Introduction
Wild coastlines, rolling moorland, dramatic cliffs, and some of the darkest skies in England—Exmoor National Park is a dream for photographers looking for variety, atmosphere, and raw landscapes.
What makes Exmoor stand out is its contrast. Within a short distance, you can photograph towering coastal cliffs, quiet woodland, open moors, and charming villages. It’s less crowded than places like the Lake District, which means cleaner compositions and more freedom to explore.
For photographers, Exmoor is about light, elevation, and positioning. The landscapes are subtle at first glance, but with the right angles and conditions, they become incredibly powerful.
This guide focuses on exactly that: the best locations and Instagram-worthy spots, with clear advice on what to shoot and where to stand.
Why Photograph Exmoor
What Makes It Special
- One of England’s least crowded national parks
- Dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden coves
- Open moorland with wide views
- Official Dark Sky Reserve (great for night photography)
What This Means for Photography
- Strong opportunities for landscape and astrophotography
- Clean, uncluttered compositions
- Excellent sunrise and sunset viewpoints
- Variety without long travel distances
Best Photography Locations & Instagram Spots
Valley of Rocks
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Valley+of+Rocks
Why Shoot Here
One of the most iconic landscapes in Exmoor—dramatic rock formations overlooking the sea.
What to Photograph
- Jagged rock formations
- Goats often standing on cliffs
- Coastal views and depth
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Best at sunset with light hitting the rocks
- Walk along the ridge for multiple angles
- Use rocks in the foreground to create depth
Porlock Weir
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Porlock+Weir
Why Shoot Here
A quiet harbor with strong coastal character.
What to Photograph
- Boats and reflections
- Pebble beach textures
- Harbor scenes
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Shoot at sunrise for calm water
- Use a long exposure to smooth the sea
- Frame boats as foreground elements
Dunkery Beacon
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Dunkery+Beacon
Why Shoot Here
The highest point in Exmoor with panoramic views.
What to Photograph
- Rolling hills and moorland
- Layers of landscape in the distance
- Changing weather patterns
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Best at sunrise or sunset
- Use a telephoto lens to compress layers
- Look for mist in valleys below
Heddon Valley
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Heddon+Valley
Why Shoot Here
A lush valley leading down to the sea.
What to Photograph
- River flowing through woodland
- Coastal cliffs at the valley end
- Layered landscapes
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Use the river as a leading line
- Shoot toward the sea for depth
- Best in soft or overcast light
Watersmeet
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Watersmeet
Why Shoot Here
A meeting point of rivers surrounded by woodland.
What to Photograph
- Flowing water and rocks
- Forest textures
- Reflections and detail shots
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Use a tripod + slow shutter (1–2 seconds)
- Frame rocks and branches in foreground
- Best after rain for stronger water flow
Lynton & Lynmouth
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Lynton+Lynmouth
Why Shoot Here
Twin towns connected by a cliff railway with dramatic coastal views.
What to Photograph
- Harbor and coastline
- Cliff railway
- Town + sea compositions
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Shoot from above in Lynton for wide views
- Use a telephoto lens to isolate details
- Best at golden hour for warm tones
Tarr Steps
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Tarr+Steps
Why Shoot Here
An ancient clapper bridge over a river.
What to Photograph
- Stone bridge structure
- River flowing underneath
- Woodland surroundings
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Use the bridge as a leading line
- Shoot from low angles for depth
- Best in soft, diffused light
Bossington Beach
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Bossington+Beach
Why Shoot Here
A quiet, rugged beach with minimal crowds.
What to Photograph
- Pebble beach textures
- Waves and coastline
- Minimalist seascapes
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Ideal for long exposures
- Use foreground stones for interest
- Works well in moody weather
Doone Valley
Google Maps
https://maps.google.com/?q=Doone+Valley
Why Shoot Here
A remote valley with a wild, untouched feel.
What to Photograph
- Rolling hills
- River and woodland
- Atmospheric landscapes
Concrete Shooting Tips
- Best in mist or low cloud
- Use layers to build depth
- Keep compositions simple
When to Photograph Exmoor
Best Time of Day
- Sunrise: Dunkery Beacon, Porlock Weir
- Sunset: Valley of Rocks, Bossington Beach
- Midday: Woodland areas like Watersmeet
Best Seasons
Spring
- Fresh greens and flowing rivers
Summer
- Long days and coastal clarity
Autumn
- Rich colors and atmospheric conditions
Winter
- Dramatic light and minimalism
Best Weather and Conditions
Ideal Conditions
- Mist for moody landscapes
- Broken clouds for dynamic skies
- Calm conditions for reflections
Creative Conditions
- Storms for dramatic coastlines
- Fog for minimalism
- Changing light for contrast
How to Plan a Shoot in Exmoor
Practical Route Example
- Sunrise: Dunkery Beacon
- Midday: Watersmeet or Tarr Steps
- Sunset: Valley of Rocks
Location Strategy Tips
- Expect driving between locations
- Allow time for walking and elevation gain
- Combine coast + inland locations in one day
- Revisit locations in different conditions
(Part 2 will include where to stay, eat, logistics, and a complete travel guide.)
