Devon Beach Guide

Dawlish Beach

Location:
East Devon.
Description:
Dawlish is a picturesque sea side town in East Devon with a long sandy beach which extends from a small harbour called Boat Cove, north for over a mile to Langstone Rock. The beach at Langstone Rock is known as Red Rock Beach. South of Boat Cove is a nice sandy cove called Corytons Cove. Dawlish is a pleasant town to visit with fine scenery and it is very pleasant to walk along the promenade and along Dawlish Water through the centre of the town.
Safety:
At Dawlish signs warn of boats and submerged objects. At Red Rock Beach signs warn of deep shelving beach, unstable cliffs and risk of cut off at high tide. See Beach Safety Guide.
Access:
The promenade extends along the entire length of the beach. There is level access at Boat Cove and there are various access points along the promenade including steps and slopes. There is disabled access by the Dawlish breakwater where there are 2 short slopes to the beach. Short but steep slope to the beach at Corytons Cove. At Red Rock Beach there is a slope to the beach from the promenade, suitable for wheel chairs.
Dogs:
Dogs are allowed all year from the breakwater (adjacent to the Railway Station) to 100m (first set of steps) from Red Rock Beach. Dogs are banned south of the breakwater, including Boat Cove and Corytons Coves 1st May to 30th September and banned at Red Rock Beach 1st May to 30th September. Update 2024, the Teignbridge website is reporting that dogs are currently banned on all the beach at Dawlish due to ongoing sea defence work.
Directions:
Dawlish is approximately 10 miles from Exeter. From Exeter take the A379 south. If approaching Exeter on the A38 or M5 there are turnings onto the A379 signposted to Dawlish. On the A379 follow the road south through Kenton and Starcross and continue on the A379 to Dawlish.
Post Code:
EX7 9QF (Barton Hill car park).
Parking:
Several car parks in Dawlish.
Toilets:
Yes, including disabled facilities.
Facilities:
Cafés, shops, deck chair hire.
Activities:
Boat trips.
Nearby Alternative Beaches:
Teignmouth (3 miles, sandy beach, disabled access, part dog friendly)
Dawlish Warren (2 mile, sandy beach, disabled access, part dog friendly)
Exmouth (19 miles, sandy beach, disabled access, part dog friendly)
dawlish large map