I had been down on the Coast for work and it was the afternoon and I fancied a cup of tea and a walk on the beach before the long drive home. This place was beautiful and really recharged the batteries. On a sunny day this really hits the spot!
Blackpool Sands, an award-winning family beach set in a sheltered bay surrounded by evergreens and pines, is one of south Devon’s most beautiful natural treasures. It’s turquoise blue sea gives it an almost Mediterranean feel and is the perfect spot to chill out, paddle or swim.
We are a shingle beach and this year we have once again been awarded the much coveted International Blue Flag and the Seaside Award! Our beach benefits from summer RNLI Lifeguards providing safe swimming in clean, clear water. As part of the Blue Flag award, no dogs are permitted from May to September. We also offer a sand pit for younger visitors, a bathing raft in the lifeguard season and good disabled facilities.
Sea Kayak Devon, who run the watersports, hire out kayaks, paddle boards, wetsuits and deckchairs, they also organise coastal kayak tours and have installed a perfectly positioned beach sauna! In fact, everything is on hand for a fun-packed family day out.
Our recently refurbished licensed Beach Café and Takeaway serves a range of delicious hot and cold, locally sourced food, with an array of breakfast choices, through to wonderful lazy lunches and also evening dining on certain days, as well as locally made ice creams and hot and cold drinks.
In Red Paddle’s well-stocked beach shop, you’ll find their own expertly designed range of paddle boards and all the necessary beach items for your day out, such as swimwear, beach mats, safety items and of course buckets, spades and beach shoes.
Find us signposted from Dartmouth on the A379 between Stoke Fleming and Strete, postcode is TQ6 ORG.
You can also visit Blackpool Gardens – situated close to the beach, open from 1st April to the end of September; park in our main car park and purchase your Garden ticket from the car park attendant.
But don’t just take our word for it, come and see for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on Blackpool Sands?
Blackpool Sands is a blue flag beach so in order to comply with regulations there is a seasonal dog ban. Dogs are not permitted on the beach or in the car parks from 1 May to 30 September.
Do you have to pay to go to Blackpool Sands?
You have to pay for parking and charges vary depending on the time of year. ANPR parking system in place, pay by card upon leaving.
How far is Blackpool Sands from Dartmouth?
Blackpool Sands is 10 minutes car drive from Dartmouth – 3.9 miles away on the A379, the postcode is TQ6 0RG.
What are some of the many advantages in visiting a shingle beach?
1. Gusts and strong winds do not blow shingle into your eyes, all over your food and clothing and can be brushed off easily before you go home.
2. Swimming or paddling can take place at the water’s edge rather than yards out, making supervision easier.
3. Kayaks and paddleboards can be launched at the shoreline.
Is there a height restriction in the car parks?
There are no height restrictions.
Is overnight parking or camping allowed?
Unfortunately, overnight or late night parking and/or camping is not permitted.
Are jet-skis or boats allowed?
Jet-skis – are not allowed to be launched or landed anywhere on the beach or used within the bathing buoy area.
Boats – motorised boats are not to be launched, landed or used anywhere within the bathing buoy area for safety reasons.
Can I bring a BBQ?
BBQs are not to be lit until after 5pm in the main summer months. BBQs should only be used on the beach and not on grassy areas. You must take the entire unit home with you after use. Open fires are not permitted anywhere on the premises, this includes right down to the water line, the prom, the hardstandings, car parks, grass or any of the surrounding areas.
Are open fires allowed?
Open fires are not permitted anywhere on the premises, this includes right down to the water line, the prom, the hardstandings, car parks, grass or any of the surrounding areas.
Are there toilets at Blackpool Sands?
There are clean and well maintained on site toilets providing convenience for beachgoers. There are also disabled toilets and showers available.
Is Blackpool Sands private?
Blackpool Sands is a privately owned and managed beach that has been in the Newman family for many years. Their history can be traced back to the 1500s when they were one of Dartmouth’s most highly esteemed merchant traders.
Can I use a metal detector?
Metal detectors and not permitted anywhere on the beach or any of the surrounding areas, with the sole exception being our own search and recovery detecting team.
Are drones allowed?
For our patron’s privacy and safety, drones are not allowed to be flown over or within the immediate air space.
Is it safe to swim, at Blackpool Sands
There is superb safe swimming at Blackpool Sands. There are lifeguards in the summer months and the sea water is regularly tested by the Envionment Agency in the summer season. The beach is cleaned every day in the high season.
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