




Dawlish offers the perfect coastal escape with its stunning red sandstone cliffs and golden beaches. Lodges with hot tubs here provide luxury self-catering accommodation thats just minutes from the famous Black Swans and beautiful Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. Families will get a kick out of the clean, safe beaches and the nearby Dawlish Warren amusement park.
The South Devon Railway runs along the spectacular sea wall and is a must-visit with breathtaking coastal views withthe added bonus of zero driving. A good lodge, cottage or glamping pod serves as an ideal base for exploring Exeter (15 minutes away) or Teignmouth with its Victorian pier. And after a day out, return to your cabin for a relaxing soak in the hot tub.
Many lodges are dog-friendly, so your pet can join beach walks and woodland trails. The area boasts excellent seafood restaurants, traditional pubs and the famous Devon cream teas.
Ladys Mile Holiday Park is a favourite with our guests as its less than a mile from Dawlish Warren’s Blue Flag beaches.
The facilities here are top-notch. You get both indoor and outdoor pools (the outdoor one has a flume and plunge pools which kids go mad for). There’s a splashzone too which is great for little ones.
What sets Ladys Mile apart from other parks near Dawlish is the sheer amount of stuff to do. There’s a clubhouse with entertainment, restaurant, takeaway, indoor play area with soft play, adventure playground, sports pitch and even a pump track.
You won’t hear “I’m bored” here!
The Ivy Premier mini lodge is really nice! It’s got two bedrooms with modern interiors and an open-plan design. And yes there’s a hot tub! Perfect after a day exploring South Devon.
Worth noting that unlike some other parks in the area this one doesn’t allow pets. So if you’ve got a dog you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Oakcliff is Ladys Mile’s smaller sister park and it’s got a completely different vibe. It’s still less than a mile from Dawlish Warren’s beaches but the lodges here feel more laid back.
The big win here is that you can use all the facilities at Ladys Mile while staying in the more chilled setting of Oakcliff. Best of both worlds!
The Osprey Platinum mini lodge is our favourite here. You get one double and one twin bedroom with fancy modern interiors. The open-plan design makes it feel bigger than it is. And the private hot tub is a huge bonus. You’ll have a great time sitting in it watching the stars.
Unlike Ladys Mile, Oakcliff is dog-friendly! You can bring up to two pets which is brilliant if you can’t bear to leave your four-legged mates behind. The beaches nearby have some dog-friendly sections too depending on the time of year.
The outdoor pool is only open during school summer holidays so bear that in mind if you’re planning a May or September trip. But with the beach so close and access to Ladys Mile’s pools it’s not a deal-breaker.
Holmans Wood lodges are set in 12 acres of rolling hills near Chudleigh. It’s about 20 minutes inland from Dawlish but still close enough for beach trips. This is the most peaceful of all the parks on this list.
The luxury holiday homes here sleep four in one double and one twin bedroom. With an open-plan living space and all the kitchen kit you need. The beds come made up and towels are included which is always a bonus after a long drive.
The outdoor hot tub is a real treat. You’ll spend many evenings relaxing in it after days out exploring Devon. There’s decking with patio furniture too for when the weather wants to play nice.
Like Oakcliff, this one’s dog-friendly with up to two pets allowed.
The clever bit about Holmans Wood is that you can use all the facilities at their sister park Finlake Holiday Resort which is just 2.5 miles away. That includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools with flume rides, a gym, spa, tennis courts, activities, restaurant and bar. So you get the peace and quiet of Holmans Wood but with all the entertainment options nearby if you want them.
It’s well placed for exploring both the coast and Dartmoor. You’re only a few miles from Dawlish, Teignmouth and the English Riviera towns. The ancient wool town of Chudleigh is just a mile away too.
Dawlish delivers big on small-town coastal vibes. This Devon seaside spot has real holiday appeal with its red cliffs and cracking beaches.
The town sits right on the South Devon railway line where trains hug the coast. It’s famous for the black swans that live on the brook running through the town centre. The hot tub lodges near Dawlish offer self-catering freedom with luxury touches – perfect for couples wanting privacy or families needing space.
Dawlish has loads to see without the crowds of bigger resorts. The seafront is class with its long promenade that links to neighbouring Dawlish Warren. You can walk the whole stretch while watching trains zip along Britain’s most scenic railway line.
