Best Sea Swimming Spots near Dawlish Warren 

Located on the beautiful South Devon coastline, Dawlish Warren offers one of the best places to experience sea swimming in Devon. This relaxed, seaside resort sits on a long sand spit at the mouth of the Exe Estuary which means there’s a showstopping large sandy beach on one side and an estuary on the other, home to more calmer waters.  

This guide will recommend some of the best wild swimming spots nearby to Hazelwood, whether you’re a gentle paddler, an avid wild water swimmer or a novice wanting to experience more. As always with sea swimming in Devon, it’s paramount you know the conditions of the sea and err on the side of caution.

Why Dawlish Warren is a sea swimming favourite 

The beach at Dawlish Warren is within arm’s reach of Hazelwood Holiday Park and makes a great option for sea swimming in Devon. It is easy to access the water – no rocky entrances here and its location at the mouth of the Exe Estuary means that there are various options for swimming. The estuary side offers a sheltered area, whereas the beach side has exposed sea meaning you get more of a sense of wild sea swimming in South Devon. 

On calmer days, the bay boasts lots of space so swimmers aren’t too crowded and you’ll be pleased to know that lifeguards are on duty in the Summer months.  

If you’re staying at Hazelwood in September then why not join in the family Dawlish Swim? This popular open water swimming event is held at Dawlish Warren every year and is a great for families with older kids who are interested in getting in the water. Rest assured, there’s Teignmouth Surf Life Saving Club on hand providing careful watch out. Dawlish Swim comes on the back of the broader Dawlish Triathlon which takes place that weekend for triathlon participants. 

Sea swimming at Dawlish Warren Beach 

Dawlish Warren is the closest beach from Hazelwood and is a beautiful long, sandy beach which stretches one and a half miles. It’s backed by dunes and there’s plenty of space for sea swimming, paddling and sandcastle building. 

If you’re looking for sea swimming in Devon which attracts the whole family then this is the perfect place to start dipping your toes! Your mind will be put at ease as you’ll find RNLI lifeguards here (in peak season) but remember to always keep in the yellow and red flags for swimming. 

Peaceful swims along Dawlish Warren are best enjoyed early in the morning before the crowds hit – you can even swim in front of Hazelwood Holiday Park. 

You’ll be pleased to know that this beach has earned its blue flag status meaning it meets high water quality and environmental standards, so another good reason to visit. 

For more ideas about exploring Dawlish Warren head on over Hazelwood’s Things to Do Hub. 

A longer coastal swim between Dawlish and Dawlish Warren 

For those more experienced at sea swimming in Devon and interested in a longer swim, then the stretch from Dawlish town to Dawlish Warren beach is great way to get some extra strokes in whilst taking in some fabulous views. 

Do remember to check the tide times before setting off and make sure you have your swimming buddy with you for extra safety. Or perhaps join in one of the many wild swimming groups located in Dawlish and meet new friends along the way.

Coryton Cove and Dawlish Town Beach: sheltered dips nearby 

Two options for sheltered wild swimming dips near Hazelwood Holiday Park include Coryton Cover and Dawlish Town Beach which are just a short car journey away or a quick ride on the bus. 

Coryton Cove offers calmer waters and a piece of serenity, just what you want for sea swimming in Devon. It boasts a lovely peaceful setting with South Devon’s iconic red sandstone cliffs in the backdrop. The sheltered waters make it the perfect spot for sea swimming but please be mindful there are no lifeguards on duty so best placed for confident swimmers. 

Dawlish Town beach is generally calm for swimming too and is right on the seafront from the town centre.  Here you could combine a sea swimming session with a day trip out to Dawlish or Teignmouth. For more invitation about planning your day trips head to Hazelwood’s recommendations of Places to Visit in Devon. 

Big-sky swims at Exmouth and along the Exe Estuary 

Broaden your horizons with an invigorating sea swim at one of the best locations for sea swimming in Devon! A highly rated dip where the sea meets the estuary. 

Exmouth’s long sandy bay makes it a popular spot for wild swimming in South Devon and also a great combination for a family trip to the beach or cycle along the Exe Estuary Trail. 

Perhaps you could tie in a sea swim with an enjoyable coastal walk along the Exe Estuary Trail with the whole family. Here’s some inspiration for planning your days out in South Devon.  

Teignmouth and Shaldon: sea swimming with local coaching support 

Although a little further afield from Hazelwood, Teignmouth Beach offers a long, sandy shoreline ideal for recreational swimming and Shaldon Beach is a smaller cove which means a more sheltered spot for sea swimming in Devon. 

Please be mindful that the area is a hot spot for more confident swimmers so do make sure you research the area before taking a dip. There’s a strong wild swimming community here offering sessions for both novices and confident swimmers. You can join a beginner session or opt for a one to one coaching session to help refine those strokes. 

Not only do Teignmouth and Shaldon offer great sea swimming locations, they also present a great day out with abundance of things to do such as strolling along the pier with an ice cream, visiting botanical gardens or simply spending time on the beach. Click here for more inspiration about day trips in South Devon. 
 

Family-friendly and accessible sea swimming near Dawlish Warren 

With its Blue Flag status, RNLI lifeguard cover, toilet facilities and cafés close by, Dawlish Warren is an ideal choice for families wanting to keep the kids entertained while enjoying a safe dip in the sea. The beach is also accessible for visitors with mobility needs, offering disabled access points, slipways to the sand and designated picnic areas. For those bringing four-legged friends, dogs are welcome out of season and during the summer months outside the restricted hours of 10am–6pm. 

Staying safe while sea swimming near Dawlish Warren 

When it comes to sea safety around Dawlish Warren, the proximity to the Exe Estuary can be the one to watch here, with its fast tidal currents and rip-like flows, especially beyond the shallow waters. Avoid swimming beyond groyne 3 towards the estuary mouth where currents are stronger. 

When sea swimming in Devon it’s important you have an awareness of the tide cycle as well as checking the weather, as conditions can change quickly with wind and swell. There are some great apps such as NOWCA that can assist in planning your sea swims and it’s always recommended that you swim in groups and use tow floats and wetsuits where appropriate. 

What’s more, if you’re unsure about the conditions there’s nothing better than the knowledge from the lifeguards on duty so do have a chat regarding the current conditions before you dip your toes in. 

Planning a sea swimming break at Hazelwood Holiday Park 

If you’re looking to plan a sea swimming break in Devon this year then Hazelwood Holiday Park is an ideal base for exploring wild swimming spots in South Devon. 

Not only are you within walking distance of the beach, you get to experience all that the park has to offer including an outdoor heated pool, dog-friendly accommodation and on-site restaurant facilities. 

For more information about choosing the right accommodation for you simply browse the various options here. 

Book your next sea swimming stay at Hazelwood 

Now you’ve had the lowdown about sea swimming in Devon, there’s no stopping you from booking that break you’ve been dreaming of. With the popularity of Dawlish Warren’s Blue Flag beach, accommodation can book up quickly in the peak season, so check your availability and book now!