Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Blackpool Sands sits in a sheltered bay and often holds calmer water than the open coast. Tide timing matters less here than at smaller coves, although weather and sea conditions still change through the day.
Plan your visit
Getting there
A large pay-on-exit car park sits directly behind the beach. The level, maintained approach and on-site toilets make this one of the easier local beaches to access.
- Parking: Large on-site car park, with an all-day charge.
- Dog rules: Dogs are banned from the beach and car parks from 1 May to 30 September under the privately managed site's Blue Flag rules. No dogs are allowed on site during this period, except registered assistance dogs. Dogs are welcome from 1 October to 30 April.
- Accessibility: Level access from the car park, though the beach itself is shingle.
Beach fire rules
BBQs on the beach
Blackpool Sands permits BBQs after 5pm during the summer months. Keep away from other visitors and all grassy areas. Use a reusable BBQ, fully extinguish it and take it home, and check the privately managed beach's current signs before lighting anything.
Check current South Hams BBQ guidance
Visit South Devon records Blackpool Sands' after-5pm summer permission and its restrictions around other visitors and grassy areas.
Everything on hand
Facilities & hire
Toilets, a shop, food and watersports hire are all available beside the beach.
Beach hire
Kayaks, paddleboards and life jackets are available from the seasonal concession.
Blackpool Sands Café
A sit-down café and restaurant overlooking the bay.
Beach takeaway
Fish and chips and quick food beside the main café.
Waterfront House
A Dartmouth base for exploring this stretch of coast.
Local perspective
Local notes
Blackpool Sands suits visitors who want facilities in one place. It feels more polished than the wilder beaches, while the sheltered setting, toilets, food and hire make planning a full day relatively straightforward.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Blackpool Sands dog friendly?
Dogs are banned from the beach and car parks from 1 May to 30 September under the privately managed site's Blue Flag rules. No dogs are allowed on site during this period, except registered assistance dogs. Dogs are welcome from 1 October to 30 April.
Is there a parking charge?
Yes. The large on-site car park is pay on exit.
Is it good for young children?
Yes. The bay is sheltered and toilets, food and hire facilities are all on site.
Can you hire kayaks or paddleboards?
Yes, seasonal hire is available directly on the beach.
Is Blackpool Sands pram or buggy friendly?
Getting there is easy, with level access from the car park and on-site toilets. The beach itself is shingle, which stops wheels, so plan to park the pram at the top.
What facilities are available at Blackpool Sands?
Blackpool Sands has on-site toilets with accessible and baby-changing facilities, showers, a large pay-on-exit car park, a café, and a takeaway. RNLI lifeguards patrol for a shorter summer season than at many nearby beaches, so check current dates before swimming. Access from the car park is level, but the beach is shingle.
Are BBQs allowed at Blackpool Sands?
Yes, after 5pm during the summer months, provided the BBQ is away from other visitors and grassy areas. Use a reusable BBQ, fully extinguish it, take it home and check the beach's current signs before lighting it.
Keep exploring
Nearby beaches
- Dartmouth
- Slapton Sands
- Strete Gate