If you want to escape to the Med without all the hassle then take a trip to this gorgeous British beach town instead, which features pristine waters and a beautiful beach bar
You don’t have to hop on a flight and spend hundreds of pounds to enjoy an idyllic beach holiday – this British coastal gem looks just like the Mediterranean.
The UK’s tumultuous weather makes it easy to forget that there are an abundance of gorgeous beaches all across the island. Plus, most avoid the large swarms of crowds that flock to Spain and Greece every summer. So, if you’re looking for a beach getaway that still boasts stunning views, this English bay is ideal.
Located in the south of Devon, Blackpool Sands looks like it could be an upmarket beach spot in the south of France or Ibiza. The yellow beach is surrounded by trees and features encompassing views of the coast.
READ MORE: Huge UK city named best place to visit in 2025 and it’s not London
It also boasts a dining venue which features a tropical-style beach bar and a rich seafood-focussed menu. Built with natural wood and stone, the building looks like it organically springs from the beach.
Even better, its floor-to-ceiling glass doors maximise the amount of light that enters the space – making it look like you’ve stepped straight into a sun-soaked holiday scene.
The decor is also reminiscent of a Mediterranean getaway, with straw umbrellas and . Although much of the interior is designed using the Devon-based brand, Nkuku, as reported by The Sun .
Of course, when it comes to food, the restaurant sticks to its roots, which includes classics like fish and chips and local goat’s curd. You can also tuck into crab sourced from the nearby town of Dartmouth.
It’s ideal for those looking to unwind and sup on a delicious beverage. The bar serves up an array of unique cocktails, including a “Beach Pimms” and a “Midnight Sun” gin and tonic.
Plus, vegans and vegetarians don’t have to miss out either, as the restaurant provides many diet-friendly options. You can also sup on true Devon-style cream tea all day.
‘Such a beautiful beach’
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Fantastic beach, felt like Summer in October. Amazing food had breakfast, lunch, coffees, they have sauna on the beach, loos, showers, parking, cold water dipping, a beach shop.”
Another said: “Such a beautiful beach with a fantastic cafe and facilities. We went for afternoon fish and chips which were lovely, especially the curry sauce!”
Equally, the beach is a great spot for adventure lovers. The calm, sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for activities like kayaking and paddle boarding.
The beach also has a Blue Flag status, which means that it has excellent water quality and environmental management. So you don’t have to worry about swimming in unclean water.
Although, reviewers do warn that the name of the beach is somewhat of a misnomer, as it is composed of fine shingle rather than side. For this reason, it’s advisable to don footwear when strolling along it.
