Blackpool Sands is a private shingle beach open to the public near Dartmouth, Devon. In 2024 it was named England’s best beach by Condé Nast Traveller.
Beach and amenities
Shingle at Blackpool Sands
The beach is formed of smooth small shingle; this has been cited as the cause of the water being “astonishingly clear”. The name of the beach has been branded a “misnomer”, due to the lack of actual sand, however the combination of the beaches accessibility, beauty, and clear water, has resulted in positive criticism.
There is a charge for parking in the high season, a café, toilets, and a shop. Furthermore, dogs are not permitted on Blackpool Sands. In 2025, a boardwalk, made from recycled plastic, was installed on the beach to improve access for “people of all ages and abilities”.
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A smart move by the owner, in my opinion, William.
Yes indeed tim.thank you.
That looks like a beautiful beach. I didn’t realize it was not sand until I read the article.
Lol yeah bev a lot of beaches in the uk are pebbles.. Thank you.
They don’t allow dogs on most of our beaches here in Southern California, either, except the ones that are explicitly marked out for them. They (the dogs) think it’s outrageous competition. There’s a big international ballroom dance competition in Blackpool, which I would guess is near this beach? We’ve never been ― we don’t compete, and if we did, it wouldn’t be there lol ― but I think we’ve met one or two pros over the years who have.
Yeah a lot of beaches here are the same. Weird. And yes Blackpool tower is opp the beach..