Top 5 Landscape Photography Locations in Torbay
About this guide
This guide was created by Josh Elston, a keen landscape and nature photographer based in Torquay, Devon.
He has evolved from using a basic point-and-shoot camera to shooting with Canon’s new mirrorless system and now joins The Camera Loft team in providing workshop support.
He shares his top five landscape photography locations in and around Torbay in this guide. Hopefully, these inspire you to get out and about in the local area this summer!
The Lone Tree - Babbacombe, Torquay
The Lone Tree at Babbacombe is a fantastic spot for learning landscape photography. As the name suggests, the tree serves as the focal point. This image was taken on a sunny evening at sunset, making it an ideal place to practice landscape photography and long exposures. Combining these techniques can produce stunning images.
I recommend wearing decent footwear and taking a tripod to capture those long exposures. The evenings, especially in the summer, are perfect for capturing the yellow, pink, and orange skies we often see in Devon. The sun does rise at Babbacombe for those wishing to be out early. There are many ways to photograph this location, but I chose to shoot from the rocks. This perspective provides depth to the tree and incorporates the sea, tree, rocks, and the walkway, creating a balanced composition.
The Daymark - Kingswear
Located just before you reach the village of Kingswear, the Daymark is a tall, navigational aid for passing ships. I took this image on a sunny summer day when the corn was growing, using the pathway as a leading line to the tower. The tower is a focal point of the photo, but with different angles, the field can present an asset to a great photo.
Parking is located nearby and the path is mainly flat to reach the Daymark. I would recommend a good pair of shoes. It can be quite exposed here, and open to the elements so be sure to bring water and other essentials to match the forecast. Why not extend your walk down past the Daymark and join the coast path for a short (but hilly!) walk into Kingswear? Along the way, you will get an excellent vantage point for Dartmouth Castle.
Thatcher Rock - Torquay
Thatcher Rock is hard to miss if you’re visiting Torbay, particularly if you visit Meadfood Beach. The Rock is home to many wild birds and acts as a sanctuary within the Bay. One of the things I love about this location is the ability to photograph it from many different viewpoints. I have even flown my drone over the Rock to capture a different perspective. This spot in particular allows the incorporation of the busy towns of the Bay in the background, or to contrast, the calm open seas of Lyme Bay. The sunset here is beautiful and the colours compliment the landscape.
This area has fascinated me since childhood and because I am local to the area I have spent many a time taking in the views of the Bay from these viewpoints. Parking is relatively easy and only a short walk from Meadfoot Beach. I recommend a tripod, and for the early risers - an amazing sunrise can be witnessed here as well.
Breakwater Lighthouse - Brixham
The lighthouse is a perfect subject for sunset and twilight photography. This image captures the serene beauty of the lighthouse as it stands sentinel, its light cutting through the encroaching darkness to guide boats safely to harbour. The calm waters and dramatic skies often provide the perfect backdrop for stunning shots.
Whether you’re capturing the lighthouse from the rocky shoreline or from a boat, you’ll need a tripod and possibly a neutral density filter to manage the changing light conditions. This location is easily accessible, with parking available nearby. It’s a peaceful spot that beautifully encapsulates the maritime heritage of Brixham.
Anstey’s Cove - Torquay
Back in Torbay for the final location, Anstey’s Cove. The geological nature of this part of the coast provides a stunning backdrop to often crystal clear and calm waters. This image used a long exposure effect and tripod to capture the stillness of the water. On a sunny day, the colours of this beach pop, and I recommend visiting at low tide to capture the beauty of the rocks.
Parking is located at the top of the hill with a steep descent to the beach, but don’t let that put you off. There is a café serving food and drink in season and the area is popular for watersports. As always – a tripod is a necessity for capturing long exposures.
These locations offer unique opportunities to capture the natural beauty of Torbay and its surroundings. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, there's something here for everyone. Enjoy exploring and happy shooting!