Things to Do in Dawlish & Dawlish Warren
From sandy beaches and famous black swans to coastal walks, nature reserves and rainy-day activities, discover some of the best things to do in Dawlish and Dawlish Warren during your Devon holiday.
Whether you’re visiting with children, planning a couples’ break or exploring without a car, there’s plenty to enjoy locally — and some lovely days out just a little further afield.
Best Things to Do in Dawlish
Dawlish has a traditional seaside atmosphere, with Dawlish Water flowing through the town, independent shops and cafés, a beach and one of Devon’s most distinctive coastal railway views.
See the Famous Dawlish Black Swans
One of Dawlish’s best-known sights is its famous black swans. You’ll often find them around Dawlish Water and The Lawn in the centre of town, making this an easy stop while exploring Dawlish on foot.
Spend Some Time on Dawlish Beach
Dawlish has its own beach right beside the town, so it’s easy to combine time by the sea with exploring the shops, cafés and town centre.
Explore Dawlish Town Centre & The Lawn
Leave some time simply to wander around Dawlish itself. The Lawn and Dawlish Water run through the heart of town, with independent shops, cafés and places to stop nearby.
Take a Train Along the Famous Coastal Railway
The railway through Dawlish runs right beside the sea and is part of one of the most distinctive stretches of railway in Devon.
It’s also a handy way to explore without the car, with trains connecting Dawlish, Dawlish Warren, Exeter and Exmouth. The journey to Exmouth generally involves changing trains at Exeter.
Things to Do in Dawlish Warren
Enjoy Dawlish Warren Beach
Dawlish Warren is one of the area’s most popular spots for a traditional day beside the sea. Its long sandy beach makes it particularly popular with families and holidaymakers staying nearby.
Explore Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
Away from the busier holiday attractions, Dawlish Warren is also home to an important nature reserve around the Exe Estuary.
It’s a lovely option if you enjoy walking, wildlife, coastal scenery or simply want a quieter few hours outdoors. Follow any seasonal access restrictions to protect wildlife.
Walk Part of the South West Coast Path
The coastline around Dawlish and Dawlish Warren is ideal for anyone who enjoys exploring on foot. You don’t need to tackle a huge walk either – even a shorter stretch can give you some lovely coastal views.
Combine the Beach with a Local Café
Spend the morning beside the sea, explore the area at your own pace and enjoy a relaxed lunch or afternoon treat. It’s an easy way to enjoy Dawlish Warren without needing a packed itinerary.
Rainy Day Things to Do Near Dawlish
We love the Devon coast – but even we’ll admit that the weather doesn’t always cooperate! If you’re staying in Dawlish or Dawlish Warren and wake up to a rainy day, there are still ways to enjoy your holiday.
Find an Indoor Activity
Look out for local performances, indoor attractions and activities in Dawlish and nearby towns. It’s worth checking current opening times and event programmes before travelling.
Try Pottery or Wooden Duck Painting
A trip to Arty Boat in Exmouth gives you an indoor activity that doesn’t depend on the forecast. Spend a few hours painting, chatting and switching off, then explore Exmouth before heading back.
Day Trips from Dawlish & Dawlish Warren
Dawlish and Dawlish Warren have plenty to enjoy themselves, but they’re also a brilliant base for exploring other parts of Devon. Exmouth makes a lovely day trip, whether you’re looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, planning a family day out, spending time as a couple or simply fancy doing something a bit different.
Visit Exmouth for a Creative Day Out
If the weather changes – or you simply fancy doing something completely different – head across to Exmouth and spend a few hours creating at Arty Boat. You can also explore the town centre, marina and sandy beach.
Make the Journey Part of the Adventure
On selected dates Stuart Line Cruises operates its seasonal Dawlish Round Robin, combining a boat journey between Dawlish Beach and Exmouth Marina with rail travel for the other part of the journey.
Sailing dates and times vary, so always check the current Dawlish Round Robin information with Stuart Line Cruises before making plans.
Dawlish, Dawlish Warren and Exmouth are connected by the local rail network, making Exmouth an easy place to include during a South Devon break. Once you arrive at Exmouth railway station, Arty Boat at 46 Exeter Road is just a short walk away.
Wooden Duck Painting Near Dawlish at Arty Boat
Arty Boat in Exmouth is home of the Signature Wooden Duck Painting Experience™.
