98 Photo Spots on the Cornwall

About the location

The coastline is the star here, featuring world-class landmarks like St Michael's Mount and the jagged rocks of Land's End. Inland, you'll find mystical moorlands, abandoned engine houses from the mining era, and lush sub-tropical gardens that offer a diverse range of subjects. The light in Cornwall is famously clear due to the surrounding sea reflecting light back onto the land, providing a luminosity that has attracted artists for centuries. Whether capturing the fury of a winter gale at Porthleven or the serenity of a sunrise at Kynance Cove, the county offers endless opportunities for high-impact imagery.

Best timing

Late spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant weather and the best light for photography, with blooming wildflowers in May and purple heather in September. These periods avoid the heavy summer crowds while still providing long enough days to explore the extensive coastline. Winter is the prime time for those seeking high-drama seascapes and powerful Atlantic storms, particularly on the north-facing coast where the waves are most impressive.

Traveling

The most efficient way to reach Cornwall is by car via the M5 and A30, though the 'Night Riviera' sleeper train from London to Penzance offers a scenic alternative. Within the county, a car is essential for reaching remote coastal paths and hidden coves, as public transport is limited in rural areas. Be prepared for narrow, high-hedged lanes and ensure you have a good GPS, as mobile signal can be intermittent in deep valleys and remote cliffs.

Photography tips for Cornwall

Focus on the iconic tin mines of Botallack and Levant for industrial heritage against a coastal backdrop, ideally during the golden hour to catch the warm light on the stone. Long exposures are highly effective here to blur the Atlantic surges around the jagged rocks; use a 6-stop or 10-stop ND filter for best results. Compositionally, use the dramatic cliffs and the winding South West Coast Path to lead the eye through the frame, particularly at spots like Bedruthan Steps or Kynance Cove. Always consult a tide table before venturing onto beaches, as many are entirely submerged at high tide, and the transition can be surprisingly rapid.

Other languages

Here is how Cornwall is called in other languages:
CS Cornwall DE Cornwall EL Κορνουάλη ES Cornualles FI Cornwall FR Cornouailles HI कॉर्नवाल HR Cornwall IS Cornwall IT Cornovaglia JA コーンウォール NL Cornwall NO Cornwall PL Kornwalia PT Cornualha RU Корнуолл SV Cornwall TR Cornwall ZH 康沃尔