Yahoo News UK's best beach is named after iconic seaside town - but it's 300 miles away
Blackpool Sands, a beach in Devon that shares its name with the famous UK seaside town, has been crowned as the UK's best by Conde Nast Traveller.
Despite being 300 miles away from the iconic Blackpool Tower and Winter Gardens, this beach is actually named after a nearby south Devon village of the same name.
Out of a list of 54, it was chosen as Britain's top sandy spot. The travel magazine describes the location as a "wonderful surprise", likening the drive through pine trees to Italy's Amalfi Coast. The sea off Blackpool Sands' "splendid sweep of beach" is praised for its "astonishingly clear" waters, thanks to the pebbles that make up the shoreline.
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Visitors can enjoy meals at the Blackpool Sands Cafe, Lounge and Restaurant, which serves locally sourced crab, burgers, breakfasts and more. There's also a drinks menu featuring roasted coffee, cocktails, ales and a kids menu.
For watersports enthusiasts, paddle board rentals, kayaks and guided trips along Devon's "stunning" coastline are available, reports the Mirror. If relaxation is more your thing, the beach boasts a sauna for the perfect escape. The Dart Marina Hotel comes recommended by CN Traveller as a "smart harbour-side stay" complete with a spa and restaurant, reports the Express.
Nearby Salcombe offers Gara Rock with "staggering" clifftop views and Harbour Beach Club, which is just seconds from the sea.
Blackpool Sands, a favourite amongst beach-goers, is just a stone's throw away from Dartmouth, situated only three miles away on the A379 between Stoke Fleming and Strete. For those arriving by car, there's plenty of parking available adjacent to the beach.
For bus travellers, hop on the No. 93 from Dartmouth to Kingsbridge, followed by a picturesque stroll along The South Devon Coast Path to reach the sandy shores.
