The Vision of a View- 12 Places to Photograph in the UK
One of the most ideal types of shoots to undertake throughout your photography journey is capturing landscapes. Whilst the UK may not immediately seem like the right place to go out hunting for somewhere to get the perfect view, we have some amazing landscapes to offer. In this guide we’ve collated a list of some of the best places to go in the UK to capture that perfect view that you’ve envisaged in your mind.
Surprise View, Peak District
Just what it says on the tin; Surprise View in the Peak District offers a spectacular panoramic view, taking in the best that the surrounding area has to offer. These include Castle Crag, Great Gable, and Derwent Water, amongst others from this terrific point. The best vantage point for your shot is Millstone Edge, though many choose to take in the scenery from the Sunrise View car park, which is easily accessible. So take your camera, take a seat and enjoy the surprise.
Seven Sisters, Sussex
Located In the South Downs National Park, the Seven Sisters are world famous iconic chalk cliffs facing the English Channel. The point where the Seven Sisters dramatically end (The South Downs) allows for dramatic shadows during mid summer, when the setting sun bounces between the cliffs & contours as they plunge into the sea.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
If you are looking for dramatic coastal scenery without travelling abroad, the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall is the place to visit. The area is a harbour of unique geology and has a beautiful character, embracing the feel of a distant island. If you travel 2 miles north of Lizard Village you will find Kynance Cove. This is a remote stunning location and probably one of the most photographed locations in Cornwall. With its white beaches, turquoise seas and red rock, it is not only an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Above and below ground, the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is the ideal place for spectacular views. Below ground you have the stunning Gough’s cave with natural beauty created by the stalagmites and stalactites’ otherworldly illusions. Above ground is the limestone range of the Mendip hills which make for an impressive varied view, which you might mistake for a New Zealand/Hobbit landscape.
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
One of Northern Island’s most famous landmarks, the surreal Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns which appear to slide/step into the waves. The beauty of photographing the Giant’s Causeway is found in the number of different shots that can be achieved. Whether you look to capture the brilliant rise of the columns or small sections as they disappear under the sea, you can be assured of a great photo. If you want to get the best from the causeway take your captures during the Golden Hour when the columns take on a golden hue during the spring/autumn months.
Turf Fen Mill, Norfolk
On the edge of the River Ant in the Norfolk Broads sits the Turf Fen Mill. This landmark offers a picturesque setting through the combination of the reflecting still waters and the flat surrounding landscape, offering the perfect platform for the mill to be silhouetted against the dusk & dawn skies.
Stiperstones, Shropshire
Jagged outcrops of rock, the Stiperstones in Shropshire consists of an impressive 10km rugged tor crowned by the outcrop silhouettes. The ideal shot of the Stiperstones is against the evening sky, when you can capture the silhouettes. Alternatively take in the view during the daytime to photograph the beautiful wildlife and views of the Welsh mountains and Shropshire Hills it has to offer.
Gower Peninsula, Wales
If you are looking for coastal scenery then the Gower Peninsula in Swansea is a great choice. The first place in Britain to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it consists of beaches, clifftops marshes and dunes. You can visit the Gower Peninsula and get practising capturing a variety of landscapes. Don’t forget to check out the Worm’s Head at the west tip of the Gower!
Pucks Glen, Scotland
It’s only a short walk but Puck’s Glen in the Cowal Peninsula is the perfect setting for a seemingly magical photoshoot. With shady undergrowth, beautiful flowers, tumbling waterfalls and even a gorge, Pucks Glen is a perceived world of enchantments, fairies and pixies.
Sgwd yr Eira, Brecon Beacons, Wales
Want a watery wonder to capture? Take a stroll through the Brecon Beacons to Sgwd yr Eira, the most photographed waterfall of Waterfall Country. Far from the roads is this hidden gem, seemingly belonging to a fairytale. The particularly unique thing about this waterfall? You can actually walk behind the curtain of the ‘waterfall of snow’. If you have a bit of time on your hands take advantage of the reason and do the Four Falls Walk which also takes in the Blue Pool, Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, and Sgwd y Pannwrdf – after that you’ll be guaranteed to have impressive watery wonderland shots.
Bratley View, New Forest
A relatively flat landscape, at Bratley View you could almost believe you are in Africa, it’s complete with a single life-sized bonsai tree situated in New Forest . Heather and bracken combine in the view to make for a colourful & stunning shot.
Eilean Donan Castle
Floodlit in the evenings, Eilean Donan Castle makes for an impressive nighttime/dusky shoot. Set against the backdrop of mountains, if you can set up on a colder winter day, you may be blessed with mist rolling off the mountains, which makes for an even more spectacular shot. Located on the banks of Loch Duich, you needn’t worry about where to go with your camera. The nearby roads are perfectly situated to look out over the waters.
