Blackpool Sands is a gem of South Devon, with a reputation as a Blue Flag Beach in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Coastline stretches form an east-facing crescent moon cove perfect for swimmers and families to enjoy on sunny days – some claim it is a great destination for holidays and day trips to Devon. Last year, Blackpool Sands was named England's best beach by Conde Nast Traveler.
However, despite impressive amenities such as showers, toilets, nice beachfront restaurants and quirky wood saunas, the beaches are often a “disappointing” brand. Despite its name, the gorgeous forested beaches of Dartmouth are not sandy at all. The beach, known as “misname” by visitors, is covered in golden shingles that have irritated visitors who want barefoot beach fans to be “relentless.”
Looking at TripAdvisor, it has become clear that some visitors feel disappointed by the lack of sand, with many being labelled “unfortunate” on the beach according to their name.
One visitor said, “What a false fame! It's a tiny, rough stone beach that's very close to Dartmouth. Flip-flops are not a footwear choice. Instead, wear swimming shoes or a trainer as grit is between the soles of your feet and the shoes.”
Another cry: “Don't be fooled by a non-gravel name. We came a long way to visit here and were very disappointed.
Of the 1,153 TripAdvisor reviews, 250 were determined to be disappointed. This created a seed list of the top 20 most popular and famous beaches in the country before analyzing which ones have the most and 2-3 star ratings.
According to the mirror, many people have appeared on the beach looking forward to jumping over the sand and flying around the sand to win the sharp pebble-stained title.
Many people commented on the surprise that the beach is “very pebbles”, but agreed that the beach was “really amazing” despite the lack of sand.
I recently visited the beach on an incredibly sunny day and was amazed at how beautiful it was. The cove is vast and stunning, surrounded by lush green forests on one side, and on the other is a coastline line lined with golden pebbles, with rocky features.
Thanks to the protected shape of the bay, clear water is perfect for swimming, and accessibility is a major plus. Many of Devon's best coves require long coastal walks and scrambling steep rocks.
Maybe I'm biased and grew up on a stone beach in southeast England, but pebbles aren't the problem if you're towing. Like many delightful visitors, I have found some of the unique charms of the beach.
Soft pebbles contrast significantly with turquoise waters, and can be quiet about hearing waves collide over them. Let's face it: shingles is much easier than fine sand grains.
For those who want to visit, it is worth managing your expectations. If you want to make a sand castle, this may not be the ideal beach. But if you're chasing breathtaking scenery, crystal clear waters and the convenient, naturally beautiful spots of the ocean for a day, Blackpool Sand delivers.
It's even better to attract far fewer visitors than school holidays or hot, sunny weekends. There are plenty of parking spaces right next to the beachfront, and the car park rules are clearly explained, but vehicle admission fees vary throughout the season.
