Your Guide To Family Days Out By The Sea

What Can Families Do In Dawlish Warren? 

Dawlish Warren is a great family destination because the beach, attractions, food spots and nature reserve are all close together. It works especially well for mixed-age families, as you can keep the day flexible and switch between seaside fun, quiet walks and easy places to eat without long journeys in between.

Families can enjoy:

·       Dawlish Warren Beach for paddling, sandcastles and beach games 

·       Traditional seaside amusements and arcades near the seafront 

·       Mini golf for relaxed family fun 

·       Grand Prix Go Karts for older children and teens 

·       Funder Park for funfair-style rides and younger children’s activities 

·       Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve for walks, wildlife and estuary views 

·       The sea wall walk towards Dawlish, with coastal views and passing trains 

·       Ice creams, cafés, fish and chips and seaside shops close to the beach 

It’s an easy place to plan a full family day out, whether you want a classic beach day, a few fun activities, or a quieter walk before heading back to your holiday home.

Start With A Day At Dawlish Warren Beach

Dawlish Warren Beach is one of the biggest reasons families come back to this part of Devon year after year. With its long stretch of sand, gentle shoreline and classic seaside feel, it’s a great spot for paddling, sandcastles, beach games and lazy afternoons by the sea.

In summer, parts of the beach are usually lifeguarded, giving families a little extra peace of mind when children are splashing in the water. As always, swim or paddle between the flags when they are in place, keep younger children close near the water and follow any lifeguard advice on the day.

The beach is backed by a sea wall, and you can enjoy a lovely walk along the coast towards Dawlish town. It’s also a brilliant spot for train-loving little ones, as the railway line runs close to the sea wall.

For a simple beach day, bring sun cream, hats, towels, spare clothes, drinks and a few beach toys. If something gets forgotten, don’t panic. Dawlish Warren has plenty of small seaside shops where you can pick up buckets, spades, inflatables and holiday essentials.

Enjoy Classic Seaside Fun

A holiday in Dawlish Warren wouldn’t feel complete without a little bit of traditional seaside fun.

Close to the beach, you’ll find amusement arcades, mini golf and family-friendly attractions where children can spend their pocket money, play a few games and enjoy that proper holiday feeling.

Pavilion Amusements is a popular stop for families, with classic machines, prize games and plenty to keep children entertained if the weather turns. Mini golf is another easy win for mixed-age families. It’s relaxed, low-pressure and fun for children, parents and grandparents. No one has to be a golf expert. Half the fun is seeing who can get past the tricky obstacles without sending the ball flying off in the wrong direction.

It’s worth setting a small budget before heading into the arcades or rides, especially with younger children. That way, everyone knows what to expect, and the fun stays easy and stress-free.

Try Go-Karting And Family Rides

For families who like a bit more action, Grand Prix Go Karts is a popular Dawlish Warren activity. It’s a fun choice for older children and teens, and there are usually options that make it suitable for different ages, including twin-seater karts where younger children can ride with an adult.

Before you head onto the track, staff will explain what to do and provide the necessary safety guidance. Children will usually need to meet age or height requirements, so it’s best to check before promising anyone a race.

A few simple things to remember before go-karting:

·       Check age and height requirements before joining the queue 

·       Tie back long hair and avoid loose scarves or accessories 

·       Remind children to listen carefully to staff instructions 

Funder Park is another favourite for families visiting Dawlish Warren in summer. It offers funfair-style rides and activities, with options often aimed at younger children as well as older ones. From gentle rides to bouncy fun, it’s a cheerful place to spend part of the day when the children still have energy to burn.

Explore Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve

When you want a quieter change of pace, Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve is right on your doorstep.

This protected stretch of dunes, grassland and estuary is a lovely place for a family walk, especially if you want to show children another side of the South Devon coast. It’s home to birds, insects, wildflowers and wide estuary views, making it a great place to slow down, stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh sea air.

Children can look out for birds, rabbits, butterflies, bees and interesting shells along the way. For older children, binoculars can make the walk more exciting, especially when looking across the estuary towards Exmouth.

There are marked paths and walking routes through parts of the reserve, although some areas can be sandy or uneven. If you’re visiting with a pushchair or wheelchair, it’s worth checking locally which routes are most suitable on the day.

Because the reserve is protected, please stick to marked paths, follow signs and check where dogs are allowed. Some areas have restrictions to help protect wildlife, especially birds and fragile dune habitats.

Take A Walk Along The Sea Wall

One of the simplest family activities in Dawlish Warren is also one of the nicest.

The sea wall walk towards Dawlish is a lovely way to enjoy the coastline without needing to plan a big day out. You’ll have sea views, fresh air and the fun of watching trains pass along the famous coastal railway line.

This is a lovely option for early evening, once the busiest part of the beach day has passed. Grab an ice cream, take a gentle stroll and enjoy the views before heading back for dinner.

Do check local signs before setting off, as sections of the sea wall can occasionally be closed for maintenance or during poor weather.

What Can Families Do In Dawlish Warren When It Rains?

Even in summer, Devon likes to keep families guessing with the odd rainy spell. Luckily, Dawlish Warren has plenty nearby to keep children busy when the beach isn’t the best option.

The amusement arcades are a good choice for a quick shower-dodging activity, while nearby cafés and food spots give you somewhere to warm up, refuel and plan the rest of the day.

If you’re staying at Hazelwood, you can also enjoy the comfort of having your own self-catering accommodation to return to. That means dry clothes, snacks, a quiet break and a bit of space before heading back out when the weather brightens up.

Handy Tips For A Family Day Out

Dawlish Warren is compact and easy to get around, which makes it a great choice for families. The beach, shops, food stops, amusements and attractions are all close together, so you don’t need to plan everything down to the minute.

To help the day run smoothly, it’s worth checking tide times before you go, especially if you want plenty of beach space for sandcastles and games. Arriving earlier can also help during the school holidays, when car parks and beach spots get busier.

If you’re travelling by train, Dawlish Warren station is close to the beach and main resort area. The walk is short and flat, which is handy if you’re bringing a pushchair, beach bags or tired little legs at the end of the day.

Bring a mix of cards and cash too, as some smaller stalls, machines or seasonal attractions may not all take the same payment methods.

Stay Close To The Fun At Hazelwood

One of the best things about staying at Hazelwood Holiday Park is how easy it is to enjoy Dawlish Warren without the stress.

You’re close to the beach, family attractions, walks, food spots and seaside fun, so you can spend less time travelling and more time making the most of your holiday. Start the day with a beach trip, head back for a swim or a quiet break, then pop out again for mini golf, amusements or an evening walk by the sea.

With self-catering lodges and chalets, dog-friendly options, hot tub stays and plenty of space for the family, Hazelwood gives you a comfortable base for enjoying South Devon at your own pace.