Guide to Blackpool Sands

Blackpool Sands, near Dartmouth, is one of South Devon’s best beaches, with crystal-clear waters, a lush evergreen backdrop and a Mediterranean feel. It has excellent facilities, making it the perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a day out.

Blackpool Sands Beach is large enough to accommodate swimmers, kayakers and paddleboarders as well as anglers, ramblers and people simply wanting to relax. But there are some things that are useful to know before you get there, and that’s what this guide is all about.

Once you’ve got all the information you need to prepare for your visit, why not check out our holiday cottages in the area? You can browse our collection by clicking on the button below.

Skip to:

• FAQs 
• About Blackpool Sands
• Parking at Blackpool Sands
• Things to do at Blackpool Sands
• Eating at Blackpool Sands
• Blackpool Sands events

FAQs

Is Blackpool Sands private?

Yes, Blackpool Sands is a privately owned and managed beach that has been in the Newman family for many years. Their history can be traced back to the 1500s when they were one of Dartmouth’s most highly esteemed merchant traders.

Is Blackpool Sands a sand or shingle beach?

Despite its name, Blackpool Sands is not a sandy beach – it is made up of pebbles and shingle. However, in the summer, a sand pit is added so children can play in it.

How much does it cost to go on Blackpool Sands?

There is no charge to access the beach on foot, but there are charges for parking (see the section on parking below) and for some of the on-site facilities.

Does Blackpool Sands allow dogs?

Dogs are not allowed on the beach, in the cafe or in the car parks between 1 April and 30 September. This is because Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag beach and has regulations to comply with. Outside of these dates, there are water bowls for dogs on-site. Explore more beach options in our guide to the top dog-friendly beaches in Devon.

Are there toilets at Blackpool Sands?

Yes, there are clean and well-maintained toilets on site, as well as disabled toilets, baby changing areas and refreshing showers.

Can you swim at Blackpool Sands?

The water at Blackpool Sands is clean and clear, but swimmers should note that lifeguards and first aiders are only on duty in the summer months. Also, it gets deep quickly, and some people recommend wearing surf shoes to make it easier to get out.

About Blackpool Sands

According to the Blackpool Sands website, merchant trader and privateer Richard Newman bought the land in 1797 after deciding that Dartmouth was getting too crowded. When tourism began to take off in Devon, in the late 1950s, the mother of the current owner opened a wooden hut selling teas and ice creams.

In 1995, the current owner, Sir Geoffrey Newman, opened a more permanent cafe. In 2023, Geoffrey and his son Robert partnered with others to implement a series of exciting changes, bringing in a range of water sports, a seaside sauna, beach goods and quality clothing.  

Parking at Blackpool Sands

Blackpool Sands, named after the nearby village of Blackpool (not to be confused with the seaside town in Lancashire), is located on the A379 coastal road between Stoke Fleming and Strete. The postcode for the beach car park is TQ6 0RG. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is in operation, and you must pay for parking by card or contactless at the terminal just before you leave. You can also pay online within 48 hours of leaving. Blue Badge holders are not exempt. 

The cost of parking at Blackpool Sands varies with the seasons. From November to March, the first hour is free; a stay of 1–2 hours costs £1 and a stay over 2 hours costs £3. In April, May and October, charges start at £2 and rise to £6, with arrival after 5pm costing £1 per hour (the car park closes at 9pm and no overnight parking is permitted). From June to September, the charges range from £2 to £9, with arrival after 5pm costing £1 per hour. These charges are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.

Things to do at Blackpool Sands

At Blackpool Sands, you can relax, eat and drink, buy beach accessories and clothing from the shop, and unwind in the seaside sauna. You can swim, hire a kayak or paddleboard, or use your own – there’s even an inflation station you can use for a fee. Instructors run coaching sessions and guided trips. Wetsuits are available to hire.

Motorised boats can be launched or landed at the eastern end (Stoke Fleming) of the beach, for a small fee, but cannot be used within the bathing buoy area for safety reasons. You are not allowed to light a fire, use a metal detector, fly a drone, or launch/land a jet ski. BBQs and fishing are permitted after 5pm during July and August. Disposable BBQs should not be used anywhere on site and BBQs should not be used on grassy areas. There’s a grassy area at the back of the car park if you would prefer to sit or play on the grass.

Eating at Blackpool Sands

The owners of the cafe at Blackpool Sands have taken care to source the most environmentally friendly food and drink available in the region.

There’s a takeaway hatch serving breakfast all day, such as a bacon bap or vegan sausage bap. Light bites and mains are served from 12pm to close, including fish and chips, seasonal soup, and pasties. Hot drinks are also available. Food can be enjoyed on the picnic benches within the clear-sided marquee or the benches on the beach. Dogs are allowed in the marquee.

There’s also a restaurant with views of the beach, but dogs are not permitted inside. Breakfast, served from 9am–11am, includes light bites such as sourdough toast and preserves, and cooked breakfasts. Lunches in the restaurant are served from 12pm to close (in the winter, this is 4pm) and include beach favourites such as classic fish and chips, beach burgers, and desserts such as sticky toffee pudding. Cream teas and cakes are available all day. 

Blackpool Sands events

Events held at Blackpool Sands include a triathlon, music festival and Tribal Clash – a fitness competition for teams of athletes. 

The Dartmouth Triathlon

The Dartmouth Triathlon, with two races of different distances, starts with a swim at Blackpool Sands and offers the rare chance to camp overnight at Blackpool Sands. The 2025 event, which will be the event’s 10th year, is set for Sunday 8 June.

Tunes on the Sands 

The live music festival, Tunes on the Sands is set to be held on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 July 2025. At the time of writing, the acts have not been announced. The event has been held since 2019. Headline acts in previous years have included Feeder, Razorlight, The Hoosiers, Martin Kemp, Sister Sledge, Billy Ocean, Sigala, George Ezra, The Proclaimers, and KT Tunstall.

Tribal Clash

Tribal Clash, which started in 2013, is a competition for teams of 6–3 men and 3 women. Events in the past have included climbing, lifting, running, swimming, hauling, carrying and throwing, and teams must work together to complete tasks. The 2025 event is on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August.

Stay with us near Blackpool Sands

Our holiday cottages near Blackpool Sands are perfect for couples, families or groups looking for a retreat near one of Devon’s best beaches, but also close to the beautiful and enchanting town of Dartmouth. We’ve compiled a guide to the 10 best things to do in Dartmouth which will inspire you if you’ve had your fill of the beach.

Many of our properties are dog-friendly so your furry friend can enjoy walks with you on the South West Coast Path and beyond. You can browse our collection of cottages in the Blackpool Sands area by clicking on the button below.