Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
A stunning coastal nature reserve with expansive sand dunes, rich birdlife, and vibrant wildflowers. Perfect for walks and wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak birdwatching season
Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve
Best Time
Peak birdwatching season
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal nature reserve with expansive sand dunes, rich birdlife, and vibrant wildflowers. Perfect for walks and wildlife spotting.
"A beautiful nature reserve with so much to see! Lots of birds & butterflies too."
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating soft sand and uneven paths across dunes and marshes.
💧 Bring Your Own Refreshments
Limited facilities mean packing water and snacks is key for a comfortable visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sand Dunes
Coastal area
Walk amongst rolling sand dunes, a unique coastal landscape teeming with life.
Estuary Birdlife
River Exe estuary
Observe diverse bird species in their natural habitat, especially plentiful in winter.
Summer Wildflowers
Marshes and dunes
Spot vibrant orchids and other wildflowers blooming across the reserve in summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Pack Smart for Your Nature Escape
Best Times for Wildlife Spotting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating soft sand and uneven paths across dunes and marshes.
💧 Bring Your Own Refreshments
Limited facilities mean packing water and snacks is key for a comfortable visit.
🌊 Check Tide Times
The beach can be fully submerged at high tide; plan accordingly for beach walks.
🦢 Look for Black Swans
Dawlish is famously home to black swans, keep an eye out for these elegant birds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Essential for navigating soft sand and uneven paths across dunes and marshes.
💧 Bring Your Own Refreshments
Limited facilities mean packing water and snacks is key for a comfortable visit.
🌊 Check Tide Times
The beach can be fully submerged at high tide; plan accordingly for beach walks.
🦢 Look for Black Swans
Dawlish is famously home to black swans, keep an eye out for these elegant birds.
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Walks
Enjoy scenic walks along the South West Coast Path, with ferry options from Exmouth.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Dawlish Warren for its beautiful scenery, diverse wildlife, and peaceful atmosphere, especially for nature lovers and birdwatchers. However, some note the limited facilities, including a lack of public toilets and cafes, and advise visitors to come prepared.
"This nature reserve is a great place for walkers, birdwatchers, and anyone else looking to escape to a little pocket of nature. There is lots of wildlife to see and explore here. A car park is next to the reserve and there is a bar nearby to wind down at when you are done exploring"
Sam
"A beautiful nature reserve with so much to see! So many orchids there right now which is such a spectacular sight. Lots of birds & butterflies too. A great place to go nature spotting this summer ☀️"
Jaz Bounsall
"The nature reserve itself is absolutely lovely, with fabulous scenery and plenty of bird life. The birds are said to be much more plentiful in winter, but we still enjoyed our visit in the summer. If you are visiting from the Exmouth side, a water taxi can take you across the water in the summer season for a small charge.
However, as at July 2024 part of the path asking the edge of the dunes had collapsed so we had to walk a fair way doing the beach, which is a bit of a slog in soft sand.
There is not much at the welcome centre, other than some information. No public toilets, cafe or even a vending machine if you wanted to top up on food or water. Staffing is limited, and we were told that the centre was about to shut in order to take a school group out.
The nature reserve is still well with a visit for the peace, tranquility and wildlife, but come prepared with what you need for your stay."
Robin Cuthbertson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is easily accessible by national rail services, with stations close by. Buses and cars are also options. A water taxi from Exmouth operates in the summer season for a small fee.
Yes, there is a car park located next to the reserve, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
You can walk along the South West Coast Path from Exmouth, passing through Cockwood and Starcross.
There are early trains running hourly until late evening in the summer, connecting to Exeter, Torquay, Paignton, and Exmouth.
Yes, it's well-connected by both national rail and bus services, making it a convenient destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the nature reserve itself is generally free, though parking may incur charges.
As a nature reserve, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. Specific visitor centre hours may vary.
The beach adjacent to the reserve is usually free to access, but check local signage for any specific regulations.
No specific booking is usually required for general visits to the nature reserve.
Water taxis typically operate during the summer season. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire at Exmouth harbour for availability and booking details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot a variety of birds, butterflies, and in summer, beautiful orchids. Birdlife is particularly abundant in winter.
Unfortunately, public toilets are not readily available within the nature reserve itself. It's recommended to use facilities in nearby Dawlish.
Yes, the calm waters of the estuary make it a good place for children. The beach and dunes offer space for exploration.
The terrain includes sand dunes, marshes, and beach. Some paths can be soft sand, and parts of the dune path have experienced collapses.
Yes, you can walk along the beach, especially at low tide. Be aware that the beach can be completely underwater at high tide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are very limited facilities within the reserve itself, with no cafe or vending machines reported. A bar is located nearby.
The nearby resort of Dawlish offers several hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and cafes.
Picnicking is possible, but it's essential to bring your own food and drinks as there are no onsite vendors.
No, there are no vending machines or shops within the reserve for snacks or drinks.
Dawlish offers a range of dining options, from traditional pubs to cafes and restaurants, catering to various tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The sand dunes, estuary views, and diverse birdlife offer excellent photographic opportunities. The coastline provides scenic backdrops.
Absolutely, especially for birdwatchers. The estuary is a haven for various bird species, particularly in winter.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife, along with a tripod for low-light conditions or bird photography, would be beneficial.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. Be mindful of any wildlife protection guidelines and avoid disturbing animals.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape and wildlife photography, with softer shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for seashells at low tide or try to spot different types of birds. The sand dunes, while requiring careful navigation, can also be an exciting area for younger adventurers.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Be prepared for varied terrain, including soft sand and potentially uneven paths on the dunes. Walkers should always check tide times to avoid being cut off or having to navigate deep water.
🐦 Birdwatchers
Bring your binoculars and a field guide to identify the many species you're likely to encounter. The reserve offers excellent opportunities for observing birds in their natural feeding and roosting grounds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Diverse Habitats
The River Exe estuary is a crucial area for birdlife, acting as a vital feeding and roosting ground. Birdwatchers flock here, especially during the winter months when migratory species are present in larger numbers. The marshes and mudflats exposed at low tide are particularly attractive to wading birds.
During the summer, the reserve transforms with the bloom of wildflowers, including a notable presence of orchids, adding vibrant color to the landscape. This makes it a great spot for nature spotting beyond just birdwatching.
Navigating Dawlish Warren: Tides and Trails
While the reserve offers walking opportunities, it's important to be prepared for the terrain. The paths can be soft sand, and there have been reports of sections of the dune path collapsing, requiring detours onto the beach.
For those arriving from Exmouth, a scenic water taxi service operates during the summer season, offering a unique way to approach the reserve across the River Exe. This can be a pleasant alternative to land-based travel and provides different perspectives of the estuary.
Wildlife Watching: A Year-Round Spectacle
Birdwatchers often find winter to be the most rewarding season, as the estuary becomes a critical stopover for numerous migratory birds. Waders, wildfowl, and various seabirds can be observed feeding and resting in large numbers.
Beyond birds, the reserve's unique ecosystem supports other forms of wildlife. Keep an eye out for insects amongst the wildflowers and the distinctive black swans that are a notable feature of the Dawlish area.
The calm waters of the estuary also make it a pleasant environment for families to observe nature. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit