Brits looking for a beautiful beach right here in England are in luck. A lesser-known beach has been named one of the best to visit in the country.

Blackpool Sands’ is actually in South Devon, despite its name implying it’s further north, and it boasts glassy, clear water unlike some of the murkier bays in Britain. Stepping onto the clean shore and staring out at the bright blue ocean you’d be hard pressed to think you’re not in Spain.

Visit South Devon touts the privately owned beach as "a holiday abroad in South Devon" and England's answer to the Mediterranean, reports the Express. Other areas of Devon have been praised in such a way recently, such as Torquay.

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Located near Dartmouth, the sleepy bay is rarely packed and has won awards for its glittering shore. Now it’s been named the best beach in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller.

Taking a closer look, it’s clear why. Blackpool Sands is surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with stony shores, short cliffs and green trees and grass that add an added dose of English country magic to the quiet bay.

Plus, the evergreens and pines make for great shade if you fancy a walk around after plenty of lounging in the sun, playing on the beach or enjoying the sea. 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.

To keep the beach looking pristine, cleaners comb the area at the end of every day in summer. Meaning there’s likely to be less litter or hazards that at other, popular beaches.

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.

Those unsure of how to get going in the water can try a bodyboard and speed towards the beach when the waves are up. Or, on calm days take a relaxing trip out on a Dpadleboard.

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.

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.

"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 frequented the bay 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.

Over on Tripadvisor, other holidaymakers praised the beach too. Andre, from Bristol, noted that it was "pretty much all you can ask for" Plus he liked that there was "a small restaurant, shop, toillets and showers."

Another traveller from Oxford added: "Lovely place. Empty beach, clean and clear water. Gorgeous scenery.

"Great coffee and cake at the cafe. Spotlessly clean toilets!!"

While Linda J wrote: "Really outstanding scenery and beautiful water. You could be abroad easily."

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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