Six Amazing Devon Photo Locations
- Gary Holpin
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
Devon is a dream for landscape photographers (so I'm very lucky to live here!), brimming with wild moorland, dramatic coastlines, tranquil waterways and unspoiled beaches. These six locations are just a handful of my personal favourites which offer exceptional opportunities for striking images—whether you're a local or simply visiting with your camera.
Brent Tor
How to Find It: Brent Tor rises steeply from the northwest edge of Dartmoor National Park, crowned by the iconic Church of St Michael. Access is via a small car park off the road between Tavistock and Lydford. A short, steep path leads directly to the summit.
Best Times to Go: Brent Tor is striking at both sunrise and sunset. Early mornings often reward with mist swirling around the tor, while evenings can deliver dramatic skies over the moor. Autumn and spring offer the most dynamic weather and atmospheric conditions.
Shot Ideas: Capture wide shots featuring the tor rising above the Devon landscape or focus on the solitary church silhouette against dramatic skies. Experiment with different foregrounds by shooting from the lower slopes, or try framing the church through wild moorland grasses for more context.
Beer Head – View Over Branscombe Undercliff
How to Find It: Park in Beer village and follow the South West Coast Path west towards Branscombe—the viewpoint is just before the path drops down toward the undercliff. The walk offers ever-changing views across rugged cliffs.
Best Times to Go: This is a classic sunset spot, with the sun dropping towards the sea and illuminating the limestone cliffs and sweeping undercliff. Best outside of summer when the sun sets over the sea and the weather often offers moody skies and better light.
Shot Ideas: Set up to catch the sun dropping behind the headland for classic golden-hour shots. Include wildflowers or coastal plants in the foreground for interest and scale, or use a telephoto for layered cliff textures in the evening light.
Exeter Canal Near Turf Locks
How to Find It: Access Turf Locks via the towpath from Exeter, then walk south along the canal bank (there are several access points south of the city).
Best Times to Go: Visit at dawn in autumn or spring when conditions favour early morning mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere over the still water.
Shot Ideas: Capture reflections of moored boats and reeds in soft light, or frame the canal path as it disappears into the mist. Wide shots convey the scale and serenity; close-ups of details like dew-covered cobwebs can add foreground interest.
Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall
How to Find It: Speke's Mill Mouth is on the Hartland Peninsula in North Devon. The nearest parking is at Hartland Quay, then walk the coast path south; the waterfall cascades where the stream meets the sea.
Best Times to Go: After heavy rainfall, the waterfall is at its most dramatic, but summer offers green valley walls and wildflowers. Early mornings or late evenings ensure fewer walkers and softer light.
Shot Ideas: Capture wide angles of the waterfall plunging onto the beach, or frame detail shots of water tumbling over rocks. The coastline itself brings dynamic compositions—try long exposures for silky water.
Saunton Sands
How to Find It: Saunton Sands is a vast beach easily accessed from the main car park near Braunton, North Devon.
Best Times to Go: Arrive one hour before low tide when wide expanses of sand create spectacular water mirrors for sunset or sunrise. Overcast days can also deliver moody, minimalist images.
Shot Ideas: Photograph dramatic cloud reflections at golden hour, lead the eye with footprints or tidal ripples, or use silhouettes of surfers/dog walkers for human scale. Experiment with symmetry—perfect for creative compositions.
Start Point Lighthouse
How to Find It: Start Point is in South Devon, reached via a narrow lane from Stokenham. Park at the signed car park, then walk the path out to the lighthouse along rugged cliffs.
Best Times to Go: The lighthouse glows at sunrise year-round; in summer the sun rises over the sea to the left, and in winter to the right of the lighthouse. Dramatic weather brings extra atmosphere.
Shot Ideas: Include the lighthouse as a focal point in sweeping seascapes, shoot from lower down for foreground interest with rocks or wild coastal plants, or experiment with vertical compositions using the cliffs as leading lines to the lighthouse.
Final Words
These six spots are among my absolute favourites in Devon, and each one has delivered memorable images time and again. If you’re planning a landscape shoot, start here—these locations really do work, whatever the weather or season. Every one of them offers strong compositions, unique moods, and plenty of scope for creativity, making them ideal foundations for building your own portfolio of great Devon landscapes.
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About Gary Holpin Photography
As a professional photographer based in Devon, my journey began along the stunning South West Coast Path. Disappointed with my initial attempts to capture its beauty, I embarked on a second 630-mile journey, this time dedicated to mastering photography. Today, I'm a nationally acclaimed photographer with award-winning landscape photos.
I specialize in providing top-notch property photography, business photography, and drone photography services to businesses across the South West. Additionally, I offer comprehensive photography training courses tailored for both businesses and individuals. Whether you're looking to enhance your corporate image or improve your personal photography skills, my training programs are designed to help you capture stunning images.
As an award-winning and widely published photographer, I frequently share my passion for photography and Devon through engaging talks at local camera clubs and community groups. My expertise spans the entire South West region, ensuring that clients from Devon, Dorset & Somerset benefit from high-quality photography services and training.
