Holiday rentals in Dawlish

Located along the eastern coast of South Devon, where Dawlish Water joins the English Channel, the town of Dawlish has evolved from a small fishing port to a popular holiday destination with stretches of golden-sand beach, rolling countryside, and red sandstone cliffs.

Dawlish Water runs through the town centre, where it becomes the Brook; the town is built around a lush, grassy area known as the Lawn, which is a popular place to fish, rest, play games, and enjoy picnics. Benches line the Brook and provide peaceful spots to watch the famous black swans floating on the water; you’ll find gift shops, bakeries, clothing boutiques, pubs, and restaurants on both sides of the Lawn. Kilometres of walking and biking trails, including the South West Coast Path, make it easy to get close to the surrounding cliffs topped with trees and greenery and take in the town’s Georgian and Victorian architecture.

Warm, mild summers and cold, wet winters are typical of Dawlish’s temperate climate. The autumn and winter months tend to see a generous amount of rain, so be sure to pack waterproof boots and a warm jacket if you plan to visit during this time. Late spring and early autumn are the best times to enjoy Dawlish holiday cottages due to the pleasant weather — whether you’re picnicking on the Lawn or ambling the town’s many walking paths. This is also a great time to enjoy one of the many events held in Dawlish, like the Dawlish Carnival, a weeklong summer festival with music, games, and a parade. Spring visitors can also take in the annual Dawlish Walking Festival, which hosts a series of events around town.

The Dawlish Museum

Located near the town centre, the Dawlish Museum features three floors of exhibits focusing on the town’s history. The displays showcase antique artefacts and photographs, with a section dedicated to the 2014 storm that washed away part of the sea wall and the train line running along the coast. The museum’s small garden provides an excellent place to sit with a packed lunch while admiring the beautiful greenery and blooming flowers.

The Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve

Located just north of Dawlish at the mouth of the Exe Estuary, the Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve covers 200 hectares of woodland, grassland, mudflats, and dunes. This diverse habitat is home to approximately 180 nesting or migrating bird species; you’ll encounter plenty of wildfowl and wading birds along the numerous walking trails.

A La Ronde

On the northern side of the River Exe, around 35 minutes from Dawlish in the town of Lympstone, sits A La Ronde, a 16-sided house built in the 18th century. It houses a museum and gallery featuring artworks and objects from all over Europe, including thousands of unique shells and precious rocks. A collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts is also on display in the museum’s library. Plan your trip to A La Ronde so you’ll have time to wander through the beautiful wildflower meadow and even play croquet and snakes and ladders in the garden.