A Guide to Dorset’s Best Photography Spots

From our coastal location in Charmouth, Newlands Holidays is ideally situated to access the best photography hotspots in Dorset! With plenty of scenic and historic attractions dotted along throughout the countryside and along the coastline, Dorset offers endless opportunities for taking some incredible photos whilst on holiday on the Jurassic Coast. Below we have provided our guide to some of the best locations for photography in Dorset!

Colmer’s Hill

With its unique silhouette of trees perched high upon a hill, Colmer’s Hill is instantly recognisable when featured in any holiday snaps of Dorset. Colmer’s Hill stands out from the surrounding rolling hills of Symondsbury, making for a beautiful photograph of the Dorset countryside. We recommend walking up the nearby Allington Hill if you are looking to take photos of Colmer’s Hill – which looks especially beautiful at dusk!

Although Colmer’s Hill provides an excellent focal point in photos, a walk up this incredible viewpoint also offers plenty of incredible photo opportunities. The hill is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, lush greenery and various animals, thus providing visitors with a range of jaw-dropping photograph possibilities whilst exploring this natural feature in West Dorset.

Marshwood Vale

If you love capturing stunning landscape photos, you are sure to enjoy a visit to Marshwood Vale. Located between Bridport and Lyme Regis, this peaceful valley is perhaps best known for its rustic charm which is commonly likened to that of a Thomas Hardye novel.

Filled with picturesque streams, rivers, quaint villages, rolling fields and plenty of wildflowers, such as daisies, buttercups and poppies, a visit to Marshwood Vale provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to capture the magic of Dorset’s countryside.

Photo credit: Flickr – Shelia Thomson

Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach’s rugged beauty creates plenty of amazing photo opportunities for those on holiday in Dorset. Stretching out for eighteen miles, this beach is filled with smooth pebbles which glisten and glimmer in the sun. As you search Chesil Beach for that picture-perfect photograph, remember to take your time to soak in the tranquillity of the sea. Listen to the soothing sound of the waves as they crash against the pebbles, breathe in the salty sea air and let your creativity flow.

Although Chesil Beach is beautiful at all times of the day, we recommend visiting Chesil Beach just before the golden hours of sunrise or sunset! During these hours, Chesil Beach is lit up in beautiful hues of gold and orange, which both illuminate and cast beautiful shadows over this iconic beach in Dorset. As a westerly-facing beach, you'll be to capture the sun as it dips below the horizon. 

Golden Cap

If you're seeking a fantastic vantage point to capture a few breathtaking panoramic photos of Dorset's picturesque countryside and coastline, look no further than Golden Cap! As the highest point in Dorset, this remarkable location offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning landscape shots of the golden cliffs, coastline, and sea below. The unique cliffs at Golden Cap radiate a vibrant golden colour, especially during summer evenings, and are sure to add a touch of Dorset magic to your photographs.

But the beauty doesn't simply stop there! As you descend from the towering cliffs, you'll find a tranquil and sheltered shingle beach waiting to be discovered. Seaton is the ideal beach for families with young children as it offers the perfect spot to cool off with a refreshing dip in the clear waters. If you take any fantastic family photos whilst visiting Golden Cap, we’d love to see them! You can either tag us in any photos on Facebook or enter them into our photography competition for a chance of winning £250 off your next Newlands Holiday!

Photo Credit: Flickr - Dave Walker

West Bay

A visit to West Bay offers ample opportunities to take some incredible photos whilst on holiday in Dorset! This traditional seaside harbour village is lined with charming traditional buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes – it’s like stepping into a postcard! If you have fallen in love with the old-timey character of West Bay and are looking to capture that feeling within a photograph, we recommend taking a stroll along West Bay’s historic harbour. Admire traditional fishing boats bobbing in the water, which can add a touch of old-timey charm and nostalgia to your holiday photos.

Although West Bay is filled with colourful photo opportunities, we’d like to remind all budding photographers to pause and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of West Bay! We recommend taking a moment to feel the gentle sea breeze on your face, treat yourself to a tasty meal at one of the waterfront eateries, or simply kick back with a cup of tea at a café.

Durdle Door

If you're planning a visit to Dorset, there's one place you absolutely shouldn't miss - Durdle Door. This enchanting location offers the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking and dramatic photos that will leave all your friends and family in awe. It's no wonder that photographers and visitors from all over the world flock to this world-famous limestone arch throughout the year! Durdle Door boasts a picturesque setting with its towering cliffs, pebble beach, crystal-clear waters, and of course the iconic rock formation itself, you'll find yourself surrounded by beauty at every turn. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just love taking casual selfies, Durdle Door promises an abundance of unmissable photo opportunities.

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is an absolute gem for snapping some truly iconic photos in Dorset! This natural horseshoe-shaped bay is a photographer's dream come true. On sunny days, Lulworth Cove transforms into a serene paradise. With its bright blue waters and majestic cliffs that surround the bay, this coastal attraction in Dorset creates a picture-perfect backdrop for your photos. While spending a day at the beach in Lulworth Cove, we encourage you to seize the opportunity to snap up as many photos as possible. The idyllic scenery provides an ideal setting for creating lifelong memories with your loved ones. Whether you're taking family selfies, or simply capturing the beauty of nature, Lulworth Cove won't disappoint!

Newlands Holidays

With a wide selection of accommodation and touring, camping and glamping options, Newlands Holidays provide the perfect base to explore the best photography locations in Dorset. From the rugged coastline to the rolling hills, this beautiful county offers endless opportunities to take some stunning photographs! If you are staying at Newland Holidays and think you’ve taken a few incredible holiday photographs in Dorset, we’d love to see them! Enter your fantastic holiday snaps into our photo competition to be in with a chance of winning £250 off your next Newlands Holiday.

To secure your Newlands Holiday accommodation, simply book online or call our friendly reception team at 01297 560256.