Home of the black swan, Dawlish, UK
Some unusual blue British skies prompted me to take a 10-min train ride from the market town of Newton Abbot to the seaside town of Dawlish, home of the black swans, in Devon.
Devon is a popular county in the southwest of the UK, with a reliable railway system. On the Great Western Railway service, my journey from Newton Abbot to Dawlish had one stop at Teignmouth, and this is the most scenic view that I've seen in the UK. The track runs along the sea, and from my window looking out, I had a feeling of utter tranquillity.
Soothing to the eyes, and centring of the mind.
A burst of scenes from my window
Yesterday was my third time visiting this town; I had been to Dawlish with friends before, but this was my first solo trip by train. It's an easy town to navigate regardless of the mode of transportation.
Dawlish is a traditional seaside town, with a unique attraction of a small stream flowing right through the centre of the town. This small stream (brook), is home to the black swans, which makes walks and picnics on the lawn and pedestrian path the highlight of visitors and locals who visit the town.
Black swans are rare here in the UK, so these gorgeous waterfouls garner much attention.
My plan for the day was to visit the swans of course, roam through the town, and find a coffee shop to work from while people-watching.
However, everyone seemed programmed to move in a relaxed manner, whether meandering through the town or sitting by the river feeding or watching the swans.
So, I popped by a food court by the river and scoured the menu, and this happened.
There's a Safari Adventure with mini golf courses and a display of large animal statues.
The mini golf looks like a fun couple's activity, so I think another visit will be on my agenda.
There are many independently owned stores across the town.
... and the streets are pedestrian friendly, as everything is at a slow pace.
Dawlish is the only seaside town I've ever been to, where people can sit on benches taking in the sea views, with trains going immediately behind a barricade.
The town is fascinating, an ideal location for a family day trip to a seaside town. The footpath leading to and from the railway station is right in the heart of the city.
The engineering, logistics, and layout of the town are phenomenal.
On the walk along the beach, there are benches strategically positioned for people to look out to sea, or watch the trains go by.
I held my mobile tightly as I stood on the bridge capturing the train below.
There are some beach huts to the far east, and you have the option of walking along the seaside or being mesmerised by the stunning architecture of old houses with huge bay windows that face the sea.
Seaside towns are popular here in the UK because, on days when the skies are clear, it's a lovely way to relax and get a bit of fresh air to reoxygenate.
What better way than owning a beach hut, so you can spend the days having a barbecue, or doing beach activities such as kayaking. These beach huts are also convenient for storage.
Overall, it was an amazing day out; from a picturesque train ride, amusement parks, feeds and taking photos of black swans, to walking around one of the most unconventional towns in the UK.
I trust you've enjoyed this photo essay and if you ever happen to be in Devon, there are many towns within proximity that you could drive to or have a hassle-free day on the trains.
Until next time, be good 😁
All 90+ photos were taken by me on 19th May, 2023. All mobile shots using my Motorola phone.
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This is a wonderful swan. It looks so beautiful. You have captured some beautiful photography of nature and scenery of this town. Really amazing
Thank you 😊
I had a fantastic day out walking the streets for several hours. I'll definitely be back:)))
Well you certainly had fun with your camera—lovely shots, beautiful swans and colorful huts.
As for ice cream and hot dogs, everyone deserves a treat now and then, especially when the skies are blue and you’ve taken an actual train to get there (not something we can do here in SA). Spectacular little beach-town getaway. Looks like you had a really good time.
Yes, it was amazing. I really need to do these trips more often and take advantage of the railway system here. There are some amazing towns close to each other:)
Haha.. so much beautiful thing in SA as well... Nature has given to all in a unique way😁
For now I can only imagine all the beauty there:)
Lolz... U do travel alot. So maybe You could go see some beautiful works of nature over there.. Africa is lovely with so much natural attractions... So beautiful to the eyes😍
Honestly, I never thought of the existence of the black swan 😅. Probably because I never seen one before.. It look beautiful and elegant in black...
