One of the major reasons that most of us chose to come to Exeter was that we were convinced we would get the train to the beach on a weekly basis. Obviously we were unaware that most weekends would actually be spent MLA-referencing our essays and catching up on three weeks of reading whilst still hungover from the Lemmy. So, maybe we haven’t branched out and explored enough of Devon yet. But, if you do nothing else before you graduate from Exeter, I suggest you go to Dawlish for the day.
Dawlish is a tiny town that is less than 20 minutes away on the train from Exeter Central. It only costs £2.85 for a return (if you have a student railcard) and you get to ride on one of those tiny two-carriage trains that make you realise you are truly in the countryside. Dawlish is also a less-than-two minute train ride from Dawlish Warren, which is more of a seaside destination, and has a small amusement park and go-karting track open in summer.
As soon as the train pulls in at Dawlish, the first thing that hits you is the sea. It is so clear, unpolluted and just the opposite colour of the gross murky Thames that most of us are so familiar with. When you step away from the train station there is a pathway to a small pier, where you can sit and look at the beautiful, calm waves. If you’re going to do that, however, you should prepare yourself for couples. There are many couples. There’s a rocky bit of land that you can also sit on (I hesitate to call it a ‘beach’, since it’s so small), although that may not be the most comfortable of spots!
Walking away from the beach, you can’t help but notice a waterfall feature in the middle of the town centre. It is absolutely beautiful, and surrounded by tall palm-tree-esque trees, that make the whole town look a bit like Cannes – especially on a sunny day. On one side of the water feature there is a waterfowl centre, where you can see the ducks and black swans (who knew they existed?). On the leafy side of the waterfall area, there is a mini-golf course which is only open in summer. Be prepared to feel like Tiger Woods because the course is pretty easy – I’m a very inexperienced golfer yet managed to get a hole-in-one!
The main thing to do in Dawlish is shop. Aside from a random Boots and Co-op, most of the shops are independent and therefore very ‘quaint’ (I’m aware that that is a very touristy comment!). The Bag Lady sells some very stylish handbags, whilst Jen’s Sweet Shop is an old-fashioned sweet shop, with jars upon jars of childhood classics – including delicious rhubarb and custards.
My favourite shop was definitely Gay’s Creamery – and not just because of its bizarre name! In the summer, this shop sells ice creams, but in the winter it is a sweet and beer haven. A bottle of Devon Dreamer beer is a must – it tastes like Fosters mixed with a bit of orange, need I say more? They also sell rather old-fashioned toys and travel books upstairs, which can make you feel quite nostalgic for your childhood obsession with £1.50 fake Barbie-dolls. But, if toys and trinkets are what you’re into, then look no further than Ten Green Bottles, a cute shop with a very retro feel. Decorative pots, wall hangings, and even mini-kites are all on sale here for fairly reasonable prices – I bought a mini butterfly kite for under £2!
After all of this shopping, you are bound to need a bite to eat. There are loads of pubs dotted around the town, but my favourite place to eat is a small café called A Piece of Cake. You simply can’t leave Dawlish without trying this café’s cream tea, which is one of Devon’s delicacies. Not only is the food brilliant and well-priced, but the place also has a lovely atmosphere. The café-owner is very friendly and never rushes you whilst you’re eating (even if there are only two of you on a four-person table, and the café is packed!) and she plays quality old music that makes you feel like you’re in the diner of A Cinderella Story.
Dawlish has a very chilled, calm vibe, which makes it a perfect destination if you are feeling stressed about your ever-growing pile of uni work. Well, it’s a very calm place to go to unless you’re scared of dogs. They are literally everywhere. As much as I love Dawlish, it is always annoying having to cross the road 20 times in a row to avoid the stream of dogs without leads on! But, if you are a dog person, then you are bound to find this just another one of the many charms that Dawlish has to offer.