Blackpool Sands Beach
NEED TO KNOW
Type of beach
Dogs
Dogs not allowed on the beach two weeks before Easter and until after the October Half Term.
Lifeguard
RNLI lifeguard cover
Daily: 08 July-03 September
Patrol times: 10am-6pm
Beach cleaning
Parking
Nearest town
Postcode
OS grid reference
What3words
ABOUT
Despite its name, Blackpool Sands is mostly shingle although there is some sand towards the top of the beach. Its crystal-clear, turquoise water and evergreen backdrop give it a Mediterranean feel and with no shade, on sunny days it can get very hot.
It’s usually safe to swim at the beach when it’s calm and there’s a bathing raft for jumping into the sea from. RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer, but be aware that the currents can be strong sometimes and the beach slopes steeply into the sea so children should be supervised at all times.
It’s an ideal beach for a relaxing family day out, and despite the lack of sand, kids don’t need to miss out on building sandcastles as there are sand pits on the beach so they can play safely. At one end of the beach is a freshwater stream that runs into the sea and at the other there are rocks so there’s plenty for little ones to explore too.
STAR SPECIES
Bring a picnic, a selection of beach games, or just a good book, and if you plan on staying till early evening, BBQs are welcome on the beach after 5 pm.
Water sports enthusiasts will enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking with guided trips and taster sessions available for those who fancy trying them out. There is a shop on the beach that has wetsuits, snorkels, boogie boards, and other equipment for hire if you don’t have your own.
For the ultimate relaxation experience, hire one of the saltwater saunas on the beach to calm your mind and rejuvenate your body. It’s recommended that you spend about 10 minutes in the sauna, followed by a dip in the sea, repeating several times.
Nearby the beach is a ‘secret’ garden, that has a collection of semi-tropical plants that have been added to by the Newman family who own the beach for over 100 years. Until the 1970s the garden supplied fruit and vegetables to London’s markets and it has recently undergone a restoration.
It’s accessed by a small, green door cut into a stone wall on the far side of the coastal road that runs along the beach, and inside you’ll find a host of rare trees and plants from around the world. Climb the gently sloping paths to the Captain’s Seat, where you can enjoy the beautiful views over the bay.
There is a circular walk from Blackpool Sands along the South West Coast Path to Stoke Fleming. The route is about 3 miles long through country lanes that offer lovely views across the coastline. On the way you’ll pass a 13th century church, with The Green Dragon pub opposite, the ideal place for a stop-off where you can enjoy a selection of pub classics, pizzas, and a wide range of gins.
Blackpool Sands has plenty of facilities including toilets with disabled and baby changing facilities, showers, a changing area, and deckchairs and windbreaks for hire. There is a café on the beach that serves locally sourced produce all day, including fish and chips, burgers, chicken wings, and seafood sandwiches, as well as beer, cider, wine, and coffee. Food is available to takeaway so you can enjoy your meal in the sea air if you wish.
During the summer the café plays host to live music and DJs, comedy, and circus acts, as well as various activities for kids.
There is a large pay and display car park by the beach. From the car park the beach is accessed by a gentle slope with wheelchair access via a ramp.
AMENITIES
