Visit Blackpool Sands in South Devon. Enjoy turquoise waters, pine-backed hills, swimming, kayaking, and family fun at this award-winning Blue Flag beach.

A Beautiful Beach Surrounded by Woodland

The Blackpool Sands is one of South Devon’s most picturesque beaches.
Despite its name, the beach is actually covered with fine shingle rather than sand and is backed by evergreen pines and rolling countryside.
Today, visitors come to swim, paddle, kayak, and relax in one of Devon’s cleanest and most scenic coastal settings.

It’s one of the South West’s finest Blue Flag beaches.

A Sheltered Cove on the South Devon Coast

Blackpool Sands sits within a sheltered bay on the South Devon National Landscape (formerly the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).
The beach benefits from calm, clear waters thanks to its protected location.
Therefore, it has become a favourite destination for families, swimmers, and watersports enthusiasts.

The beach is known for:

Blue Flag award-winning water quality
Crystal-clear sea
Fine shingle beach
Sheltered swimming
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Woodland backdrop

In addition, careful environmental management helps preserve the beach’s natural beauty throughout the year.

Exploring Blackpool Sands
1. The Beautiful Beach

The gently curving beach offers a peaceful setting surrounded by green hills and pine trees.
Unlike many open Atlantic beaches, Blackpool Sands feels sheltered and calm.
Moreover, the clear water often reveals the seabed close to the shoreline.

2. Swimming and Water Sports

The calm waters make Blackpool Sands one of Devon’s best beaches for swimming.
Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and bodyboarding when conditions are suitable.
Furthermore, equipment hire is available during the main holiday season.

Popular activities include:

Swimming
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Bodyboarding
Snorkelling
Beach games

Seasonal lifeguards help ensure safe swimming during the busiest months.

3. Coastal Walks

The South West Coast Path passes close to Blackpool Sands.
Walkers can enjoy spectacular cliff-top scenery while exploring the beautiful South Devon coastline.
In addition, nearby viewpoints offer excellent opportunities for photography.

4. Family-Friendly Facilities

Blackpool Sands provides excellent facilities for visitors.
The beach is privately managed, helping to maintain its clean and welcoming environment.
Moreover, cafés, changing facilities, and equipment hire make it easy to spend a full day by the sea.

(Learn more at the official Blackpool Sands website.)

A Haven for Wildlife

The sheltered bay supports a variety of marine life.
Clear water allows visitors to spot fish, crabs, and other coastal creatures close to the shore.
Because of its excellent water quality, the beach is also popular for snorkelling during calm weather.

The surrounding woodland attracts many birds and other native wildlife, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

Things to Do at Blackpool Sands

Visitors can enjoy:

Swimming
Paddleboarding
Kayaking
Snorkelling
Coastal walking
Family picnics

In addition, the sheltered bay makes the beach ideal for relaxing away from stronger Atlantic surf.

Visiting Blackpool Sands

How to Get There
Location: Near Stoke Fleming, Dartmouth, Devon
Train: Totnes Railway Station, followed by a bus or taxi
Car: Large pay-and-display car park beside the beach
Bus: Regular services connect Dartmouth, Stoke Fleming, and Totnes

Opening Hours & Admission
Open throughout the year
Beach access is free
Parking charges apply

Facilities
Beach café
Public toilets
Hot showers
Changing rooms
Watersports equipment hire
Seasonal lifeguards
Large car park
Accessible facilities

Nearby Attractions

Dartmouth Castle — Historic fortress guarding the River Dart
Dartmouth — Historic harbour town with independent shops and restaurants
Greenway — Agatha Christie’s former holiday home
Slapton Sands — Long shingle beach with important wartime history

Together, these attractions form part of the South Devon Coast and Heritage Trail.

Why Visit Blackpool Sands?

The Blackpool Sands experience offers:

Award-winning Blue Flag water quality
Sheltered swimming and watersports
Beautiful woodland surroundings
Excellent family-friendly facilities

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful beach day, clear water for swimming, or a scenic stop while exploring South Devon, Blackpool Sands offers one of the county’s finest coastal experiences.
It’s not just a beach — it’s a tranquil sheltered cove where crystal-clear waters, beautiful scenery, and outstanding visitor facilities create an unforgettable day by the sea.