‘Britain’s best beach’ is named after the famous seaside town – but it’s 300 miles away

Blackpool Sands in Devon, not to be confused with the town of the same name in the north, has been named the best beach in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller.

Despite being 300 miles from the iconic Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens, this beach gem takes its name from a nearby local village.

Selected as number one out of 54, the travel magazine hailed it as a “wonderful surprise” and compared the scenic drive through the pines to that of Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast. The sea next to Blackpool Sands’ impressive stretch of beach has been praised for its “amazingly clear” waters, attributed to the shingle beach.

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Blackpool Sands Cafe, Lounge and Restaurant offers beachfront dining options, offering everything from locally sourced crab to hearty breakfasts. There is also a selection of drinks available, including roasted coffee and cocktails, not forgetting beer and a children’s menu.

For those looking to get active, there are paddle boards and kayaks to hire, along with guided tours along Devon’s stunning coastline, the Mirror reports. For visitors who want a more relaxed experience, the beach has a sauna. CN Traveler recommends staying at the Dart Marina Hotel, a “smart harborside stay” with its own spa and restaurant, as reported by the Express.

Nearby is Salcombe where you can find the Rock Station with its ‘stunning’ cliff views and the Harbor Beach Club which is just seconds from the waterfront.

A favorite with beachgoers, Blackpool Sands is just a stone’s throw from Dartmouth, nestled between Stoke Fleming and Strete on the A379. For those arriving by car, there are many parking spaces near the beach.

For bus trips, get on no. 93 from Dartmouth to Kingsbridge, then take a scenic walk along the South Devon Coast Path to reach the sandy shores.

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