10 Places to Take Stunning Photos in the UK
2022-08-06
The United Kingdom is one of the cultural centres of the whole world and attracts millions of tourists every year. Typically, when you decide to visit the UK, you think about where you will stay, what new dish you will try, the shops you will see and perhaps where you will take some nice photographs for Instagram or Facebook. In today’s world, social media has taken over our lives, and we share every moment with our friends. Being in the UK, you have the opportunity to take some of the best photos of your life as it offers some of the most stunning backgrounds. Here are some of the best photography locations in the UK.
1. York
*Photo by Drew de F Fawkes on Flickr
York stands on top of the places best for location photography. The city boasts many eye-catching buildings and mediaeval structures, giving the city a different look.
Its streets, such as Petergate and the Shambles, have kept their old historic appearance and are surrounded by listed buildings with jettied facades and timber-framed windows.
York Castle and its keep, Clifford’s Tower, is also another breathtaking building to look at. The tower also provides a fantastic panoramic view of the city, ideal for photos.
2. Yorkshire Dales
*Photo by Robert J Heath on Flickr
Driving about an hour from York, you will get to Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is a great place to breathe fresh air, enjoy the wildlife and, more importantly, try your hand at nature photography.
Millions of tourists visit the Dales yearly to see their valleys and villages. It is also full of unique locations to take photos. Aysgarth Falls has the most spectacular cascades and has been an inspiration for artists and filmmakers. Ribblehead Viaduct is also a superb location and has inspired films such as No Blade of Grass (1970) and TV shows like Jericho (2016).
3. The Lake District
*Photo by Robert J Heath on Flickr
The mountainous region of Lake District, located in North West England, is another popular tourist attraction, most loved for its lakes, forests and beautiful landscape of the mountains.
The region has a unique look in every season. The snowy ridges and hills of Southern Fells, the bird-eye view of Lake Windermere in Spring, and the oak woodlands provide a fascinating opportunity for every photographer.
The Lake District attractions have been mentioned in countless literary works and have been the subject of many of Alfred and William Heaton Cooper’s paintings.
4. Cornwall
*Photo by Harshil Shah on Flickr
Cornwall is another region famous for its outstanding landscape. The amazing scenery and the spectacular form of cliffs in the coastal areas attract all lovers of nature. Land's End peninsula, for instance, is the western-most part of England, and its rock formations dazzle the eye of everyone.
Tremenheere Woods also provides a pathway filled with wildflowers and lots of wildlife, but the main highlight has to be St Michael's Mount, a tidal island accessible at low tide. It is magical, with a castle, gardens, and a natural fairytale view.
5. South Downs National Park
*Photo by IA Photography on Flickr
South Downs National Park in Southern England covers an area of around 1600 square kilometres. It is a designated area of outstanding natural beauty and provides countless opportunities for photographers and lovers of nature.
The chalk hills and Devil's Dyke give a picturesque view of the countryside, but the highlights are the chalky cliffs of Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. The Seven Sisters refer to the seven eroded hills that start from east of Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap, overlooking a view of the sea and Beachy Head Lighthouse.
6. Jurassic Coast
*Photo by cattan2011 on Flickr
Jurassic Coast in Dorset is another fascinating sight for visitors. Its sensational scenery is ideal for hikers, and its beaches are on every family’s wishlist.
You can wander around Lulworth Cove and its fossil forest, pose beside Durdle Door for a memorable profile picture and wonder at the natural magnificence of Old Harry Rocks.
The coastline is one of the best places to see natural erosion occurring, and its cliffs have a distinct dramatic look during sunset.
7. Durham
*Photo by Gareth Milner on Flickr
Durham in North East England is a civil parish, a cathedral city, and a corridor to the mediaeval history of England. The city boasts over 600 listed buildings, including Crook Hall, Durham Castle and Elvet Bridge.
The city gained further popularity for housing Durham Cathedral, overlooking Framwellgate Bridge. The Cathedral has been one of the locations of Harry Potter films, where many of the scenes were shot. Its architecture and interior views have also inspired films like Avengers End Game (2019) and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012).
8. Peak District
If you are in the central parts of England, there is no place better than Peak District National Park to take spectacular images. It is no wonder the site has been an inspiration for writers from Jane Austin to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Peak District has something for everyone. There are long-distance trails for hikers and bicycle riders. Paragliding is also popular in its valleys, and the park has some perfect rock-climbing sites. You can also explore its caves and record photos of some great potholes and old mines.
9. Northumberland
Going Northernward to Northumberland, near the border of England and Scotland, you will discover even more breathtaking sights. The World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall, is a popular tourist attraction. The wall is a remnant of Imperial Rome and was used as a fortification.
In the nearby national park, there are other things to discover. Rothbury Riverside Walk provides a fantastic opportunity to walk along the river and take unique countryside views, with beautiful gardens and impressive houses.
10. Bath
*Photo by Alistair Young on Flickr
Bath is a city named after its famous baths dating back to the Roman era and is a must-visit for lovers of history and historical photographers. It boasts a great number of museums and stunning buildings and structures and receives millions of overseas visitors every year.
One of the most iconic places to photograph is Pulteney Bridge and spots in its proximity. The path alongside River Avon toward the bridge is a picturesque walk, and on the bridge itself, there are lots of interesting shops to check out.
