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/

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