Blackpool Valley Road, near Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0RG
Blackpool Sands
Beach
Place photograph
5.7
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.7A sheltered South Devon bay where a shingle beach meets wooded green slopes. Come for the coastal setting, or combine time by the water with the five-mile walk from Dartmouth.
Blackpool Sands earns its place for its sheltered bay, wooded coastal setting and the chance to pair a beach visit with a scenic walk from Dartmouth. It is a well-known destination, rather than a secluded hidden gem.
Peaceful · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapBlackpool Valley Road, near Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 0RG
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The experience
Spend a short visit exploring the sheltered bay and beach, or make a half day of it with the walk from Dartmouth. The source row describes a bathing raft, kayaks and summer lifeguards; confirm current availability and conditions before relying on these services.
Things to do
Explore the sheltered bay
Spend time on the shingle beach and take in the wooded slopes around the sheltered bay.
1–2 hours
Walk from Dartmouth to the beach
Follow the five-mile coastal walk from Dartmouth, with views towards Kingswear and Dartmouth Castle, a hidden cove, rugged coastline and Stoke Fleming along the way. The guide notes some road walking.
About 2 hours walking
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
A short beach escape
- 01
Explore the beach and sheltered bay.
- 02
Take in the wooded slopes around the shore.
- 03
Check current conditions and any beach services before setting out.
Half day · About 2 hours walking; allow extra time at the beach
Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands
- 01
Start in Dartmouth and follow the described coastal walk towards Blackpool Sands.
- 02
Enjoy views towards Kingswear and Dartmouth Castle, a hidden beach cove and rugged coastline.
- 03
Pass through Stoke Fleming before continuing to the beach.
- 04
Allow for road walking on parts of the route; consult the walk guide for its suggested alternative after Stoke Fleming.
Hidden details
A cove on the Dartmouth walk — The walk guide describes a hidden beach cove on the route from Dartmouth towards Blackpool Sands. Follow the guide for its location and route details.
The unusual Stoke Fleming post box — The walk guide flags an unusual post box in Stoke Fleming as a detail to look for on the route.
When to go
April · May · September · Choose a clear, calm time for the coastal scenery; check conditions and seasonal services before travelling.
The supplied walking guide recommends spring. The source row describes summer lifeguards, while an autumn source highlights the beach in early autumn; services and conditions may vary by season.
Coastal weather and sea conditions can change. Check the forecast and current beach conditions before visiting; do not assume the sea is suitable for swimming.
Worth pairing with
Dartmouth
Make Dartmouth the start or finish of the sourced coastal walk to Blackpool Sands. The guide describes views towards Kingswear and Dartmouth Castle on the way.
Stoke Fleming
The Dartmouth-to-beach walk passes through Stoke Fleming; the guide notes an unusual post box to look for.
What to look for
Look across the sheltered bay to its wooded slopes, and notice how the coastal path approaches the beach after passing Stoke Fleming. The beach is described as shingle, not soft sand.
Best time to go
Spring and early autumn for a beach visit or coastal walk; summer for the reported seasonal lifeguard service. Check current conditions and services before travelling.
Spring is recommended by the supplied walk guide. Early autumn is another option for a coastal visit; check weather, sea conditions and seasonal services before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; Half day
Perfect for
Families · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A beach near Dartmouth. The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. Check current access arrangements and any charges before visiting. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park. Charges and current arrangements are not supplied; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible toilet. Check current availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A café is reported in the source row. Check opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
The supplied sources do not establish beach-specific dog rules. Check current restrictions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. It does not establish the accessibility of the beach surface or routes across the shingle.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Blackpool Sands
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
