Blackpool Sands — Attraction in South Hams

A rather special beach secreted in a beautiful part of the South Hams. Sandwiched roughly half way between Dartmouth and Torcross, just adjacent to the vast Slapton sands and Memorial car park which features the Start bay inn. As far as I'm aware it's a blue flag beach and if it's not it should be. Exceptionally clean and well kept with crystal clear waters that are gently sloping and deemed safe for children. It is encapsulated in a horseshoe shaped bay facing south so enjoys the sun from dusk until dawn. Predominantly sheltered from the wind (unless it's blowing from the south obviously) It is not 'that ' well known and slightly off the beaten track so remains relatively picturesque even in the height of summer. This may also be down to the parking charge of around £10 and limited spaces however. The beach is one of very few around that's actually privately owned so a charge of this amount seems completely reasonable, especially as its so well maintained. No fishing or BBQs until after 5pm in the summer months to keep it user friendly for the majority. Also I'm sure no metal detection at any time. It features an upmarket Cafe type affair with sublime views across Start bay with El fresco dining or undercover weather dependant. The prices are pretty hiked..but who can blame them. The beach is also patrolled at night by private security which is a great deterrent to would be cider drinking noisy youths. Another welcome commodity of its privatisation. A few small on-site gift shops and public toilets ect also feature here. A lovely beach. Visit in the winter months and you'll likely have it to yourself which any beach lover...

We're not really into being at the beach all day, but Blackpool Sands was amazing today. The weather certainly helped a lot, but next to that there's plenty of good things that made this day really good;

There's a big parking area right next to the beach. Sure you have to pay for it, but we're from The Netherlands so are used to paying for these things. Keep in mind, you pay right before you leave - don't forget, as there's ANPR in place, so your car is registered on the way in.

The beach itself is very clean, haven't seen any littering or unclean things. It's large enough for the amount of people that were present. Overall people were friendly and keeping to themselves, also no loud music was played. Obviously I don't know if it's always like this, but we found it to be really nice. And also, I've only seen a handful of seagulls.

It's not a sandy beach, which comes with positive sides, such as no sand getting into places you don't want and crystal clear water.

We brought water/wet shoes with us, which makes walking on the tiny pebbles quite comfortable. It doesn't hurt and you don't have to worry about sharp stones and such.

Between the parking area and the beach are cafes, shops and public toilets. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch among other things, the things we ordered tasted really good.

All in all, Blackpool Sands is awesome, would certainly go here again if I'm ever in...

This wonderful shingle beach can be located on the South West Coast Path and is an ideal family or friend day out on the lovely South Devon Coastline. This beach is privately managed and means standards are kept high making it very popular, its backed by a Blue Flag Award and because of shingles it has many advantages over regular beaches such as swimming can easily take place at the water's edge rather than yards out, shingles can be easily brushed off before going home and also that dreaded sand in your sandwiches doesn’t happen.

It’s a great place to bring the dogs in the winter months but during the summer is dog free in order to keep up with regulations and keep that Blue Flag Award in place. Parking is on site and does come at a cost and this varies throughout the season so it's worth checking the price beforehand.

They have a wonderful café, shop and toilet facilities meaning you can easily spend all day here and not have to bring too much alongside this there is the ability to do water sports in the summer whether its kayaking or paddle boarding they have the ability to rent these out to you so there’s so much for the whole family to do and it really is a great day out for all.

So if you're in the area and just want to relax on a wonderful shingle beach then look no further to Blackpool Sands just remember this is in the South West not to be confused with Blackpool...