Choose your own wooden duck, settle into our relaxed Exmouth studio and create a design that’s completely yours. No artistic experience is needed, and friendly guidance is available throughout your session.
Some ducks leave us beautifully coordinated. Others are bright, patterned, characterful or completely bonkers – which is exactly what makes them so much fun.
Most importantly for anyone visiting Devon on holiday, your finished creation goes home with you the very same day.
Check Arty Boat Availability →
You can also read more about our Signature Wooden Duck Painting Experience in Exmouth .
Our Wooden Duck Painting Story Goes Back to 2022
Arty Boat’s connection with wooden duck painting goes back to 2022, when duck painting sessions were hosted at our original art café in Birmingham.
When we later relocated to Exmouth, we brought the experience with us to Devon, where we couldn’t find anyone offering dedicated wooden duck painting sessions at the time.
It went on to become our much-loved Signature Wooden Duck Painting Experience™ and one of the things Arty Boat is best known for today.
We’ve since welcomed visitors from all over the UK – including plenty of holidaymakers staying in Dawlish and Dawlish Warren.
If you’d like to know more about the story, read how Arty Boat introduced wooden duck painting to Devon .
More Than Wooden Ducks
Wooden ducks might be what we’re best known for, but there’s plenty more to choose from at Arty Boat.
Alongside our signature ducks, you’ll find a changing selection of pottery and wooden items to paint, so you can choose something you genuinely love when you arrive.
Your painting session lasts for up to three hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, paint, chat and switch off rather than feeling rushed.
Your reservation includes a drink and biscuits plus use of the paints, brushes and other painting materials you’ll need during your session. Simply choose and purchase the item you’d like to paint when you arrive.
Arty Boat definitely isn’t just for children. Our sessions are hugely popular with adults, couples, groups of friends, families and solo painters. Complete beginners are very welcome too. Painting sessions are recommended for ages 5+.
A Different Day Out During Your Dawlish Holiday
Dawlish and Dawlish Warren have plenty to enjoy in their own right – from the famous black swans and Dawlish Lawn to the beach, coastal scenery and nature around Dawlish Warren.
But one of the lovely things about staying in this part of Devon is being able to explore further afield too.
So if you’ve already enjoyed the beach, explored Dawlish and spent time around Dawlish Warren, why not spend a few hours doing something completely different?
Come across to Exmouth, create something completely your own and take home a rather unusual souvenir of your Devon holiday.
Visit Award-Winning Arty Boat in Exmouth
Arty Boat was named Art Studio of the Year 2026 in the Southwest Awards and has featured on BBC Radio Devon and Great Western Railway’s Great Escapes podcast.
We’ve also welcomed Amanda Holden, who visited our Exmouth studio and painted one of our wooden ducks herself.
Whether you’re creative or convinced you can’t paint, the idea is simple: relax for a few hours, have fun and create something completely unique.
Wooden Duck, Pottery & Wood Painting Near Dawlish
Staying in Dawlish, Dawlish Warren or the surrounding South Devon area? Come and visit Arty Boat in Exmouth.
- Pottery, wood & Signature Wooden Duck Painting Experience™
- Up to 3 hours
- Drink & biscuits included with your reservation
- Choose and purchase your item when you arrive
- Take your finished creation home the same day
- Complete beginners welcome
- Recommended age 5+
- Arty Boat, 46 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon EX8 1PY
Staying in Dawlish or Dawlish Warren? Come across to Exmouth and paint something you’ll actually want to take home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do in Dawlish for free?
Walk around The Lawn and Dawlish Water, look out for the black swans, enjoy the coastal scenery and explore the town and beach. Some activities may depend on weather, tides and access conditions.
What are some things to do in Dawlish Warren with children?
Dawlish Warren Beach is a popular family choice, while the nature reserve and local coastal walks offer opportunities to explore outdoors. Always check conditions and access restrictions before setting off.
What can you do near Dawlish when it rains?
Explore indoor attractions and performances in the surrounding area, or visit Arty Boat in Exmouth for a hosted pottery or wooden duck painting session.
Can you visit Exmouth from Dawlish without a car?
Yes. Rail services connect Dawlish and Dawlish Warren with Exmouth via Exeter, usually with a change. Check live train times and connections before travelling.