Blackpool Sands beach is frequently cited as the best beach in Devon, and with good reason. In addition to its sheltered south coast location it has a certain Mediterranean feel to it. This could be down to the crystal clear water, crescent of golden sand or the pine trees which cling to the hillside behind, but given a sunny summer’s day and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d landed in a different country!

As a frequent recipient of the much coveted Blue Flag Award, you can be sure of the full range of facilities at Blackpool Sands. You will find toilets, disabled facilities, showers and the beachside Venus Beach Café, all of which are privately owned and managed.

This is a great family beach too. Safety is assured by the seasonal lifeguard service, whilst younger kids will enjoy the supervised sandpits. For those demanding a bit more than just soaking up the sun and taking int he view there are plenty of watersports on offer. The snorkelling is good and equipment can be hired along with surf skis and kayaks.

Of course nowhere is absolutely perfect and if we were to have one gripe about Blackpool Sands it would be the very sand itself; it is a little on the coarse sand.