Dawlish’s Dittos: Tiny Houses Sparking Big Visits

In the coastal town of Dawlish, a quirky trail of miniature houses is turning heads and filling streets with curious wanderers. Known as the Dittos of Dawlish, these pint-sized abodes house fictional creatures called Dittos – cheerful, five-inch tall beings who recycle human leftovers and care for local wildlife like swans, ducks, and hedgehogs. Each house, crafted from recycled materials, matches the theme of the shop it’s perched on, creating a fun hunt around the town.

The idea sprang from bedtime stories told by local resident David Hardie to his son and nieces. When illness sidelined him, Hardie channelled his energy into building these tiny homes in his workshop. His sister, Diana Townsend, joined in, penning books about the Dittos that appeal to kids and grown-ups alike. “It’s not just children that are reading them, it’s quite a lot of adults and senior citizens too,” Townsend says.

Now boasting 66 houses, the trail encourages people to explore Dawlish on foot, spotting each one along the way. It’s a simple setup: grab a map from local spots or the website, and off you go. The Dittos embody a sense of community pride, with their hardworking nature mirroring the town’s spirit.

Local businesses are reaping the rewards. As folks follow the trail, they linger at shop windows, discovering what Dawlish has to offer. Sarah Nicks, who runs the Shoe Centre, notes: “Whilst the trail is fun and the houses are incredible, it also means that when people are following the trail, they are looking in our shop windows, they are looking at what we all have to offer.” She adds that in tough times, this extra attention has been a real help.

Hardie and Townsend, both Dawlish locals with a history of creative projects, dreamed up the trail to highlight the town’s appeal. Family input shaped it into something special, drawing visitors who might otherwise pass by. The project fosters a connection to nature and recycling, with Dittos tending to bird nests and lost animals in their stories.

Visitors rave about the magic it adds to a day out. Whether you’re a local seeking a fresh stroll or a tourist exploring Devon, the Dittos offer a light-hearted adventure. It’s proof that small ideas can create big waves in a community, keeping Dawlish lively and welcoming.