Blackpool Sands
Devon
Blackpool Sands is a privately owned and managed beach in Start Bay, four miles south of Dartmouth on the A379. The bay faces east and is enclosed by sweeping evergreen-covered headlands on either side, giving it a sheltered, almost Mediterranean quality when the sun is on the water. The shingle is fine and satisfying to walk on, the water is consistently clear, and the facilities are genuinely good: Venus Cafe serves food and drinks, Sea Kayak Devon operates hire and lessons from the beach, lifeguards are on duty in season, and the ANPR car park is large and well managed. It has held Blue Flag status for a number of years, which reflects the quality of both the water and the operation.
The Blue Flag designation comes with a condition: dogs are banned from the beach and from the car parks entirely between 1 May and 30 September. This is one of the longer seasonal bans in Devon and extends into the car parks themselves, so there is no option to leave a dog in the car while you visit the beach during restricted months. From October to April the restriction is fully lifted and the beach is open to dogs, making it a genuinely excellent autumn and winter destination with all the main facilities still available. The South West Coast Path passes through the site and the views south towards Torcross and Start Point on a clear winter day are among the best on this stretch of coast.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Seasonal Restrictions
- No dogs on the beach or in the car parks from 1 May to 30 September. Winter access is full and unrestricted.
- Beach Type
- Shingle
- Tide Notes
- Fine shingle beach in a sheltered bay with crystal clear water. Gradual entry into the sea. Safe for swimming with lifeguards in season.
- Facilities
- Venus Cafe (restaurant and takeaway), beach shop, kayak and paddleboard hire (Sea Kayak Devon), lifeguards in summer, showers, toilets, disabled facilities
- Parking
- Large ANPR car park at the beach (charges vary by season, pay by card on exit). The A379 between Stoke Fleming and Strete; postcode TQ6 0RG.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blackpool Sands dog friendly?
Blackpool Sands is dog friendly, but only outside of the summer season. Dogs are completely banned from both the beach and the car parks between 1 May and 30 September, which is one of the longer seasonal bans in Devon. From October through April, the restriction is fully lifted and dogs are welcome on the beach.
Are dogs allowed at Blackpool Sands year round?
No , dogs are banned from Blackpool Sands between 1 May and 30 September, and the ban covers the car parks as well as the beach itself. This means there's no option to leave your dog in the car while you visit during restricted months. From October to April, dogs are fully welcome and it makes for a genuinely excellent autumn and winter outing.
What should I know before visiting Blackpool Sands with my dog?
The most important thing to be aware of is the seasonal ban: dogs are not permitted on the beach or in the car parks from 1 May to 30 September, so plan your visit for the October to April window. The good news is that the main facilities , including Venus Cafe , are still available out of season, and the South West Coast Path runs through the site if you want to extend your walk. The ANPR car park is large and well managed, with payment by card on exit.
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