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Area Guide of Dawlish and Surrounding Areas

Dawlish

 

Dawlish is a charming coastal town of much character and history, situated on the south coast of Devon, about 13 miles from the Cathedral City of Exeter.  Originally a small fishing port, the town developed into a well known seaside resort during the 18th century.

For those with a love of the sea, Dawlish has much to offer.  The extensive main sandy beach is there to be enjoyed at all times, except high tide, whilst a south west sea wall path, provides access to the lovely old Boat Cove and beyond that, tucked around a small headland, Coryton Cove.   Taking the sea wall path in a north easterly direction, the coast can be followed (except at extreme high tide), for some distance to Langstone Rock, and the resort of Dawlish Warren beyond.

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The Exe Estuary

 

Close to Dawlish on the east side of the town is the stunning Exe estuary, which is also an internationally renowned site for wildlife.   There are countless opportunities to enjoy the estuary through recreational clubs, birdwatching sites, etc. The virtually complete estuary cycle route, running from Dawlish Warren on the western side of the estuary mouth, to the town of Exmouth on the eastern side, provides wonderful views as well as a great way to keep fit. The estuary offers huge appeal to the yachtsman or indeed anyone wishing to get afloat.   The estuary is home to the Starcross Fishing & Cruising Club (Starcross), Starcross Yacht Club (reputed to be the oldest Sailing Club in the country), Cockwood Boat Club, Exmouth Marina, Exmouth Sailing Club, Lympstone Sailing Club, and Topsham Sailing Club.

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TEIGNMOUTH

 

Teignmouth is situated just a couple of miles west of Dawlish, and is a bustling coastal town and port, standing at the mouth of the beautiful Teign estuary.   In common with Dawlish, the town grew from a fishing port to become a fashionable resort.   The port still operates today, and the arrival and departure of some sizeable ships is a wonderful sight to see, particularly when viewed from the delightful “Back Beach”.

Opposite Teignmouth, on the west side of the estuary mouth, is the picturesque village of Shaldon, where properties are highly sought after, particularly by yachtsman- indeed anyone who feels drawn by the allure of the sea.  Shaldon and Teignmouth are connected by a pedestrian ferry and road bridge.   

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The Teign Estuary

 

A beautiful estuary defined by steeply rising rounded hills with distinctive folds to the north and south.  This natural gem is of special interest to boat owners, not only for what it offers, but also because it is a wonderful launch pad for a passage east to the Exe and beyond, or west to Torbay, Dartmouth, Salcombe etc.   For the more adventurous, there is also the tempting passage across to the French coast or Channel Islands to consider.  

The estuary is renowned for its rowing, with many a summer evening resounding to the efforts of competing oarsmen.   Local Clubs include Teign Corinthian Yacht Club and Shaldon Sailing Club.

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KENTON

 

The ancient village of Kenton, close to the Exe estuary, stands about 7 miles from Exeter and is adjacent to the beautiful grounds of the Earl of Devon’s Powderham Castle.   The castle was built between 1390 and 1420 by Sir Philip Courtenay and is still owned by one of his descendants. The Powderham Estate has a busy farm shop, the Toby Buckland nursery, and restaurant.  

A delightful place to live, Kenton has a junior school, a fine 14th century Church, two restaurants, two hairdressers and an Inn as well as a busy Post Office/General Store.   

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STARCROSS

 

About a mile from Kenton, Starcross stands on the west side of the Exe estuary and is extremely popular with the boating fraternity.   The village has a launching slip (free!) at the end of General’s Lane which provides wonderful access to the large number of craft moored just off the village.   There is a pier (privately owned) from which runs a ferry to Exmouth (pedestrian only) during the summer months.

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COCKWOOD

 

Just south east of Starcross is the picturesque small village of Cockwood with its own estuary side tidal harbour.  Adjacent to the harbour is the Anchor Inn – an absolutely idyllic spot in the summer particularly in the evening with a high spring tide.   Just a few steps away, around the corner, is the equally enchanting and historic Ship Inn.

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There are a number of other villages and hamlets within easy reach of the local coast and estuaries, which are within the operating area of Fraser & Wheeler.  They include Holcombe (between Dawlish and Teignmouth), Mamhead, Ashcombe, Oxton and Kenn (in the Haldon foothills) whilst slightly nearer to Exeter are the larger villages of Kennford, Ide, Exminster.

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