January blues

Banishing the post Christmas blues with sunshine and blue skies down at Blackpool Sands.

This beautiful crescent shaped shingle beach is set at the bottom of a valley with a backdrop of steep, green pine fringed woods and fields making it one of the most picturesque spots in south Devon.

The bay is sheltered from most winds making it a go to beach all year round. Clear blue water laps at the shore and it never seems to get too busy.

It's well set up in terms of facilities - toilets, showers, beach shop and of course the Venus Cafe. The Venus Cafe offers locally produced food, anything from coffee and home made cakes to proper meals often featuring locally caught fish. This mackerel BLT's or grilled sardines. It's also licensed which is a massive bonus.

Even better - Blackpool Sands is just a 10 minute drive from The Whitehouse, nestled between the villages of Strete and Stoke Fleming, about halfway to Dartmouth.