Dawlish Warren
9 miles from Exeter • 1.5 mile sand spit
Dawlish Warren is a unique sand spit stretching into the Exe Estuary. Dogs have year-round access between Groyne 4-9, with seasonal restrictions elsewhere. The nature reserve is a National Nature Reserve protecting important wildlife, so dogs must be on leads there.
© GaryReggae, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph
Easy
1.5 mile sand spit
Yes
Pay & display (£3-6 depending on season)
Overview
Dawlish Warren is a unique sand spit stretching into the Exe Estuary. Dogs have year-round access between Groyne 4-9, with seasonal restrictions elsewhere. The nature reserve is a National Nature Reserve protecting important wildlife, so dogs must be on leads there.
What to Expect
A long sandy beach with dunes backing onto the nature reserve. Clear groyne markers show where dogs are allowed. The train station is right at the beach for easy access from Exeter without parking hassle.
Best For
- ✓Beach adventures (between Groynes 4-9)
- ✓Train access (station right there)
- ✓Off-season quiet beach walks
- ✓Dune exploration
Not Ideal For
- ⚠Summer visits to main beach (dog ban)
- ⚠Dogs who chase birds
- ⚠Those wanting full beach access in summer
Things to Be Aware Of
- ⚠Dogs BANNED from main beach (Groynes 1-3) April-September
- ⚠Dogs BANNED beyond Groyne 9 ALL YEAR
- ⚠Nature reserve: dogs on leads only (max 2m)
- ⚠Winter: avoid beach beyond Groyne 9 around high tides (roosting birds)
- ⚠These restrictions are enforced by byelaws with penalties
Local Tips from Evie
Take the train from Exeter for hassle-free access - station is right at the beach! A 65-acre dog-friendly park opened in 2017 near EX7 0PA offers excellent off-lead exercise with free parking if you want an alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can dogs go at Dawlish Warren?
Dogs allowed between Groyne 4 and Groyne 9 all year. Banned from main beach (up to Groyne 3) April-September. Banned beyond Groyne 9 all year. Nature reserve requires dogs on leads (max 2m).
Are the dog restrictions enforced at Dawlish Warren?
Yes - these areas are enforced through local byelaws, so penalties can be given out to owners who do not observe them.
Can I get to Dawlish Warren by train?
Yes! Dawlish Warren station is right at the beach - perfect for avoiding parking hassle. Take the train from Exeter.
Practical Information
Beach Road, Dawlish Warren, Dawlish
EX7 0NF
Large pay & display car park at Dawlish Warren. Entrance tunnel under railway has 2.54m (8'4") height restriction for seaward car park. Taller vehicles use landward car park. Very busy in summer - consider train from Exeter.
Dogs allowed between Groyne 4 and Groyne 9 all year. Dogs BANNED from main beach (up to Groyne 3) from 1st April to 30th September. Dogs BANNED beyond Groyne 9 all year round. In nature reserve: dogs on leads (max 2m) only.