Where to Stay in Exmoor
Exmoor is spread out, so choosing the right base depends on what you want to photograph—coast, moorland, or woodland.
Lynton Cottage Hotel
Website: https://www.lyntoncottagehotel.co.uk/
Why stay here:
Cliff-top location overlooking the coast, close to Valley of Rocks.
Photography advantage:
- Easy access to sunset coastal shots
- Elevated views straight from the hotel
- Great base for Lynton & Lynmouth
The Porlock Weir Hotel
Website: https://www.porlockweirhotel.co.uk/
Why stay here:
Right on the harbor near Porlock Weir.
Photography advantage:
- Perfect for sunrise harbor photography
- Minimal travel needed for early shoots
- Quiet and less crowded
Dunkery Beacon Country House
Website: https://www.dunkerybeaconhotel.co.uk/
Why stay here:
Close to Dunkery Beacon.
Photography advantage:
- Ideal for sunrise and sunset on the moor
- Central location for inland exploration
Exmoor White Horse Inn
Website: https://www.whitehorseexmoor.co.uk/
Why stay here:
A central base within Exmoor.
Photography advantage:
- Good access to multiple locations
- Useful for multi-day photography trips
Where to Eat (Photographer-Friendly Stops)
The Rising Sun
Website: https://www.risingsunlynmouth.co.uk/
Why go:
Right by the harbor in Lynton & Lynmouth.
Best for photographers:
- Combine with coastal shoots
- Great post-sunset location
The Ship Inn
Website: https://www.shipinnporlockweir.co.uk/
Why go:
Classic seaside pub near Porlock Weir.
Best for photographers:
- Ideal after sunrise shoots
- Views of the harbor
The Rest and Be Thankful Inn
Website: https://www.restandbethankful.co.uk/
Why go:
A historic inn in the heart of Exmoor.
Best for photographers:
- Good stop between inland locations
- Central and convenient
Periwinkle Tea Rooms
Website: https://www.periwinkletearooms.co.uk/
Why go:
Quaint tea rooms in a picturesque village.
Best for photographers:
- Combine with village photography
- Great for slower travel days
How to Get Around
By Car (Best Option)
- Essential for exploring Exmoor efficiently
- Locations are spread out and rural
- Many roads are narrow but scenic
Key tip:
- Start early—parking fills up at places like Valley of Rocks
By Public Transport
- Limited access compared to other parks
- Buses connect some towns but not remote locations
Tip:
Best combined with taxis or cycling if not driving.
By Foot
- Many locations require short hikes
- Ideal for exploring areas like Heddon Valley
How to Plan a Photography Day
Sunrise Plan
- Start at Dunkery Beacon
- Capture mist in valleys and layered landscapes
Midday Plan
- Head to Watersmeet or Tarr Steps
- Focus on woodland and river scenes
Sunset Plan
- Finish at Valley of Rocks
- Capture dramatic coastal light
Practical Travel Tips for Photographers
Dark Sky Photography
Exmoor National Park is a designated Dark Sky Reserve.
Best locations:
- Dunkery Beacon
- Valley of Rocks
Tip:
- Shoot on clear, moonless nights
Parking & Access
- Small rural car parks
- Some require walking to viewpoints
- Arrive early for key spots
Weather Strategy
- Conditions change quickly
- Mist and low cloud create strong images
- Coastal weather can differ from inland
What to Bring
- Waterproof boots (often muddy)
- Layers for changing weather
- Headlamp for sunrise/sunset or night shoots
Nearby Locations to Combine
Ilfracombe
- Coastal town with harbor scenes
- Good for lifestyle photography
Minehead
- Gateway to Exmoor
- Mix of town and coastal shots
FAQs
Is Exmoor good for photography?
Yes—it offers a mix of coastline, moorland, woodland, and night photography opportunities.
What is the best location in Exmoor?
Valley of Rocks is the most iconic, while Dunkery Beacon offers the best views.
When is the best time to visit?
Sunrise and sunset are best, with autumn and winter offering the most dramatic conditions.
Do I need a car?
Yes—it’s the easiest way to access multiple photography locations.
Is Exmoor good for night photography?
Yes—it’s one of the best Dark Sky locations in England.
How many days should I spend here?
2–3 days allows you to cover both coast and inland areas.
Is Exmoor crowded?
No—it’s quieter than many national parks, especially outside summer.
Conclusion
Exmoor National Park is one of England’s most underrated photography destinations. Its mix of dramatic coastline, open moorland, and peaceful woodland creates endless opportunities for capturing unique landscapes.
What makes Exmoor special is the balance—it offers variety without crowds, and strong compositions without needing to search too hard. With the right planning and a flexible approach to weather and light, you can create a diverse and powerful portfolio here.
Related Internal Articles
- Dartmoor National Park Photography Guide
- Dorset National Landscape Photography Guide
- Pembrokeshire Coast Photography Guide
- New Forest Photography Guide
- Best Gardens to Visit in England
External Resources
- Exmoor National Park Authority – https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/
- Visit Exmoor – https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/
- Met Office – https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
- Ordnance Survey – https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/
- National Trust – https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/