What to Do in Dawlish This Spring

The beast from the east might have set us back a few weeks, but the daffodils are sprouting, the days are longer and the sun is starting to shine. It can only mean that spring is finally on its way! After one of the longest and wettest winters in years, it is time to emerge from hibernation and plan fun activities for the coming months. And there’s no better place to enjoy spring than in the beautiful seaside town of Dawlish where there are plenty of events and activities to suit every member of the family. From festivals to climbing, the town is home to a wide range of fun ways to spend springtime; the only difficulty will be trying to fit them all in!

Anyone who lives in Dawlish knows that the number of walks on offer in the area is nothing short of astounding. It’s no wonder Dawlish Transition set up the annual Walking Festival here, which runs from Friday, April 20th to Sunday, April 29th. Sponsored by Scott Richards Solicitors, this event has gained quite a following since it first began three years ago. Head over to their Facebook page to sign up for everything from walking meditation to spooky walks to local history rambles. It’s the perfect way to bring in the nicer weather and make some new friends!

Another great way to celebrate spring is to join the Wooston Castle and Daffodils Walk or Landrover Safari at the Fingle Bridge Inn on March 23rd. Discover the Teign Valley on a free guided walk with the Woodland Trust and soak up the sights of the beautiful yellow daffodils that have inspired landscape painters for hundreds of years.

Country music fans wouldn’t want to miss out on the return of the Country Music Festival to Hazelwood Holiday Park! Pack your cowboy boots and head over to enjoy a week of live music beginning on April 21st. Hosted by Billy Curtis, the event showcases top country and western acts, such as Amy Morgan, Thrillbillies, Black Steel and Curtis & Lee, all set on 38 acres of peaceful, award-winning landscape.

Those who are looking to go back in time can head to Kents Cavern, one of the most important Stone Age sites in Europe, and take part in one of their fun Easter activities, such as the epic dinosaur quest or Cavog the Caveman’s Easter Egg Hunt! Held from March 30th until April 15th, you can buy tickets in advance, so you don’t miss out. Also, at Kents Cavern until April 2nd is an insightful and interactive astronomy-themed evening in which you will learn about what our ancestors would have seen when they looked up at the sky half a million years ago.

For those inevitable wet and windy April shower-filled weekends, head on down to Harrisons Amusement Parks & Arcades where you’ll find a huge selection of attractions and machines that might not increase your odds of becoming rich, but you could at least bag a soft toy or two! Afterward, you could take the Dawlish Town Trail to learn more about the development of Dawlish since the 1800s or head to Dawlish National Nature Reserve to watch the birds from one of the many hides in the area. To embrace the fresh sea air, take a picnic down to the world-renowned Dawlish Warren Beach and lap up the spring sunshine as you sprawl out on the golden sands!

Toward the end of spring, the Dawlish Arts Festival is a week-long event that begins on May 27th. In addition to including poetry, music, theater recitals, dance, floral displays, art exhibitions, crafts, children’s activities and family events, there is something to please every member of the family. However you choose to spend this spring, we hope that you have a wonderful time and wish you lots of sunshine!