Best Places to Get Those Holiday Snaps in Dorset

St Catherine's Chapel with views of Chesil Beach and Portland
Dorset’s coastline and countryside are packed with incredible spots to take that perfect holiday picture.

The kind that earns a prime spot on your fridge, your phone background, or your Instagram feed. From world-famous landmarks to secret hideaways only the locals know, here are some of the best photo locations for your Dorset getaway. 

Iconic Must-See Snap Spots

Durdle Door

If you’ve ever seen a Dorset postcard, you’ve probably seen this natural limestone arch. Its dramatic shape, paired with turquoise waters, makes it one of the UK’s most photographed locations. Early morning or golden hour is your best bet for fewer crowds and softer light. 

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 20 minutes away.

Corfe Castle

Perched on a hill in the Purbeck Hills, Corfe Castle is a ruin with a story to tell. Capture it from the village for a quaint, cobbled street scene, or head to the hill opposite for a panoramic view that sweeps across the valley. 

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 30 minutes away.

Old Harry Rocks

White chalk stacks standing proudly against the sea. Old Harry Rocks is Dorset drama at its finest. The walk from Studland to the clifftop viewpoint offers countless photo opportunities along the way.

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 40 minutes away.

West Bay Cliffs

These striking, golden sandstone cliffs are instantly recognisable from TV. Visit at low tide for wide, sweeping beach shots, or climb up for cliff-top panoramas of the Jurassic Coast

Closest park: Chesil Beach Holiday Park, around 40 minutes away.

Locals' Hidden Gems

St Catherine’s Chapel, Abbotsbury

This 14th-century chapel sits on a grassy hill overlooking Chesil Beach, and it’s as photogenic as it is peaceful. The views at sunset are spectacular. You might even catch the chapel glowing in the golden light.

Closest park: Chesil Beach Holiday Park, around 25 minutes away.

Ringstead Bay Viewpoint

While most visitors flock to Weymouth Beach, locals know that the cliff-top viewpoint at Ringstead Bay offers a peaceful, panoramic view of the coastline. It’s a great spot for wide landscape shots or watching the boats drift by. 

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 10 minutes away.

Tyneham Village

Frozen in time since WWII, this abandoned village makes for hauntingly beautiful photos. With crumbling stone walls, overgrown gardens, and a backdrop of rolling hills, it’s both atmospheric and unique. 

Closest park: Osmington Mills Lodge Park, around 25 minutes away.

Sandsfoot Castle, Weymouth

This small Tudor ruin is right by the water, offering charming stonework and sweeping views over Portland Harbour. It’s often quiet, with a café nearby, so you can take your time lining up the perfect shot.

Closest park: Chesil Beach Holiday Park, around 10 minutes away.

By the Sea

Portland Bill Lighthouse

A bold red and white beacon standing strong against the elements - and a photographer’s dream - especially when the waves are crashing below. Sunrise here is magical, with light spilling across the rocks.

Closest park: Chesil Beach Holiday Park, around 15 minutes away.

Bowleaze Cove Coastal Path

A short stroll from the beach takes you along the cliff path with views stretching all the way towards Weymouth Bay and Portland. On a calm day, the sea turns the most brilliant shade of blue.

Closest park: Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa, around 5 minutes away.

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Picture-Perfect Tips

Golden Hour Magic

Early mornings or evenings give softer light and warmer colours.

Look for Leading Lines

Paths, fences, or waves leading into the frame help guide the viewer’s eye.

Don’t Forget the Details

Shells on the beach, fishing boats in the harbour, or local wildflowers can make for some of the most memorable shots. 

Whether you’re standing in front of Dorset’s most iconic landmark or discovering a quiet corner with no one else around, the county is brimming with places to capture your holiday memories. All that’s left is to charge your camera, clear some space on your phone, and get snapping.

Why not use one of our Dorset holiday parks as your base to explore these picture-perfect locations?

Book your stay today and get ready to capture Dorset at its best.

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