The 7 best landscapes in Purbeck, Dorset

By Mark Bauer. Posted about 3 years ago.

Situated in south Dorset, Purbeck is jam-packed with interest: it contains some of this country’s most photogenic locations, it marks the start of the Jurassic Coast, the UK’s first wholly natural World Heritage Site and it contains some of the planet's most interesting geology.

A large part of Purbeck – including parts of Dorset to the west – is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with some of the coast owned by the Ministry of Defence after it was requisitioned during World War II. Although this ownership has caused some controversy over the years, the upside is that there has been no development on this land, meaning it has become a haven for wildlife. It is such a beautiful area that in recent years there has been a campaign to have Purbeck designated as a National Park.

In this month's Photo Expedition – featured in full in the October issue of Digital SLR Photography magazine – we take you on a tour of Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast, where you'll explore rock arches, sea stacks and historic ruins, as well as some of the area’s hidden gems: deserted quarries, ghost villages and dramatic clifftop viewpoints. Here are just 7 of my most recommended locations to shoot, but pick up your copy today for the full rundown of how, where and when to photograph Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast on your next trip south.

1.Durdle Door

Although it’s always tempting to get down on the beach and as close to Durdle Door as possible, the fact is that the views from the clifftop are some of the best in the area. In spring, wild flowers can be used for excellent foreground interest.

Purbeck Durdle Door-2

2. Handfast Point

There is a real sense of drama in the views from Handfast Point, which overlooks Old Harry Rocks. Don’t just shoot the classic view of Old Harry, though; walk along the coastal path to the west to find some alternatives to the usual compositions.

Purbeck Handfast Point

3. Emmett’s Hill

Emmett’s Hill is a 15-minute level walk from Renscombe car park, just outside the village of Worth Matravers. With its far-reaching views over Champman’s Pool to the west, it’s the perfect location for a sunset shoot. Definitely one for your bucket list!

Purbeck Emmett’s Hill

4. The banjo jetty, Swanage

The banjo jetty on Swanage seafront is a modern concrete structure that is not an obvious subject but has appeal for those who like bold, structural compositions. Aim for symmetry and as Swanage is east-facing, sunrise shots are best.

Purbeck Banjo Jetty

5. Between Winspit and Seacombe

If you’re shooting the old quarries of Winspit and Seacombe, you can walk along the cliff path from one to the other and there are some fabulous photo opportunities en route, so keep your eyes open for unusual viewpoints.

Purbeck Above Seacombe

6. Swanage Pier

The Victorian Pier at Swanage offers many shooting options: you can exploit the angles and symmetry, use the railings as lead-in lines, shoot from low angles and high angles, while there is also plenty of scope for shooting close-ups of the architectural details.

Purbeck Swanage Pier

7. Clavell’s Tower, Kimmeridge Bay

Perched on top of the headland on the eastern flank of the bay, Clavell’s Tower was built as a folly in 1830. As far as photographers are concerned, it makes a perfect background focal point for shots of the bay.

Purbeck Clavells Tower