Holiday rentals and lettings in Dawlish

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Dawlish?
• Holiday rentals in Dawlish: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Dawlish: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Dawlish?

• Iconic coastal setting: Discover a charming seaside town renowned for its black swans, red sandstone cliffs, and scenic railway line running along the picturesque seafront.
• Diverse property selection: Choose from traditional cottages to spacious houses, many offering sea views and welcoming pets to join your coastal escape.
• Excellent amenities: Enjoy fully equipped kitchens, private gardens, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and direct beach access within walking distance.
• Prime locations: Stay in the vibrant town centre near shops and restaurants, or opt for secluded rural retreats with stunning Dartmoor views.
• Easy accessibility: Benefit from direct train links to other areas and convenient access to Dartmoor National Park and natural attractions.

Whether you're looking for a cosy cottage for two, a cosy rural cabin or a larger holiday home for the whole family, holiday rentals in Dawlish offer the perfect base to explore this stretch of the English Riviera. Look out for amenities such as:

• Sea views
• Pet-friendly properties
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Private gardens and terraces

Dawlish is also a great spot to go camping in Devon - but if you'd rather not rough it, glamping pods are a stylish alternative. B&Bs offer charming accommodation to travellers who'd rather not go down the self-catering route.

What are the best areas to stay in Dawlish?

The table below details areas for specific interests:

Guests consistently praise holiday rentals in Dawlish for their spotless presentation, convenient beach access, and the charm of watching the black swans and seafront trains. Here are some of our top-rated properties from the last year:

1. Brunel Boutique Railway Carriage with sea view - 9.9+: If you love quirky accommodation, this restored railway carriage is hard to beat. With room for six, this unique holiday home is great for kids and railway enthusiasts.
2. Orestone Garden apartment with sea view and terrace - 9.3+: This apartment sleeps two; its sweeping sea views make it a great choice for quiet romantic getaways.
3. Little Waycroft cottage with garden - 9.7+: Guests love the colourful flowers in this two-person cottage's garden. They praise the well-equipped kitchen and great location.

Dawlish is a charming seaside town on Devon's English Riviera coastline, known for its resident black swans on Dawlish Water, dramatic red sandstone cliffs, and a seafront railway line that has featured in countless postcards and films.

✈️What is the best way to get to Dawlish?

Dawlish is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The town sits just off the A379, with links to the M5 at Exeter for onward travel.
• By train: Dawlish has its own railway station on the scenic seafront line, with direct services to Exeter, Plymouth, and beyond via Great Western Railway.
• By air: The nearest airport is Exeter Airport, around 20 minutes' drive away.

🍴Where to eat in Dawlish?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Le Cygne is the best rated restaurant in Dawlish. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Lucy recommends Sticky Rice in Dawlish: this small, family-run restaurant serves authentic, traditional Thai dishes, making it a well-loved spot for a change of pace from the town's classic seaside fare.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Dawlish is summer, when the beaches and coastal walks are at their most inviting.

Summer

• Best for: Beach days at Dawlish Warren and watching the trains along the seafront.
• Weather: Mild to warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with the town and beaches at their most popular.

Winter

• Best for: Quiet coastal walks and watching the black swans on Dawlish Water.
• Weather: Cold and often wet, with shorter days.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and peaceful, with the town feeling far removed from the summer crowds.

Shoulder season (spring and autumn)

• Best for: Nature reserve walks at Dawlish Warren and countryside strolls towards Mamhead, without the summer crowds.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fewer extremes than summer or winter.
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and considerably quieter than the summer months.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our local Dawlish hosts recommend timing your visit for an eat:Dawlish local food festival day. These free events take place three times a year, and see local restaurants preparing special menus and food trucks offering tasty snacks.

1. Explore Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve
2. Follow the Dawlish town trail
3. Spend a day at Dawlish Warren Beach
4. Discover Dawlish Museum
5. Walk to Mamhead

1. Explore Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve

   Get a real sense of coastal erosion and this delicate ecosystem, with excellent birdwatching and an informative visitor centre well worth a stop.

2. Follow the Dawlish town trail

   Wander this picturesque Devon coastal town to see the famous black swans on Dawlish Water and the promenade, and watch trains run along the seafront railway line as it hugs the coast.

3. Spend a day at Dawlish Warren Beach

   This sandy beach has shops, an amusement park, crazy golf and food stalls, plus rock pools to explore and deckchairs for hire — a great day out for all ages.

4. Discover Dawlish Museum

   Explore rooms full of historical artefacts and archive photographs and film that bring the town's past to life.

5. Walk to Mamhead

   This scenic walk offers spectacular views from almost every angle, including sweeping views over the Exe Estuary on a clear day — and it's a paradise for dog walkers too.