The town centre has kept its Victorian character. The Lawn and Brook areas form the heart of Dawlish with the famous black swans gliding about. These birds are the town’s symbol and they’re not shy about posing for photos.
The red sandstone cliffs create a stunning backdrop for beach days. Coryton Cove is a sheltered little beach just beyond the station – quieter than the main beach and perfect for a peaceful afternoon. Grab an ice cream from Gay’s Creamery in town first – they’ve been serving since 1924.
Dawlish is top for dog owners. Many of the holiday lodges welcome pets and the area has brilliant walks. The South West Coast Path runs right through town with stunning views that’ll have your dog’s tail wagging non-stop.
Dawlish Warren Beach has seasonal restrictions but from October to April, dogs can run free across the whole beach. Even in summer, sections remain dog-friendly year-round. The nature reserve at Dawlish Warren has lovely trails through dunes and woodland where dogs on leads are welcome.
The Smugglers Inn pub in Dawlish welcomes dogs inside and out. They do good food and have water bowls for thirsty pups. Many dog friendly log cabins near Dawlish come with enclosed gardens – perfect for letting your four-legged mate roam safely while you enjoy that hot tub!
1. Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve – This stunning sand spit has rare plants and birds. The visitor centre explains the unique ecology. Great for walks in all seasons with marked trails. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars for spotting waders and waterfowl. Open daily with free entry though car parking charges apply.
2. Dawlish Museum – Small but packed with local history. Displays cover the railway, Victorian tourism and the town’s development. The volunteer guides know their stuff. Open April-October, Tuesday to Saturday. £3 for adults with kids free. Visitors say it’s “surprisingly interesting” and “a proper old-school local museum”.
3. Powderham Castle – Just outside Dawlish, this 600-year-old fortress is the historic seat of the Earl of Devon. Tour the grand rooms, explore the grounds and meet the deer. The garden centre and farm shop sell local produce. £13.95 adult entry. Reviewers praise the “stunning interiors” and “beautiful grounds”.
4. Dawlish Warren Beach – A mile and a half of sand backed by dunes. Blue Flag status for cleanliness. The shallow water makes it safe for kids. Amusements and cafés nearby. FREE! Visitors call it “less crowded than other Devon beaches” and praise the “clean sands”.
5. Exeter Canal Cycling – Hire bikes in Dawlish and take them on the train to Exeter for this flat, traffic-free route. The path runs alongside Britain’s oldest shipping canal to the Turf Hotel pub. Bike hire around £20 per day. Cyclists rate it as “perfect for families” and “a lovely day out”.
Attraction | Activity Type | Price Guide | Suitable for |
---|---|---|---|
Dawlish Warren Beach | Beach | Free! | Everyone |
Dawlish Town Trail | Self-guided Walk | Free! | History Fans, Walkers |
Powderham Castle | Historic House | £££ | Families, History Fans |
Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve | Wildlife Watching | Free! | Nature Lovers, Walkers |
South Devon Railway | Heritage Train | £££ | Families, Railway Enthusiasts |
Dawlish Museum | Local History | £ | History Fans |
The Lawn & Brook | Park with Black Swans | Free! | Everyone |
Boat Trips from Teignmouth | Sea Excursion | £££ | Families, Wildlife Spotters |
When’s the best time to visit Dawlish?
Summer for beach weather but May and September offer good weather with fewer crowds. Winter has its own appeal with dramatic seas and cosy pubs.
Can I bring my dog to Dawlish lodges with hot tubs?
Many holiday lodges near Dawlish welcome dogs. Check the specific accommodation as some limit numbers or charge extra.
How far is Dawlish from Exeter?
About 12 miles. It’s 20 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car.
Are there good places to eat in Dawlish?
Yes! Try Jack Sprat’s for breakfast, The Smugglers Inn for pub grub and Guido’s for Italian. The area has great seafood too.
Do I need a car in Dawlish?
No – the train station is central and buses connect to nearby towns. But a car helps for exploring wider Devon.
What if it rains during my lodge stay?
That’s when your hot tub comes into its own! Also try Dawlish Museum, shopping in Exeter or the cinema in Newton Abbot.
Is Dawlish good for swimming?
Yes, both Dawlish Town Beach and Dawlish Warren have safe swimming areas with seasonal lifeguards.
Can I get groceries delivered to my self-catering lodge?
Yes, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and ASDA all deliver to Dawlish holiday accommodation.