The place look peaceful to have a walk. I love the view of the railway..(the one below Dalwish)..kind of nostalgic....
And the foods, now I'm tempted to grab an ice cream.. It's getting hot here that I'm craving cold foods..
But each time I read about swans, I always remember @tengolotodo..hey Ed, have you seen black swan before? You have a lot of feathered friends like ducky out there. Haha.
This is the only place where I've seen the black swans. I think they are lovely, and somehow they seemed a little more mild-natured than the white ones.
Yes, I thought so too:)
It's an amazing town with so much to do. I think the locals are pretty chilled:)
That footpath between the beach and the train tracks looks like the perfect path for a late night walk.
Yes, preferably when one is sober.
I think the entire town is so charming, and there's a little old lady who sits right by her front door in one of the houses looking out on to the tracks with the sea at a distance:)
Oh, for sure, you don't wanna risk falling left or right. 😂
Isn't she living the dream? I'd say she is, and she knows it. That's surely one of my goals, to have a little house by the beach. Every evening I'd try and take a seat and then just stare for as long as I can, over endless blue sea.
I get the feeling that she has lived there forever. It's a lovely place to be, and the trains are fast and quiet, so it's not much of a distraction. I love trains and love to go train spotting, so I would not be bothered to see a train go by while looking out at the sea:)
It's been a while since I've last travelled on a train. I'm guessing 2005 in India, my father and I were travelling from Kolkata to Delhi. It was my last train ride and it was also the best one. It probably took around 10/12 hours for us to reach our destination, a lengthy ride, but it was comfy though.
That was indeed a long train journey. The longest train ride I'm ever done was from Marrakesh to Fes to Casablanca. I had 2 people next to me that chatted loudly for the entire journey. My travel partner and I did the same, to see if they would have got the hint, but they did not seem phased. I blocked my ears and tried to tune them out because I've never wanted to punch someone so badly.
I feel you, we see these folks mostly in restaurants. They just don't know how to keep their volume down, and they forget that there are countless other people surrounding them.
Always carry headphones or earphones when travelling, that's the only solution I know that works. Then you won't have to punch anyone in real life, but do carry on punching them in your mind and imagination, as you listen to some music. 😂
I really hate that mentality. We were obviously in a quiet zone on the train. Either way, have some consideration for Christ's sake.
Yeah, I'll keep punching away in my mind, till I'm exhausted 😂
A little sparring session haha. 🥊😂🥊
Yeah, more like this!😂
Some serious ass whoopin right there 😬😂
Haha! I enjoyed watching that gif way more than I should 😂
It's a solid GIF, with some solid moves. 🥊🔥🥊
Wow, this is absolutely incredible! The snapshot captures the essence perfectly, encapsulating all the wonderful moments you experienced throughout the day. It's evident that you had an extraordinary day filled with unforgettable memories.
Thank you 😊
Yes, it was that, and a whole lot more;)
That's a nice train trip @millycf1976
Sometimes I prefer to take a solo trip too. You've been there three times, it means that Dawlish is a beautiful place. And thanks for showing me the beauty of the black swans, I don't think I heard about them before.
Thank you:)
Yeah, I do like to travel alone especially if I plan to take photos.
I ran out of battery power right as I was about to head home and the swans decided to put on a show just then. They have a distinct strip of white in their feathers that I noticed then:)
Wow that's an amazing location. The black swans are really cool. Very unique. The promanade looks like a nice spot to go for a walk along the water. Looks like a great day all around.
Thanks!
I think you would enjoy the town.
Just be prepared to have a relaxing time with the swans. They are friendly and seem to like when people interact with them:)
Sounds like they are better than Canadian geese - they like to hiss and chase after you, no jokes 😂
Haha! No, these are really friendly. Even the young cygnets that tend to be feisty, were so calm-natured. An old man from the area weeded up some grass and told me to feed them. They loved it:)
Sounds very nice 👌 👍 😀
😁
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Thank you so much @livinguktaiwan and the @pinmapple.
