There are absolutely loads of places to take stunning photos in the South West, but for a truly magical memory, try one of these picturesque locations.
Brixham Harbour, Devon
A striking white lighthouse sits on the end of the harbour wall, and the water here is often quite wonderfully milky, so bring a tripod and take a slow shutter speed shot of the sea with the lighthouse in the frame. Explore the pebble beach for flotsam and jetsam and if you come in summer you might be able to get images of crab fishing, which is very popular in the area.
Cape Cornwall, Cornwall
If you’re looking for a good location to set up your camera and capture the sea in a storm, you can’t do better than head to the most southerly point of Britain, Cape Cornwall. Conjure up tales of smuggling activities and shipwrecks when the sea is grey and menacing.
Dartmeet, Devon
Take the Ashburton junction from the A38 and follow the signs to Dartmeet; just after the village of Poundsgate a spectacular view of the moors opens up as you make a steep descent. Stop at the car park on the left for uninterrupted views of the open moorland and tors. Go in the morning for possible mists in the valleys. If you are lucky you will also see Dartmoor Ponies.
The Royal William Yard, Plymouth, Devon
Military history meets modernism at the Royal William Yard, with views out to Plymouth Sound and Drake’s Island through old archways once used to load the naval ships. Explore the beautiful stone architecture and make some images about old meeting new.
Porlock, Somerset
This quintessentially picturesque village on the edge of Exmoor and the coast is one of the best places to take photos in the South West, with high street bunting and old fashioned shop fronts that will take you back in time. Visit on a busy Saturday morning, take a wide angle lens, add in a tripod and experiment with your shutter speed to get movement from the people whilst freezing the architecture to ensure you capture the bustling atmosphere.
Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, Devon
I live in Newton Ferrers so I’m biased but it is one of the prettiest Devon villages. Head on down to Bridgend (where the two villages meet at the top of the estuary) at high tide to get a wonderful shot of bobbing boats, shell ducks and pretty waterfront cottages. If you time your trip for the regatta at the end of August then all the bunting and flags will be flying and you will be able to catch the gig rowing on the water.
Cowslip Workshops, Launceston, Cornwall
This really is a hidden gem. Photograph wonderful allotments, beautiful textiles and pretty gardens, all with a view to Launceston Castle. For anyone with an interest in photographing rustic scenery and exploring abstract textures this is an ideal place to start. Take a macro lens or use your macro setting to get close ups of flowers, insects, vegetables and a myriad of crafty exploits.
Dean Prior bridge over the A38, Devon
This one requires patience but every morning and evening the cows are taken from one field to the next on the bridge that runs over the A38, so if you have the time, get down there early to see the unusual spectacle. I have always been too busy to stop but it is a wonderful sight to see.
Rame Head, Cornwall
Arrive 20 minutes before sunset and position yourself right up on the ruins facing west to get a breathtaking view of the the South East Coast of Cornwall. On a clear day you can almost see the Lizard, and the sunsets never disappoint.
Haldon Forest Park, Exeter, Devon
I love to take photographs in this place, which has wonderful light streaming through the trees and bouncing off the loamy forest floor towards sunset and dawn, giving it a magical quality. Go for an explore with your camera and take the kids, who will love it too, especially if you go looking for the hidden clues on the walks.
By photographer Emma Latham, Freckle Photography
What are your favourite places to take photos in the South West? Let us know!