I visited one of England's best beaches where everyone is 'disappointed' by 1 thing

Blackpool Sands is a jewel of South Devon, boasting Blue Flag status within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This coastal stretch creates an eastward-facing crescent bay that's ideal for swimmers and families seeking sunshine—many consider it the quintessential spot for Devon holidays or day excursions.

Last year, Condé Nast Traveller crowned Blackpool Sands England's finest beach, and it was named one of the best beaches in the South-West in the 2025 Seaside Awards. However, despite boasting excellent facilities, including showers, toilets, a delightful seafront restaurant, and a cosy timber sauna, the beach has frequently been labelled "disappointing." Contrary to what its moniker suggests, this stunning countryside-framed beach near Dartmouth contains no sand whatsoever.

Dubbed a "misnomer" by guests, the shoreline consists entirely of golden pebbles that have left expectant visitors frustrated by their "unforgiving" nature underfoot.

A quick browse of TripAdvisor shows numerous tourists feeling deceived by the absence of sand, with countless reviews describing the beach as "disappointing" for failing to match its title.

One guest remarked, "What a misnomer! It is a shingle beach with tiny gritty stones, very close to Dartmouth. Flip-flops are NOT a good choice of footwear; instead, wear swimming shoes or trainers, as the grit gets between the soles of your feet and the shoe."

Another added: "Don't be fooled by the name it's not sandy just shingles. We drove a long way to visit here and was so disappointed, the shingles were so sharp you couldn't walk barefoot."

According to Preply, 250 of the 1,153 Tripadvisor reviews were deemed disappointing. The Company compiled a shortlist of the nation's top 20 most beloved and renowned beaches before examining which received the highest number of one, two, and three-star ratings.

Countless visitors who arrived at the beach anticipating a day of frolicking on soft sand, only to find themselves wincing on razor-sharp pebbles, secured the location Devon's "most disappointing" title, according to the Mirror.

Numerous reviewers expressed astonishment at discovering the beach was "so pebbly" yet acknowledged that despite the absence of sand, the shoreline remained "really stunning."

I first explored this expansive beach in March and was captivated by its magnificence. The inlet is expansive and bordered by verdant foliage on one flank and a golden pebble-strewn shore on the other, featuring rocky outcrops in sections.

Due to the bay's protected configuration, the crystal-clear waters are perfect for bathing, while accessibility represents a significant advantage—unlike numerous Devon's finest coves, which demand a treacherous descent down precipitous cliffs, Blackpool Sands remains effortlessly reachable.

Perhaps I'm prejudiced, having been raised amongst the shingle beaches of South-East England, but the stones pose no problem if you've brought flip-flops along. I discovered them to be part of the beach's distinctive appeal, much like numerous satisfied guests.

The gentle pebbles create a striking contrast against the turquoise waters, and there's a certain tranquillity in listening to the rhythmic crash of waves over them. Let's be honest, it's far easier to brush off pebbles than pesky grains of sand.

For those planning a visit, it's important to manage expectations. If you're set on building sandcastles, this might not be the beach for you.

However, if you're seeking breathtaking views, crystal-clear waters, and a convenient yet naturally stunning location for a seaside day out, Blackpool Sands ticks all the boxes.