When you’re on a family Summer holiday, it’s all too easy to forget about the stunning and interesting parts of Devon that are there to explore when you’re busy sunning yourself or splashing around in the outdoor pool. So, if you’ve been considering a quick getaway, to recharge the batteries now that the schools have gone back, now is the time to make some extra time for yourself and your family (and your friends of course) and explore Dawlish this November. We thoroughly recommend a short break in November – take some time out to really relax, escape your day to day and blow the cobwebs away.
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing
There is so much to do close to Lady’s Mile and Oakcliff and all you need is a jacket and some comfy footwear. Here are a few outdoor activities for you to enjoy at a leisurely pace during November.
Dawlish Warren Beach
With its one and a half-mile long sandy beach, sheltered sand dunes and clean waters, stunning Dawlish Warren Beach is just a few minutes away from Lady’s Mile and Oakcliff. Contrary to popular belief, the beach is not just for summer. Thousands of birds come to feed or spend the winter right here, so grab your binoculars and see if you can spot any unique and different species, you get extra points with us if you can capture some wildlife with your smartphone camera! If you’re coming with your 4 legged friend – you can take your dog onto the main beach between groyne 4 and 9 all year round.
Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve
The Nature Reserve is 500 acres of grassland, sand dunes and mudflats. Open Saturday and Sunday during the winter*, the Visitor Centre has a range of displays which tell you all about the nature reserve and the wide variety of wildlife, birds and plants you can find here. There is a route for wheelchairs (and pushchairs) from the main car park to the Visitor Centre.
* subject to change
The South Devon Railway
The South Devon Railway Line runs along the side of the beach and whilst this is a mainline train, if you hop on you’ll enjoy some amazing views of the sea and Exe Estuary and you’ll go through some dramatic cliff tunnels.
This November and December the Polar Express comes to South Devon Railway Line. For those in the know, this stunning black train is Santa’s very own steam train. Visit Santa’s elves, pick up some unique Christmas gifts in the festive market and make some joyful festive memories for you (even if you don’t have little ones in tow). Tickets for this train ride experience are available to purchase now from South Devon Railway Line.
Dawlish Town Trail
If you would like to explore but prefer to have your pathway a little firmer than the South West Coast Path, why not try the Dawlish Town Trail. It starts and ends at Dawlish Railway Station and will take you around 1-2 hours (more if you stop off in the little eateries and shops along the way). The route is flat and undemanding so you don’t have to worry about hiking boots, just take your time and enjoy The Brook and the famous Black Swans and the historical architecture that this pretty little town boasts.
There really is so much to do whilst you explore Dawlish this November, you will be eager to come back again and again, and we haven’t even touched on the warm welcome and great food and drink that’s available when you book an off-peak Lodge getaway at Lady’s Mile or Oakcliff.
