Dawlish Warren
Backed by sand dunes, the sheltered location of Dawlish Warren offers a mix of natural beauty and traditional family entertainment. From part of the beach there are stunning views of Exeter.
The nature reserve that runs behind the beach is particularly important for wading birds and wildfowl as well as hundreds of different flowering plants.
There is a lifeguard service during the main season.
Dogs are allowed on the main beach all year round in between groyne 4 and groyne 9.
There are no overflows impacting this beach
There are no overflows currently identified by either ourselves or the Environment Agency that have the potential to impact the bathing water. Any bacteria in the bathing water could be from other sources, for example agricultural rainwater runoff, dog or bird faeces, private sewerage or property foul waste pipes being misconnected and draining to watercourses. Bacteria levels may be higher after rainfall.
Water quality sample results
The graphs below show the significant reduction in harmful bacteria in the Environment Agency’s (EA) water samples since the 1990s. E. coli and Intestinal Enterococci exist in all open water - they are found in human and animal poo, and get into the water via sewage spills, road drainage, agricultural livestock, or wildlife and birds. The EA uses the levels of these bacteria to decide whether to award this beach bathing water status.
The beach profiles were created in line with information provided by our partners, Environment Agency, RNLI, Keep Britain Tidy, MCS - Beach Guide and British Beaches.
