Dawlish Warren Holiday Homes · Local guide
Our favourite days out from the villas, from the beach on the doorstep to the black swans of Dawlish, Exeter, Crealy, Woodlands, Paignton's water park, the Dartmouth steam train, Plymouth's aquarium, the Donkey Sanctuary and Dartmoor. Written by Steve, your host.
A long sandy Blue Flag beach about 10 minutes' walk from the villas. Behind the dunes is Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve, with easy paths, birdwatching over the Exe estuary and a visitor centre. Great for families, rock pools and sunset walks.
One of the best short coastal walks in Devon. It's flat, about 25 minutes, and runs right beside Brunel's famous railway with red sandstone cliffs on one side and the sea on the other. On a windy day the waves splash over the wall, so bring a jacket.
Dawlish is famous for its black swans, which live on the brook running through The Lawn in the town centre. Kids love spotting the nests and feeding the ducks. It's a lovely place to sit with an ice cream.
Finish the walk with tea and cake near the old waterwheel, then browse the independent shops and cafés of Dawlish before catching the train back.
Dawlish Warren station is 5 minutes from the villas. Hop one stop to Dawlish, or carry on to Teignmouth. In the other direction, Exeter is a short ride away for the cathedral, quayside and shopping. No parking hassle, and the coastal views are part of the fun.
Dartmoor National Park is about 40 minutes by car for tors, ponies and pub lunches. Powderham Castle, the Exe estuary villages and Torquay are all an easy drive for a change of scene.
For a special meal, Carriages bar and brasserie at The Devon Hotel is about 20 minutes' drive. Our tip: leave room for the dessert table.
Exeter is around 20 minutes on the train from Dawlish Warren. See the cathedral and Cathedral Green, take a tour of the medieval underground passages, wander the historic Quayside, and shop in Princesshay and the High Street. A great one for a rainy day.
Make an evening of it. Exeter has regular stand-up, including Exeter Comedy Club nights, The Comedy Store's touring shows at the Barnfield Theatre and the yearly Exeter Comedy Festival. Check what's on before you travel and book ahead.
Rides, animals, play areas and a splash zone for younger children. Crealy is near Exeter at Clyst St Mary, about 25 minutes by car, making it an easy family day out.
Huge indoor play zones plus outdoor rides, water coasters and animals, so it works whatever the weather. Woodlands is near Dartmouth, roughly an hour's drive through the South Devon countryside.
Catch the latest film at the Vue cinema on Paignton seafront, about 40 minutes away by car. Pair it with a walk along Paignton pier and the sands, or fish and chips on the front.
The UK's biggest outdoor water park, right by Goodrington Sands in Paignton. Flumes, slides and splash areas for all ages, about 40 minutes by car. It's seasonal, opening from Easter through the summer, so check dates before you go.
The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs from Paignton along the coast and the River Dart to Kingswear, where a short ferry crossing takes you into Dartmouth. Sea views, tunnels and a proper steam engine. It's a seasonal service, so check the timetable and book ahead.
The UK's largest public aquarium, on Plymouth's waterfront, with sharks, rays, turtles and a huge Atlantic Ocean tank. About an hour by car, and a great choice whatever the weather. Combine it with a walk around the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe.
Meet hundreds of rescued donkeys at the charity's home near Sidmouth, with nature trails, a café and gift shop. Entry is free, and it's about 45 minutes away by car.
A hands-on family farm famous for its miniature pigs, with bottle feeding, piggy cuddles, ferret racing and rides included in the ticket. About 40 minutes by car. Opening times change with the seasons, so check before you go.
A working Benedictine monastery on the edge of Dartmoor, with a beautiful abbey church, gardens, shops and a café. Free to visit and about 35 minutes by car. Pair it with Pennywell Farm or a Dartmoor drive.
The park's indoor pool and club are open to guests for an optional daily charge, paid on site. Or curl up by the electric fire in Villa 124 or Villa 125 with a film on the Smart TV.