The South Hams is home to a number of sandy beaches. 999Kingsbridge picks its top three.

1.) Bigbury-on-Sea

Set within a designated area of outstanding beauty, Bigbury-on-Sea nestles in Bigbury Bay.

This beach is surrounded by acres of golden sand and provides spectacular views across the South Hams coastline.

As a Blue Flag beach, it has excellent water quality, good facilities and is well-maintained. Access is easy from an adjacent car park.

Bigbury-on-Sea offers shallow waters for paddling and rockpools for exploring.

The setting is also perfect for windsurfing and canoeing, particularly at high tide.

There is currently a restricted access on dogs - no dogs are allowed on the main beach from May 1 to September 30.

Bigbury-on-Sea offers a beach shop and excellent cafe facilities. RNLI lifeguards are on the beach from May - September, 10am till 6pm.

Burgh Island is situated just off the beach and is accessible across a sand spit at low tide or via tractor at high tide.

To get there, take the A379 and between Modbury and Aveton Gifford turn on to the B3392 and carry on to Bigbury. Pass through Bigbury village and follow the road to Bigbury on Sea where there is a car park.

2.) Bantham

Renowned as the South Coasts prime surf spot, Bantham beach is situated lining the seaward and estuary sides of the beautiful Bantham Ham at the mouth of the Avon Estuary.

Set within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bantham beach is surrounded by acres of golden sand and provides spectacular panoramic views across the River Avon to Burgh Island.

Being awarded the 'Rural Clean Beach' flag means that children find it has perfect 'sandcastle' sand, and hours of entertainment can be had at low tide when many rock pools are uncovered.

Bantham beach is regarded as one of the best surfing beaches on the south coast.

However, windsurfers tend to avoid the beach because of the long walk to the water at low tide - but this very reason makes it ideal for kitesurfers. RNLI lifeguards are on the beach from May - September, 10am till 6pm.

The beach is cleaned daily in high season and a minimum of four times per week at other times.

Between May and September dogs are not permitted on Bantham beach. But there are no restrictions on the nearby coastal paths. The large car park adjacent to the beach provides ample parking and toilets.

Approximately half mile from the beach stands the delightful Sloop Inn. This friendly establishment is renowned for its extensive menu of fresh fish and shellfish, local meats and homemade sweets.

3.) Blackpool Sands

The award-winning Blackpool Sands is one of the South Hams' most beautiful and popular beaches and can be found at the northern end of the unspoilt Start Bay.

Many beach lovers are drawn by its superb golden sand, warm turquoise blue sea and amazing surrounding woodland.

A recent feature is the Secret Seaside Garden of Blackpool, a newly restored subtropical garden full of mature trees and shrubs.

Blackpool Sands provides great opportunities for swimming, sailing and scuba diving.

Lifeguards are on duty from May to September and the beach is cleaned daily throughout the summer.

Children will be attracted by the fresh water pond which is ideal for paddling and using inflatables.

Its strict policy on dogs means that they are not permitted in the car parks or on the beach.

Over the years, Blackpool Sands has won many coveted beach awards.

The beach is signposted from Dartmouth on the A379 between Stoke Fleming and Strete. There is a pay car park nearby.