Dawlish Beach
Devon
Dawlish is a traditional South Devon seaside town built around a beach that runs for over a mile from the small harbour at Boat Cove north to Langstone Rock. The Great Western Railway mainline passes directly behind the beach at sea level, one of the most dramatic railway settings in the country and a source of some anxiety for Network Rail in stormy winters when the sea wall takes a battering. The promenade extends the full length of the beach and provides level access throughout, with the ornamental Dawlish Water stream flowing through the town centre gardens to meet the sea at Boat Cove. Cafes, shops, deck chair hire and toilets are all available in the town, and Coryton Cove is a small sheltered sandy cove just south of the main beach.
Dog access at Dawlish operates on a zonal basis. Year-round access is available from the slipway adjacent to the railway station heading north to a point 230 metres before Langstone Rock, covering a reasonable length of beach. From the slipway heading south towards Coryton Cove, dogs are not permitted from 1 April to 30 September. An additional section of around 230 metres immediately south of Langstone Rock heading towards Dawlish is also restricted in the same period. The result is a workable year-round option on the northern section that suits a walk rather than a beach camp, and full access to the whole beach from October to March.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- Dogs not permitted from the slipway to Coryton Cove from 1 April to 30 September. Year-round access from the slipway adjacent to the railway station heading north to 230m before Langstone Rock. Additionally, a 230m section from Langstone Rock towards Dawlish is restricted from 1 April to 30 September.
- Beach Type
- Sand
- Tide Notes
- Long sandy beach extending over a mile from Boat Cove north to Langstone Rock. The Great Western Railway mainline runs directly behind the beach, one of the most dramatic railway settings in the UK.
- Facilities
- Cafes, shops, deck chair hire, toilets (including disabled facilities), promenade. Dawlish Water (stream through town centre) nearby.
- Parking
- Several car parks in Dawlish town including Barton Hill car park (EX7 9QF, charges apply). Promenade runs the full length of the beach with level access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dawlish Beach dog friendly?
Dawlish Beach is dog friendly with some seasonal restrictions, earning a 6/10 rating. Year-round access runs from the slipway by the railway station northward towards Langstone Rock, which gives you a decent stretch of beach to enjoy with your dog at any time of year. The southern section towards Coryton Cove is off-limits to dogs between 1 April and 30 September, as is a short section just south of Langstone Rock during the same period.
Are dogs allowed at Dawlish Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome year-round on the northern section of the beach, running from the slipway adjacent to the railway station up towards Langstone Rock (stopping around 230 metres before the rock). Outside the summer season , from October to March , dogs have full access to the entire beach, making it a great off-season destination for a longer explore.
What should I know before visiting Dawlish Beach with my dog?
It's worth checking the seasonal restrictions before you go: the southern section towards Coryton Cove and a stretch near Langstone Rock are closed to dogs from 1 April to 30 September. The promenade runs the full length of the beach and is level throughout, which makes it easy to walk with a dog, and there are cafes, shops, and toilets in town if you need them. Parking is available at several town car parks including Barton Hill (EX7 9QF), and the year-round northern section suits a good walk rather than a long sit, so pack accordingly.
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