Country Photography Breaks
Country cottage breaks for photographic holidays
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just someone who likes taking snaps to keep a record of places you have visited, the countryside is your perfect model. In the UK the landscape is rich and diverse with each season providing excuses to get out and about and enjoy a photography break in a natural environment.
The Lake District National Park has always a favourite of creative types; it’s breathtaking views are just waiting to be captured on film. Within it’s boundaries are 885 square miles of lakes, forests and fells each offering the opportunity for a sensational shot. Why not start by photographing osprey as they fish on the picturesque Bassenthwaite Lake before making their way to their nesting platforms near Dodd Wood. Don’t forget to get shots of the Lake’s District’s trademark white washed cottages and picturesque villages.
If you’re looking for dreamy, misty atmospheric shots then look no further than Scotland’s Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park; lakes, rivers, and forests set off against mountain ranges. But that’s not all there’s wildlife such as roe deer and the magnificent birds of prey. Try capturing the remoteness of the wooded Island of Inchcailloch or in Spring it’s carpets of bluebells. For that spectacular shot of Loch Lomond you’ll have to climb Conic Hill – but you know it will be worth it.
Practice your skill of capturing subjects on the move in the Exmoor National Park; film their famous, though no longer wild, ponies as they wonder freely across the moors. It’s a distinctive looking, tough breed that’s been around for thousands of years and said to be the nearest breed to that of the the wild horses who once roamed Europe. Still on Exmoor, there are the beautiful red deer, of whom there are approximately three thousand, that look brilliant against a backdrop of moorland or woodland.
History in the shape of castles, the more ruined the better, will always provide plenty of inspiration. Head for Wales and the Brecon Beacons. Lots of ruins in stunning locations. Plus you will find stream railways that run along scenic routes.
The famous Hadrian’s Wall in the boundaries of Northumberland National Park has scope for amazing shots along the length of it’s picturesque route. The wall aside, the park has masses of dramatic views and pretty as a picture valleys and villages.
For coastal scenes stay in Wales. There is no better place to capture sea shots than the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park: Scores of photographic opportunities exist from literally every point along the coastal path, no matter what the season.
Who can resist filming rivers glistening in the sun or cascading waterfalls. You’ll get plenty of practice on The Yorkshire Dales National Park’s Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. The waterfall at Thornton Force is said to be the most spectacular. No groaning please, the photos that result will make the effort of the walk more than worthwhile. Go check it out.
For diverse landscape the Peak District National Park has got to be on your list. Hills, wooded valleys, moorland and lots of farmland full of lovely cows and sheep posing just for you on green grass. Put on your walking boots once more and head for the top of any of the peaks for spectacular shots. Also visit the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Chatsworth House, definitely not a ruin – a beautiful building with even lovelier gardens. Also whilst in the Peak District why not take a look at the Lens Museum of Photography & Old Times in Matlock, Bath – features a history of photography from 1839.
So what are you waiting for? Book that country cottage break, pack your camera, pick a location and start snapping.
Category: Country Breaks, country cottages, Photography holidays
