The beautiful beach named best in UK that shares name with a seaside town 300 miles away

A beach in Devon which shares its name with a famous UK seaside town has been named the UK's best.

Blackpool Sands is 300 miles from the home of Blackpool Tower and the famous Winter Gardens venue and actually named after a nearby south Devon village of the same name.

The beach has been identified by Condé Nast Traveller as number one out of a 54-strong list of Britain's best sandy spots.

CN Traveller hails the location as a "wonderful surprise", with a drive through pine trees which is "almost reminiscent" of Italy's Amalfi Coast.

The sea off Blackpool Sands' "splendid sweep of beach" is "astonishingly clear" thanks to the pebbles which make up the stretch of shore.

Blackpool Sands Café, Lounge and Restaurant serves crab, burgers, breakfasts and more, with some produce locally sourced.

There is also a drinks menu with roasted coffee, cocktails, ales and more as well as a kids menu.

Watersports fans can take advantage of paddle board rentals, kayaks and guided trips along Devon's "stunning" coastline, with families, groups and individuals welcome to take to the waves.

For those looking for relaxation, Blackpool Sands boasts a beach-based sauna for the "perfect" escape for anyone who wants to unwind.

CN Traveller recommends Dart Marina Hotel, hailing it as a "smart harbour-side stay" with a spa and restaurant.

Nearby Salcombe offers Gara Rock with "staggering" clifftop views and Harbour Beach Club which is seconds from the sea.

Blackpool Sands is signposted from Dartmouth on the A379 between Stoke Fleming and Strete - three miles from Dartmouth. There is car parking on-site next to the beach.

By bus, the beach can be reached via the No. 93 from Dartmouth to Kingsbridge followed by a walk along The South Devon Coast Path.