full walk, or just enjoy the highlights to preserve tired, little legs.
Take in the various plants and wildlife here whatever season you’re visiting in, just remember you might need to pack the welly boots!
Find out more about visiting this Devon nature reserve.
5. Visit Powderham Castle
Flags and fortresses are sure to keep young ones entertained at Powderham Castle. Enjoy a tour around the castle grounds where the latest Earl, Charles Courtenay currently resides.
If that’s not enough to entertain the kids, you can visit the small animal farm, experience their deer safari and enjoy a whole host of shows and events that are put on throughout the school holidays.
Find out more about what’s on at Powderham Castle.
7. Day pass at Cofton Holidays
Did you know that the Cofton Holidays 5-Star holiday park in Dawlish, South Devon, is open to day visitors? That’s right! You don’t need to book a stay to enjoy all the facilities that the park has to offer, adding this to Dawlish’s long list of fun-filled days out.
Day passes are available all year round.
Find out more about using the facilities at Cofton Holidays as a day guest.
7. Visit Exmouth
Exmouth is a town just across the water from Dawlish that you certainly won’t find lacking. Hop on the Exmouth land train to begin your tour of the seafront, where you can then set off to check out the beginning of the Jurassic Coastline.
Or, for a day full of exploration you can spend a day at World of Country Life where there are deer to be fed, race cars to ride and tons of memories to be made.
There are plenty of things to do in Exmouth on those rainy days too – like Exscape Rooms and Ocean Exmouth.
8. Visit Exeter
Devon’s capital offers an escape amongst the Dawlish countryside and seascapes.
Between Exeter’s underground passages and its historic Quayside you can experience this city from many different perspectives.
You can take a trip back in time at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, or even a visit to the Exeter Cathedral. And, for those rainy days in Exeter, you can try new activities like reaching new heights at Clip & Climb or burning off some excess energy at iBounce.
Read our full guide to visiting Exeter with kids.
9. Visit Teignmouth
No holiday to Dawlish would be complete without a day trip to Teignmouth. This seaside town comes complete with its long-standing fishing port.
Between its coastal quirkiness, you can take part in all sorts of watersport activities and get stuck in trying the locally sourced seafood.
For those happier on dry land, visit the Teignmouth and Shaldon museum. And don’t miss a visiting to the small but mighty Shaldon Zoo. If you’re planning a trip during Autumn and Winter, you can check out their seasonal events.
10. Visit the attractions of the English Riviera
Stretching across 22 miles of Devon coastline is the English Riviera. Whether you’re a family of keen hikers or one that just enjoys some stunning views, there’s something for everyone.
Made up of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay you’ll stumble across Agatha Christie’s Mile, plenty of things to do and some must-see wildlife.
If you’re in the area and want to make the most of your days out in Dawlish get ahead and plan your trip in advance and remember to use our Devon with kids guides to help you plan a visit to remember.
Where to stay in Dawlish
With so many things to do in Dawlish, we’re pretty certain you’ll need to stay a while. Check out the campsites and holiday parks in the area or search for hotels and self-catering accommodation*.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these and make a purchase I may earn some commission. This does not affect the price you pay.
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