The name of the destination suggests it may be in the north of England rather then the south Devon where it is found. The attraction is a favourite spot for swimmers, sunbathers and families
The UK’s best beach can be found just a four-hour drive from the capital city and its stunning sandy shoreline appears to mirror the impressive Italian coastline.
Conde Nast Traveller magazine has given Blackpool Sands the top accolade. It can be found in a sheltered bay surrounded by cliffs in south Devon and is a favourite spot for swimmers, sunbathers and families. It has tiny pebbles and crystal-clear blue waters and also attracts those who enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also showers, changing rooms, and a beachside cafe serving food and refreshments.
Travel bible Conde Nast Traveller described it as ‘almost reminiscent of the Amalfi Coast’ The beach will soon be home to a fully refurbished takeaway with indoor seating opening in early April, MyLondon reports. In the meantime, visitors can savour locally roasted coffee, cakes, pies and pasties from the Blackpool Sands Beach Shack.
The destination is a natural beauty spot, surrounded by lush woods and rolling hills, perfect for those who love to hike and explore. You can take a leisurely stroll through the nearby nature reserve or embark on a journey along the South West Coast Path, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
The South Devon beach is tucked away on the southwest coast in a sleepy bay near Dartmouth, despite sounding as if it is on the opposite side of the country. It has won awards for its stunning sand and shingle shores and is regularly dubbed the best the country has to offer.
In 2023 Conde Nast Traveller also ranked the beach number one among dozens of British beaches in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Visit South Devon touted the privately owned beach as “a holiday abroad in South Devon” and England’s answer to the Mediterranean.
It has sapphire waters which lap onto white sand and stony shores, framed by short cliffs dotted with greenery that also give the whole spot an air of quiet seclusion. The beach’s coarse golden sand is set in a sheltered bay amongst evergreens and pines in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which proves a great place for an adventure if you tire of lounging in the sun or splashing around in the waves.
To reach Blackpool Sands, you can hop on a Great Western Rail service from London Paddington station to Totnes. The journey to Totnes takes roughly four hours, followed by a bus ride to Townstal Crescent, and then another bus to Blackpool Sands. Alternatively, you could drive from London in just over four hours, taking the M4 to Bath and then taking the M5 straight to the location.