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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Liam Doyle & Milo Boyd

England’s most beautiful hidden beach that even locals haven't heard of

One of the country's most beautiful beaches floors those who visit, but many who live nearby have never made the trip there.

Blackpool Sands' crystal clear waters and stunning surroundings have earned it a stellar reputation in recent years, despite its secluded location making it very easy to miss.

The South Devon beach is tucked away on the southwest coast in a sleepy bay near Dartmouth, despite sounding as if it is on the opposite side of the country, the Daily Express reports.

It has won awards for its stunning sand and shingle shores, and is regularly dubbed the best the country has to offer.

Conde Nast Traveller recently ranked the beach as number one among dozens of British beaches in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The beach has been the recipient of multiple awards (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Visit South Devon touts the privately owned beach as "a holiday abroad in South Devon" and England's answer to the Mediterranean.

It has sapphire waters which lap onto white sand and stony shores, framed by short cliffs dotted with greenery that also give the whole spot an air of quiet seclusion.

The beach's coarse golden sand set in a sheltered bay amongst evergreens and pines in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which proves a great place for an adventure if you tire of lounging in the sun or splashing around in the waves.

In 2022, the beach won a Blue Flag and Seaside Award, recognising the high standards set by owners Blackpool Sands (Devon) Utilities Co Ltd in keeping the beach in tip-top condition despite its many visitors.

Cleaners combe the beach at the end of every day during the summer season to make sure it remains dazzling.

The beach is kept in tip-top conditions by a team of cleaner each day (Getty Images)

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months so you can splash around in the waves without too many worries, and there are sand pits for building sandcastles on the beach. Water sports equipment is available for hire if you're not a hardened local surfer with your own board.

The beach has earned thousands of four and five-star reviews online, with people highlighting the pebble and shingle combination, local cafe and cheap parking.

Some local reviewers were surprised to stumble across the beautiful beach despite having lived in South Devon for years, highlighting how it has retained an 'undiscovered gem' reputation while attracting many plaudits.

One Google user wrote: "I've lived near the south Devon coast for years now, did I ever think to come here, nope.

"Took the family down to the beach got lost and found this place, now have a favourite beach, it's quieter than the larger beaches but just as nice.

The beach is in Devon and not in the North West (Getty Images)

"And has the added bonus of parking almost on the beach itself. There is a little cafe and shop there too, bit pricey, but what isn't now a days."

Another local who was aware of its existence said it was one of their "favourite beaches in the world", having fallen in love with it over the course of many visits over many years.

As Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag beach, dogs are not permitted on the beach or in the café or car parks during the bathing season, from 1 April – 30 September.

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