Contents
- The Very Best Isle of Wight Locations
- The Best of the Rest Isle of Wight Locations
- Getting to the Isle of Wight
Where 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 Water sports Photography.
The Very Best Isle of Wight Photography Locations
The Needles
Best Time
As you will be facing west the sunset is visible all year. But from the end of March to the end of September the sun is moving west each day. The sun will be in the most westerly position at the end of September when the sun is in line with the Needles.
Sundown is best for the most spectacular shots. Though anything 2 hours before sundown will yield reliable results.
Parking
Park in the Needles Pleasure Park car park, which is free after 17:00.
Getting there
Walk 1.65 kilometres to the Viewpoint on the obvious road. The viewpoint is on the southerly side of the Needles.
For the best shots drop down from the Viewpoint. There’s no path here but this National Trust land and hardly trespassing. But you need to sure-footed as the area is riddled with ankle-breaking rabbit holes.
Headon Warren
Best Time
The end of March to the end of September ensures the sunset is in facing you.
Sundown is ideal, but 1 hour before sundown will yield reliable 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 into 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.
For both Sunrise and Sunset, March to September will ensure the best results.
Parking
Park in the National Trust Car Park for Mottistone House (free).
Getting There
As you leave the car park on foot as if you are going to enter the manor. You will see a sign for the No. 43 footpath to the Long Stone.
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 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.
As for the time of year, March to October will keep the sun more in your centre.
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
For daytime shots, the sun needs to be behind or to your left so usually after midday in spring and summer.
For sunsets May to August will make sure the sun is in view without using a very wide-angle lens.
Parking
Blackgang Viewpoint 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 Viewpoint 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.
The Best of the Rest Isle of Wight Photography Locations
- All Saints Church, Godshill
- Alum Bay
- Appley Tower
- Bembridge Harbour
- Bembridge & Culver Down
- Bembridge Lifeboat Station
- Bonchurch Down
- Brading Down Local Nature Reserve
- Boat House Newtown Creek
- Brook Chine National Trust Car Park
- Compton Beach
- Cowes Esplanade
- Culver Battery
- Haddon’s Pits
- Limerstone Down
- Mottistone Common
- Mottistone Down
- Nansen Hill
- Old St Boniface Church, Bonchurch
- Reeth Bay
- Rocken End
- St Catherine’s Lighthouse
- Shanklin Down
- Sir Richards Cove, St. Lawrence
- Steephill Cove
- Ventnor Esplanade
- Tolt Rocks
Travel To The Isle Of Wight
| FROM | TO | COMPANY | TYPE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lymington | Yarmouth | Wightlink | Car | 40 mins |
Southampton | West Cowes | Red Funnel | Foot | 25 mins |
Southampton | East Cowes | Red Funnel | Car | 55 mins |
Portsmouth | Fishbourne | Wightlink | Car | 45 mins |
Portsmouth | Ryde | Wightlink | Foot | 22 mins |
Southsea | Ryde | Hovertravel | Foot | 10 mins |
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
An exceptionally 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 the ferry route.
Day Trips
For a day trip, there is no need to bring your vehicle, especially if you want to 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.
Multi-Day Trips
If you are coming for a multi-day break, by vehicle, any ferry operator will suffice.
Ferry Prices
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.
Bookings
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, according to their arrival time.
Foot passenger prices are 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 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 exceptionally long.
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