A Guide to Isle of Wight Photography Locations

What are the best Isle of Wight photography Locations? I know the Isle of Wight very well. I am biased in favour of some areas of the Island over other areas (sorry Ryde). So, if you think I’ve left something out please comment at the bottom of the page.

Map of Photography Locations

The map above is not exhaustive. These are what I believe to be the best locations for Landscape and Watersports Photography.

The Very Best Isle of Wight Photo Locations

1. The Needles
2. Headon Warren
3. The Long Stone
4. Freshwater Bay
5. Gore Cliff
6. St. Catherine’s Oratory (Pepperpot)

The Needles

Best Time

Sundown for the most spectacular shots. Though anything 2 to 3 hours before sundown will yield good results.

Parking

Park in the Needles Pleasure Park car park, which is free after 17:00.

Getting there

Walk about 1.65 kilometres to the View Point on the obvious road.

For the best shots drop down from the View Point. There’s no path here but this National Trust land and hardly trespassing.

You need to be reasonably agile to descend to the best location. If you can’t manage the descent stick to the viewpoint it has a great view.

Headon Warren

Best Time

Sundown is ideal, but 2 to 3 hours before sundown will yield good results.

Parking

Park in the Needles Pleasure Park car park, which is free after 17:00.

Getting there

Walk out of the car park the same way you came in to the attraction.

After about 150 metres there’s a small road on your left leading to the pitch and putt. Follow the well-marked coastal path to the top of the warren.

The Long Stone

Best Time

Sunrise and sundown are ideal. It’s also good for the Milky Way as the ambient light is low.

Parking

Park in the National Trust Car Park for Mottistone House (free).

Getting There

As you leave the car park in the corner turn left immediately and follow the No. 43 footpath to the Long Stone which is sign-posted. Be careful you make a sharp right (Signposted “Long Stone”) after about 250 metres.

Freshwater Bay

Best Time

Good at any time but the sun needs to be reasonably high in the sky to light up the bay. So, any time after midday is fine.

Spring and early summer are good as there are flowers on the top of the cliff..

For the best shot, weather permitting is around dusk. The sun will be shining directly into the lens.

Parking

Park in the free car park east of the bay up to the hill and past the entrance to the Golf Club.

Getting There

Cross the road towards the sea to meet the Coastal Path. You can hardly miss it. The best shot is when the chalk stack is in the foreground.

Gore Cliff

Best Time

Anytime really but ideal after midday when the sun is either behind you or setting into your lens.

Parking

Blackgang View Point Car Park which is free.

Getting There

Head out of the car park and walk towards the edge of the cliff. The views are good here. But, if you turn left and walk eastwards you’ll get some great views. If you are lucky you might get to see the Peregrine Falcons and Ravens that live here.

St. Catherine’s Oratory (PepperPot)

Best Time

When the sun is setting is ideal.

Parking

Blackgang View Point Car Park which is free.

Getting There

Leave the car park at the road end. Climb the steps and keep ascending on the obvious path upwards. You’ll eventually come to the Oratory which is 12th Century structure. All that remains of the Oratory is the Lighthouse.

Travel To The Isle Of Wight

Isle of Wight Travel Map

All You Need To Know About Travelling To The Isle of Wight

There are three Isle of Wight ferry operators:

Red Funnel

Hovertravel

Wightlink

Isle of Wight Transport Companies

Southern Vectis Omnibus Company

A very reliable bus service. Obviously, outside of the summer months, there is a reduced service.

Island Line Railway

The service runs down the eastern side of the Isle of Wight.
Ryde Pier Head – Ryde Esplanade – Ryde St. Johns – Brading – Sandown – Lake – Shanklin

Things you should be aware of when travelling to the Isle of Wight

Foot passengers on all routes, DO NOT have to book in advance, it’s on a first come, first served basis. If you turn up in time for a foot ferry – you will usually get on that ferry.

There are variables that can influence your choice of ferry route.

For a day trip, there is no need to bring your vehicle, especially if you want explore on South Eastern and North Western corners of the Island. For instance: Sandown, Shanklin, Brading, and Yarmouth. Due to either there being good transport links from the ferry port, or the Island side ferry port is close to your chosen location.

For instance, you could come as a foot passenger to Yarmouth and get a bus close to the Needles. Or, get a train from Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin and take a bus to Niton which is close to Gore Cliff and St. Catherine’s Oratory.

If you are coming for a multi-day break, by vehicle, any ferry operator will suffice.

Prices vary for vehicles, depending on the time of year. and other factors that the Ferry Operators do not divulge. As with airlines, there are no fixed prices. If demand is high, expect to pay more – especially in the peak Summer months, and on public holidays.

There are often advertised deals, which are worth looking out for.

Also, the more passengers in the vehicle, the more economical it will be – obviously.

You can turn up un-booked and often get on a ferry. The Vehicle ferries often allow spaces for the emergency services, and they are often under capacity outside of peak periods. Expect to pay the most expensive price though, and expect a wait if it’s busy.

Don’t fret if you miss your booked ferry slot. There are small financial penalties – especially if the next ferry is in a more ‘expensive time ‘ slot. These penalties are rarely enforced. You will though, be processed on a first come first served basis. Those who have booked for that ferry will get priority. The un-booked will be processed, generally according to their arrival time.

Foot passenger prices are generally fixed bi-annually, and vary according to the operator, The variance in prices between operators should not be significant enough to influence your choices when travelling by foot.

Passports are not required on the Isle of Wight. Don’t Laugh…..

Isle of Wight Festival

Finally, and importantly. All routes will become very busy during the Isle of Wight Festival. I’m not saying don’t travel during these events. Just be aware that If you are coming by foot, the queues will be very long.