It's always the highlight of my morning to wake up and see that I'm included in the #TravelDigest. It's truly an honour 😊
Wow.. such a beautiful town. I'm so much in love with black water-fouls they look so beautiful 😍💕
Thank you! Yes, the black swans are unique and beautiful:)
Absolutely... I wish I own one❤️
I love your photo-stories. You take such good ones and have a way of beautifully putting them in a post in an inviting way.
Loved the visual experience of everything 🌞
Thank you 😊
I'm happy that you felt that. It's the best that I could do to take readers on the journey with me.
Have a lovely day:)
Hello, Milly
You seems enjoy the trip.
I have plan to trip using train.
Im happy to see black swan and it made me remember about Black Swan movie.
Hai, Milly
Kamu terlihat menikmati perjalananmu. Aku juga memiliki rencana untuk melakukan perjalanan menggunakan kereta api.
Aku senang melihat black swan dan itu mengingatkan ku tentang film Black Swan.
Greetings from Indonesia.
Hello there!
Thank you!
Travelling via train is awesome. I hope that you'll have an enjoyable time.
Yes, I myself think of the movie Black Swan too, when I see them.
They are so unique:)
Hello @millycf1976 friend!!! A lovely and refreshing article, packed with wonderful photos... And "Cheese dog with onions"!... That looks good!... (I'm a lacto-vegetarian, I think I'll try it here)... Loved watching the trains!... Thanks for sharing!
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Hey @jlinaresp
Thanks for stopping by 😊
I like your healthy diet and lifestyle. I hope you can find a nice suitable version.
Thanks for your support as always, and have a lovely Sunday:)))
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Pizza is always a brilliant idea:)
The part with the gorilla statues made me laugh out loud. We must take the encouragement of statues 😍! Your treats looks liked the perfect fuel for wonder... There were several shots that I just stopped to stare at here... what a gorgeous place! Thank you for taking us on your day trip with you 😁🤗
Hehe! The gorillas are impressive in the park 😆
I'm glad that you enjoyed my virtual tour. I really should do it more often because in this part of the UK are some gorgeous and amazing towns. 😊🤗
😆😆😆 "Good girl"! (To eat 'em!) And now I want some. God's those look delicious!!!
Your travel posts are incredible, Milly! Honestly.
The photos are great. (How are those clouds tho?!). And your commentary is awesome
Beautifully done 💯💥
Made me a bit wistful. And melancholy. Swans are one of the only monogamous animals you know.
But I think I may be going through menopause as well. 👀 Or maybe finding myself again a bit more now... progress. 👣
What a beautiful little village! And woman in the pictures ;)
Yes, they are lovely to watch. The families stick together, and they have feuds with their neighbours. "Swan-whisperers" who have been in the area for a long time, are aware of which families get along and know how to deviate brawls.😆
These black swans seemed more gentle than the white ones.
What I noticed though was that after everyone left them alone, they put on a performance by standing up and splashing their wings like peacocks do. Unfortunately, I was charging my phone and missed those photos.
I'm happy that you could enjoy and get a feel of the town, because these are some of the interesting towns in the UK that people overseas seldom see, compared to places like London 😍
Hmmm. Well now I'm going to be having a look around on maps!
There must be a bundle of them!
Have a beautiful day. Beautiful 😍 🪷
Yes, there are some spectacular places. Some charming quaint individual houses that you don't normally see in the UK. 😍
Have a lovely Sunday too 🤗
Hmmmm... am I doubling up on replies... I'm sure I answered this!
Just in case. Research will occur.
No need to reply. Again :)
Sending love.
Bruh! You took lots of amazing photos. Quality job!
Thank you very much, I'm happy that you enjoyed them:)
Oh this was such a lovely read @millycf1976!
I really enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. Never heard of the town but that's not weird as I don't live in the UK and I will probably just recognize a few anyway.
It looks like an adorable town where you can spend a day of people-watching while just wandering through the town and doing some work as you did.
Loving the many pictures, thanks for sharing!
Thank you!
Yes, It's not a town that I heard of before living down this region. I'm fascinated with Devon 🤗