The United Kingdom has far more to offer than just London, especially if you’re a traveller that loves the outdoors and breathtaking landscapes.
Perhaps you’ve got a pair of hiking boots that need some dusting off. Either way, visit one (or all!) of the following destinations and you’re sure to capture some stunning shots that will stand out on your Instagram and photo albums.
Whether you have an interest in photography, or are just getting started you can find lots of different spots to bring your photos to life. From ancient historical sites, to tourists hotspots, modern architecture, National Parks, you won't struggle for places to go.
If you’re not geared up with a pro or semi-pro camera, and would prefer not to leave these once-in-a-lifetime shots up to your iPhone, you can hire affordable photographers for a travel shoot. They can help you create memorable photos whilst there are also lots of private and group photograpghy tours available to book all year round. You’re guaranteed to leave with memorable images, and hey, photos including yourself for once!
Without further ado, check out our list of some of the top locations in the UK you must visit with your camera.
1. London
London is the capital and largest city of England and one of the most visited cities in the world.
There are so many incredible places to photograph, from the tourist landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Picadilly Circus to more off the beaten track urban locations like snapping street art and graffiti in Shoreditch. London really does have it all!
If you have a weekend free, check out this ultimate London 2 day sightseeing itinerary.
2. The Lake District
Among the first choice destinations in the United Kingdom - even for locals—because of the beautiful scenery it has to offer. You’ll find it’s nothing short of breathtaking.
Some of the most popular areas to visit in the Lake District are Derwent Water, Loughrigg Fell, Buttermere, Blea Tarn and Ashness Bridge. Each area is known for its unique scenery, so visiting two or three of the locations on your visit will add some variation not only to your trip, but to the photos you capture of the region.
If you’re only able to visit one place in the Lake District, it’d have to be Derwent Water. Expect rolling hills that can only be described as gentle giants, peeking above the forest canopies, which gradually fade into grassy hillsides. As autumn approaches, the hillsides flick from stunning green into a rich auburn shade. The hills cap the year off with white peaks, and the cycle repeats.
The jetties at Keswick Launch offer the best scenes in the early morning hours, and shots taken here are some of the best and most coveted; so be sure to get your shots in and share the space with other visitors. So what makes the jetties so popular? Thanks to their south-side location, the hills’ reflections hit the water just right and are magnificent.
All across the Lake District, you’ll find that the lakes are quite temperamental—so shoot your shot! Keep your camera ready because what you see now may not be there in the next minute. First it’s calm, the next it’s rippling with waves. Beautiful clouds form with the sun illuminating from the back, but it may not last long. There’s never a dull moment in the Lake District.
3. The Isle of Skye
The Isle of Skye is one of the must see places in Scotland, filled with natural beauty and easily accessible.
Neist Point has an awe-inspiring oceanic view, and the lighthouse and ever-present seabirds make it practically impossible to take a bad shot. It’s a great place to finish off the day, capturing images of the sunset at the top of the cliffs as you inhale the salty air and hear the waves crashing below you. Add a local drink or two to the mix, and you’ve got a perfect evening.
It might be hard to move away from the large crowds in the Isle of Skye, so try to get an early start each day. The Fairy Pools are one of the most popular sites in the area (and for good reason), so get here as early as you can. What can you expect here? Waterfalls. And who doesn’t like waterfalls. “Fairy” comes into play thanks to the soft textures of the water as it falls over the edge. You’ll know what we mean when you see it.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Old Man of Storr. A sharp outcrop of rocks that were formed thanks to a landslide and stand in stark contrast to the rest of the landscape. It’s been the backdrop for a countless number of films, including Prometheus and Snow White & The Huntsman.
This will probably come as no surprise to you, but it’s an incredibly popular site too. Once again, you ought to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds, and to get a change to fully explore the area.
4. Glencoe and Rannoch Moor
Mountain resorts nestled amongst the mountain peaks and a landscape that commands respect. If you’ve got a preconceived idea of Scotland in your head, this is it. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who also like to snuggle up next to the fire in the evening.
In winter you’ll find the mountains covered in snow; so driving and walking may be hard in the area, save for the most determined mountain climbers. Otherwise, it’s best to stay indoors and admire the scenery from the warmth of a cabin.
5. Northumberland
A lot of photographers have taken photos in Bamburgh, making it a popular place. That should not make you hesitant to visit the place and explore the different beautiful sceneries it beholds. To get an image of the towering castle, either perform shoots at dawn or sunset.
The main reason is that- at these times, it is implausible to meet crowds of people; therefore, you can freely manoeuvre the area and capture great moments. If wildlife fascinates you, then with a short trip to Farnes Island, you can get to see and take photos of different species of seabirds.
6. Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile long stretch of coastline in southern England, situated within the counties of Dorset and Devon.
The Jurassic Coast is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the scenery is really stunning. Be sure to check out Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door which are some of the top rated outdoor photoshoot locations.
If you plan a trip here you might also like to view some places to visit in Bournemouth - one of the best beach destinations in the UK.
Other Places to Consider
There are plenty of other locations in the United Kingdom for photographers to explore. Go ahead and create memories by capturing the moment in a shoot!
These are some more top spots to get amazing photos:
- York
- Bath
- Snowdonia
- Dartmoor National Park
- Liverpool
- Oxford
- Peak District
- Cornwall
- Yorkshire Dales
- Durham
- Stonehenge
There are plenty of other locations in the United Kingdom for tourists to explore, but these should certainly top your list. Get out there and start building amazing travel memories in the UK!
Do you know an amazing location which we have missed off our list? Let us know in the comments section below.
