While sharing its name with the famous Lancashire seaside resort, Blackpool Sands is located hundreds of miles away on the scenic South Devon coastline.
Located near the tourist town of Dartmouth, it is regarded as one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches. The crescent-shaped stretch of coarse golden shingle and pebbles is renowned for its pristine environment and has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag status, guaranteeing high standards of cleanliness, water quality and safety.
In 2022 it was awarded both the Blue Flag and Seaside Awards, recognising the high standards maintained by its owners, Blackpool Sands Utilities Co Ltd, who strive to keep the beach spotless — even during the busy summer months — ensuring it’s a well-managed, appealing and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
Nestled in a sheltered bay surrounded by pine trees and evergreens, Blackpool Sands offers a stunning natural backdrop that is situated within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, now officially known as the South Devon National Landscape — a protected region covering 130 square miles.
Blackpool Sands is well-equipped with family-friendly facilities and lifeguards patrol the beach during the peak summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimmers and children. The beach offers clean restrooms, showers, baby-changing areas and cafe serving a variety of food and drinks.
Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as paddle-boarding and kayaking, with equipment available for hire. There is even a sauna visitors can rent, which is particularly popular with wild swimmers during the cooler months.
For those who enjoy walking and exploring, Blackpool Sands is adjacent to the South West Coast Path, providing opportunities for scenic coastal treks and breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline, including Start Bay and nearby landmarks such as Torcross and Slapton Ley.
The area around the beach is rich in wildlife, with local birds and small mammals inhabiting the nearby woodlands, making it a great spot for nature lovers too.
Access is straightforward — the beach has ample parking available, although parking is paid and can cost around £10 for the day. Public transport options include regular bus services from Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, making it accessible even for those without a car.
The beach remains open year-round, although the summer months are the most popular times to visit due to the warmer weather and lifeguard presence.
Despite its proximity to the well-known tourist town of Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands offers a more serene and less crowded experience compared with more typical tourist hotspots — a stunning shingle and pebble beach offering a peaceful retreat with excellent amenities, water sports and unbelievably beautiful surroundings.
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