Blackpool Sands

Blackpool Sands is a privately run family beach on the South Devon coast near Dartmouth, set in a sheltered bay. The beach is fine shingle rather than sand, which is easy to brush off and keeps the tide line fairly steady, so children can paddle close to where you sit. It suits families who want a cafe, lifeguards and parking on the spot. It is close to Stoke Fleming.

Swimming and lifeguards

The RNLI patrols Blackpool Sands in summer, with dates and patrol times on its page. There is also a moored bathing raft, and paddle boards and kayaks for hire. No flags means no lifeguards, so check before you swim. The water is suitable for young children when supervised, and swimming has no strong currents when calm.

Parking and facilities

The large car park holds 800 spaces and sits about 25 metres from the beach. Charges apply and vary through the season. You pay at one of two pay stations before you leave, or online within 48 hours. Overnight parking and camping are not allowed.

Access from the car park is level or via short slopes, and wheelchairs can reach the beach by a ramp. Toilets with showers and baby change are 50 metres from the beach, and there is a cafe with outdoor seating, a beach shop, water sports hire, and deck chair and windbreak hire.

Dogs

The dog ban is tied to Blue Flag rules: dogs are not permitted on the beach, in the cafe or in the car parks from 1 May to 30 September each year, with exceptions for service dogs. Check the beach’s website for exact dates. If you are travelling with a dog in summer, Bantham has a river beach that dogs can use all year.

Nearby

Slapton Sands is on the same stretch of coast, and like Beesands and Hallsands it is a shingle beach similar to Blackpool Sands.