Blackpool Sands is a gem of South Devon with a reputation for being a Blue Flag beach in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The stretch of coastline forms an East-facing crescent cove that’s perfect for swimmers and families to enjoy on a sunny day – some would argue it’s the picture-perfect destination for holidays or day trips to Devon. Last year, Blackpool Sands was even named England’s best beach by Condé Nast Traveller.
But despite its impressive amenities: showers, toilets, a lovely beach-front restaurant, and a quirky wood-fired sauna, the beach has been branded “disappointing” on many occasions. Despite its name, the gorgeous forest-backed beach in Dartmouth is not sandy at all. Called a “misnomer” by visitors, the beach is covered in golden shingles that have frustrated hopeful visitors for being “unforgiving” on bare-foot beachgoers.
A glance at Tripadvisor reveals that some visitors feel let down by the lack of sand, with many labelling the beach “disappointing” for not living up to its name.
One visitor said: “What a misnomer! It is a shingle beach with tiny gritty stones, very close to Dartmouth. Flip-flops are NOT a good choice of footwear; instead, wear swimming shoes or trainers, as the grit gets between the soles of your feet and the shoe.”
Another chimed: “Don’t be fooled by the name it’s not sandy just shingles. We drove a long way to visit here and was so disappointed, the shingles were so sharp you couldn’t walk barefoot.”
Out of 1,153 Tripadvisor reviews, 250 were judged to be disappointing, according to Preply, which created a seed list of the nation’s top 20 most popular and famous beaches before analysing which of them had the most one, two and three-star ratings.
Large numbers of people who have turned up to the beach looking forward to a day spent jumping around on the sand only to find themselves hopping painfully on the sharp pebbles earned the beach the title of Devon’s “most disappointing”, according to the Mirror.
Many people commented on their surprise about the beach being “so pebbly” but agreed that despite the lack of sand, the beach was “really stunning.”
I recently visited the beach on a surprisingly sunny day and was wowed by its beauty. The cove is vast and stunning, framed by lush green forest on one side and a golden pebble-lined coastline on the other, with rocky features in parts.
Thanks to the bay’s sheltered shape, the clear water is ideal for swimming, and accessibility is a major plus—unlike many of Devon’s best coves, which require a long coastal walk or a scramble down steep rocks, Blackpool Sands is easy to reach.
Perhaps I’m biased, having grown up with the stone beaches of South-East England, but the pebbles are a non-issue if you have flip-flops in tow. I found them part of the beach’s unique charm, like many pleased visitors.
The soft pebbles contrast strikingly against the turquoise water, and there’s something tranquil about listening to the waves crashing over them. Let’s face it: shingles are much easier to brush off than fine sand grains.
For those looking to visit, it’s worth managing your expectations. If you want to build sandcastles, this might not be the ideal beach. But if you are after breathtaking scenery, crystal-clear water, and a convenient yet naturally beautiful spot for a day by the sea, Blackpool Sands delivers.
It’s even better out of season when it attracts far fewer visitors than in school holidays and on hot, sunny weekends. There’s plenty of parking right next to the beachfront, with parking rules explained clearly, but vehicle entry charges vary throughout the season.