Living in Dawlish

Dawlish is distinctly community-focused, with a welcoming social feel that appeals to both long-term residents and newcomers. Many local clubs and societies are active in areas such as sports, gardening, performing arts, and wildlife conservation.

The town’s central lawns are a hub for outdoor activities, including summer concerts at the bandstand, the popular Dawlish Carnival, and regular craft and food markets. Community centres and faith groups offer social engagement opportunities and support across all age groups.

The surrounding red cliffs, beach walks, and the scenic Dawlish Warren nature reserve provide ample opportunity for enjoying the outdoors. This fosters a lifestyle that blends community involvement with appreciation for the natural beauty of the Devon coast.

Dawlish is widely regarded as a safe and close-knit community within Devon. Crime rates in Dawlish are generally low compared to larger nearby cities, contributing to its appeal for families and retirees. Most reported incidents in the area tend to be minor in nature, such as antisocial behaviour or low-level theft.

The town has a visible and approachable local police presence, and residents often participate in neighbourhood watch schemes and community safety forums. Recent years have seen local council initiatives to improve street lighting and CCTV in the town centre and parks, further ensuring public spaces remain safe and welcoming.

Areas along the seafront, central lawns, and residential streets are considered safe at most times of day, although like any popular tourist destination, increased vigilance is advised during busy summer months.

Parking in Dawlish can be varied depending on the season. On-street parking is available throughout the town, particularly near the beach, town centre, and residential roads. During peak tourist months, these spaces can become limited, so residents and frequent visitors often take advantage of several council-operated car parks, including Barton Hill and the main town car park near the railway station.

Resident permit schemes are in operation for some streets, offering priority to local households. Dawlish is accessed primarily via the A379, which connects to the A38 and M5 for routes to the wider South West and Midlands.

Nearby towns and cities and their travel times:

• Exeter – approx. 30 minutes via A379 (14 miles)
• Teignmouth – approx. 10 minutes via A379 (4 miles)
• Torquay – approx. 25 minutes via A3022 (13 miles)
• Newton Abbot – approx. 17 minutes via A381 (9 miles)

Congestion is generally light outside of school holidays, although busy summer weekends can see increased traffic along the coast road and through the central shopping streets.

Dawlish offers a variety of dining options ranging from classic seaside fish and chips to cosy cafés and local bistros. Popular restaurants focus on fresh Devon produce, with menus inspired by both traditional English and modern European cuisines. The town’s selection of pubs, such as the renowned Brunswick Arms and The Lansdowne, provides a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.

While Dawlish is not known for a sprawling nightlife, it provides many relaxed venues catering to both locals and visitors. The town’s social scene is more about family-friendly pubs and entertainment at the bandstand or local community centre than late-night bars or clubs. For those seeking livelier options, neighbouring Teignmouth and Exeter offer additional nightlife, theatres, and live music. Takeaways, artisan bakeries, and ice cream parlours line the High Street, making Dawlish an excellent spot for relaxed social evenings, especially during the summer months.

School Quality: Dawlish has a range of well-regarded schools, supporting families with children of all ages. Dawlish College and nearby primaries provide a friendly, supportive environment, with Exeter’s strong education options accessible for older children.

Parks and Green Space: The town’s central lawns, Dawlish Water, and nearby Dawlish Warren offer families open green areas, play parks, and wildlife-spotting opportunities, making it ideal for spending time outdoors.

Childcare: A number of nurseries and pre-schools operate within Dawlish, alongside regular parent-and-child groups at community centres.

Safety: The town is considered safe, with active neighbourhood watch and family-focused events contributing to a secure environment.

Family Activities: Dawlish provides year-round activities—from beach outings and mini-golf to drama groups and seaside festivals, ensuring children have access to fun across the seasons.

Dawlish is exceptionally pet-friendly, with miles of beaches (some dog-friendly areas), extensive parks, and countryside trails stretching along the South West Coast Path. Dawlish Warren, a National Nature Reserve, is particularly popular for dog-walking and outdoor exercise.

Local veterinary practices, pet shops, and groomers are readily available, supporting a pet-friendly lifestyle. Many cafés and pubs in Dawlish also welcome dogs, especially with outdoor seating during the warmer months.

Attitudes within the community are generally very welcoming towards pet ownership, and responsible pet policies are common in rental and owned properties alike.

Dawlish benefits from strong transport connections for a relatively small seaside town. Its station sits on the celebrated Riviera Line, offering regular direct trains to Exeter, Newton Abbot, Torquay, and beyond. The line is famed for dramatic sea views, making every journey a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Bus services link Dawlish with surrounding towns and seaside villages, as well as to central Exeter and Torbay. For drivers, the A379 road connects the town to Exeter (north) and the rest of South Devon (south), while the M5 motorway is accessible within about 25 minutes for broader national journeys.

The nearest airport is Exeter Airport, approximately 30 minutes by car, providing domestic and some European flights. Commute times by train (approximate):

• Exeter – 25 minutes
• Torquay – 20 minutes
• Plymouth – 1 hour
• London Paddington – As little as 2 hours 45 minutes (direct, peak times)

Primary Schools:
Dawlish offers several primary schools, most notably Gatehouse Primary Academy, which serves the local population and enjoys a reputation for nurturing younger students. Westcliff Primary Academy is also situated within the town, and both schools foster links with the community and provide varied extracurricular options.

Secondary Schools:
Dawlish College is the principal secondary school in the area, catering for students aged 11 to 16. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its latest inspection (2022), Dawlish College is recognised for its inclusive environment and focus on academic achievement, enrichment activities, and tailored support for pupils.

Independent Schools:
While Dawlish itself does not have independent schools, nearby Exeter and Teignmouth offer a selection, with Trinity School in Teignmouth being a popular independent choice nearby. These provide both day and boarding options and attract students from across Devon.

Further Education and Colleges:
Slightly further afield, South Devon College in Paignton and Exeter College in the city of Exeter provide a wide range of post-16 options, including A-levels, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and adult learning.

Universities:
The University of Exeter is the closest higher education institution, known for its academic excellence and strong research credentials. Easily accessible via train or bus, it offers a full spectrum of undergraduate and graduate courses, attracting students from across the region and beyond.