For the Harry Potter character, see John DawlishDawlish /ˈdɔːlɪʃ/ is a town and civil parish in Teignbridge on the south coast of Devon in England, 12 miles (19 km) from the county town of Exeter. It has a population of 12,819, decreasing to 11,312 at the 2011 census. During the 18th century, it grew from a small fishing port to become a well-known seaside resort. Dawlish has two electoral wards (Central & North East + South West). Their combined population at the 2011 census was 13,161.