Cornwall’s stunning coastlines and natural areas of beauty add colour and vibrancy to any shot, but where can you find some of the best scenery? Discover 10 favourite photography spots from those who visit Cornwall regularly.
1. Fistral Beach and Bay
Considered one of the best surfing locations across the UK and Europe, Fistral Beach offers long stretches of golden sands, looking out to the blue water of Fistral Bay. Photographers with a passion for sport and action photography will revel in the summer events at Fistral Beach and Bay as the crowds gather to watch in awe and the surfers taking to the waves.
“The views are absolutely stunning all year round, especially if you manage to capture the Headland Hotel in all its beauty too! I think my favourite time of year to visit for photographs, though, has to be when the Boardmasters Festival is on in August, and the beach is full of excited surfers and holiday go-ers.” – Kirsty Leanne, UK Travel & Lifestyle Blogger
2. Kynance Cove
One of the most popular spots in Cornwall, Kynance Cove is a perfectly picturesque beach and one of the most photographed and painted sights in Cornwall. The contrast between its white sandy beaches and the rocky cliffs adorned with lush green grass as they stretch out into the water makes for a fantastic photography. Its waters during the summer are turquoise in colour, resembling a beach scene from the Maldives rather than the British Isles. Take a short climb up the hills opposite for the ultimate shot of this beautiful area.
At low tides, Kynance Cove reveals its secret smuggling past, as its caves become available to explore. Try your hand at some experimental photography within the caves, with some fantastic lighting opportunities.
3. St Nectan’s Glen
This area of outstanding natural beauty is famous for its natural waterfalls that jut out of the rock face. The main attraction is St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall One, a sixty-foot waterfall created by the river Trevillet punching a hole through the basin. With the right lighting, the water can appear somewhat mystical – a photographer’s dream.
St Nectan’s Glen is surrounded by lush green moss and foliage that grows on the rocks near the waterfalls. Photographers also have the option to view two extra waterfalls which are equally as beautiful.
4. Land’s End
Look out to sea from the stunning viewpoint of Land’s End. A walk along the hundred acres of coastal and clifftop footpaths will have you admiring the spectacular natural panoramic views. All of this is made even better when catching glimpses of a dolphin jumping out of the water, or a bird sweeping past you in the sea breeze.
“There are so many places in Cornwall that draw me back time and time again with my camera. The hardest part is choosing a favourite, as I have so many. I have to mention Land’s End though, it’s a place with so many good memories for me and a sunset down there with the Longships Lighthouse in the frame is just stunning.” – Stevie Couch, Lifestyle Blogger & Cornish Mum
5. St Ives
The popular seaside town of St Ives is the perfect place to snap brilliant photographs. Long an inspiration for artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson, as well as the novelist Virginia Woolf, St Ives is a hotbed of activity in Cornwall. The crowds are attracted to the town’s picturesque working harbour, white sandy beaches and cobbled streets, all of which present the opportunity for photographers to take fantastic photographs.
If you’re a keen walker, take a trip along the Godrevy to Hell’s Mouth coastal path, where you can look back to superb views of St Ives, the opportune moment to capture a gorgeous shot.
6. Polperro
Polperro has been a mecca for artists for a least the last 200 years. Due to its steep-sided valleys, the village has managed to avoid the inevitable re-development and expansion that so many villages and towns succumb to, leaving the original traditional village intact. As such, Polperro is one of the most unspoiled Cornish fishing villages in the whole of Cornwall, making it a beautiful spot for photography.
7. Bodmin Moor
A designated area of outstanding natural beauty, Bodmin Moor provides fantastic scenery of granite and heather, with a history dating back to as early as the Bronze Age. Head underground for some spectacular shots of the Carnglaze Slate Caverns, or climb to the top of Roughtor for far reaching views.
“The wild heart of Cornwall, a place to get away from the crowds and lose yourself in a rugged landscape full of myths and legends. For the photographer it offers fantastic landscapes with ever changing skies, industrial sites with World Heritage status, amazing geological formations and there’s alway a chance of capturing the illusive shot of the mysterious beast of Bodmin Moor! So put on your walking boots, grab a map and get exploring.” Mark Camp, Tour Guide
8. St Michael’s Mount
For dramatic photography, look no further than St Michael’s Mount. Located at Marazion, the early medieval castle perched on the top of the mount looks like a scene from a Disney fairytale. The mount is connected to the town by a cobbled causeway, which is only accessible during low tide. St Michael’s Mount is one of the top tourist attractions in Cornwall and an idyllic location for wonderful photographs.
9. Tintagel Castle
Jump head first into history at Tintagel Castle, a medieval fortification that is linked to King Arthur and his round table. This dramatic castle perched on the top of the rugged Cornish coastline provides a fantastic backdrop for photographers. Its open views and staggered vantage points make for dramatic sea views in the most historic of places.
10. Bluebells in Tehidy Country Park
As spring begins to break in Cornwall, the most amazing displays of bluebells can be seen carpeting the grass across the region. The transformation of the ground makes for a fantastic photo opportunity, due to the contrast in colours thanks to the vibrant bluebells.
We’ve chosen Tehidy Country Park specifically because it’s one of the largest woodland areas in Cornwall, giving photographers the opportunity to take a wide selection of natural photographs, including the bluebells. Photographers and visitors can also enjoy a wander around the lake as well as the outer woodland areas.
