Oh, how we’d love to go sand dune camping in Dawlish Warren. We have immense confidence indeed in asserting that the golden beach here is one of the most spectacular in the south-west: it’s won the Blue Flag award umpteen times for its cleanliness and safety, and it also borders Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, 500 acres of species-stuffed landscape on the mouth of the Exe Estuary. Perhaps if we pitch a beige tent among the Dawlish dunes no-one will spy us there?
That nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a hugely popular place for birdwatchers and botanists: expect to see grebes, shearwaters, terns and cormorants here among many other waders and seabirds, and rare plants among the dunes and grassland (all the better for hiding in). But if booking a Dawlish campsite = sticking to beach, there’s a fair bit to feast eyes on too from one’s beach blanket: regular family entertainment is held in summer, the Torby Express and Royal Duchy steam trains steam by daily, and there’s a full mile and a half of sand to sink upon with book – those feeling energetic could even join the surfers or kayakers.
