The Most Photographed Places in Cumbria

Cumbria is a spectacular part of the UK for photography, offering a wide range of possibilities for photo opportunities. There are stunning views around every corner and the serene lakes and lofty fells, rugged coastline and sprawling beaches make Cumbria a popular visitor destination all year round. Among these visitors (and locals), artists, illustrators and photographers alike are inspired by the immense beauty of the region.

At Made In Cumbria, we’ve created a guide aimed at highlighting specific areas of interest for landscape photography in Cumbria and the Lake District with detailed advice on how to get to these locations. So, whether you’re an experienced photographer seeking your next adventure shot in the great outdoors or a non-photographer trying to find some of the best views in the Lake District, you’ll be able to find that here in this blog post.

1. Blea Tarn, Little Langdale

Blea Tarn is a fantastic walk with gentle gradients and stunning views of the Langdale Valley and surrounding fells. The Langdale Valley is renowned for being one of the most stunning areas in the Lake District, popular amongst the likes of walkers, hikers and daytime tourists, residing beneath the iconic Langdale Pikes which comprise of Pavey Ark, Harrison Stickle, Loft Crag and Pike of Stickle.

For those in search of spectacular scenery without tackling the heights of the fells, Blea Tarn is a great choice out of many of the fantastic walks in the Langdales. The car park located at the tarn is only accessible via narrow, winding country roads however the effort is truly worth it as you will be rewarded with some of the best views in the Lake District.

Blea Tarn is a popular location among photographers, particularly early in the morning as they try to capture the morning light as it rises above the Langdale Valley. It is an incredibly picturesque spot with the Langdale Pikes serving as a backdrop to the tarn and with plenty of photo opportunities along the path that hugs the shore of the tarn. It also features in our blog on the most scenic tarns in Cumbria.

2. Rydal Cave, Ambleside

Nestled into to the side of Loughrigg Fell, Rydal Cave is one of the best easy walks in the Lake District with gentle terrain, impressive views over Rydal Water and a secret cave to explore. There are a couple of different ways to reach Rydal Cave including routes from Ambleside and Grasmere. Around 200 years ago Rydal Cave was used to quarry slate for the roofs in the surrounding towns and villages but today it is a point of interest amongst locals and visitors alike, and it is clear to see why!

Inside Rydal Caves you are met with ominous darkness, shadows and reflections that are cast across the stagnant pool of water on the cave floor. Many people do enter the cave via a series of stepping stones, however due to the history of falling rocks, it is advised that visitors remain cautious. Looking back to the entrance of Rydal Cave from the inside of provides the framing for a dramatic silhouette adventure photograph, however it can get busy so, as always it is best to get out and explore early.

3. Cathedral Cave, Little Langdale

Cathedral Cave, or Cathedral Quarry, is a quarry chamber that forms part of a network of caverns, interlinked by tunnels, hidden away in the rural Langdale Valley. This underground spectacle was formerly known as the Little Langdale Quarry and was once used to extract slate for nearby towns and villages. Nowadays, the site is maintained by the National Trust and is open to the public.

On the route to the cave, you will come across Slater’s Bridge, dating back to the 17th century, which is made entirely out of slate. Once you reach Cathedral Cave, you will be greeted by several tunnels to explore…a torch may come in handy here. At 40ft tall, the main chamber of the quarry, Cathedral Cave, presents a dramatic atmosphere and the opening in the wall allows light into the cave, providing a brilliant location to experiment with light and shadows for outdoor photography.

With so much to discover, this easy walk is great for the whole family, boasting views of one of the most impressive caves the Lake District. But if you’re looking to bag some photographs that capture its full effect, you might want to set off early as it can get busy during the peak summer season!

4. Derwentwater, Keswick

Situated near to the market town of Keswick, Derwentwater is one of the 16 ‘lakes’ in the Lake District National Park. Located near to the A66 and just 15 miles away from the motorway, Derwentwater, Keswick, is ideal for day visitors looking for excellent photo opportunities. On the shores of Derwentwater you are presented with views of the surrounding fells which change dramatically with the seasons and weather conditions, providing brilliant detail for photographers looking to capture the mood of the landscape.

You’ll never be lost for things to do in Keswick and the area around Derwentwater is a wonderfully target rich environment for outdoor photographers, with many locations being easily accessible on foot. It’s difficult to pinpoint one specific spot to feature on this shortlist of the most photo-worthy Lake District locations however, a number of particularly special locations around Derwentwater shoreline include Ithsmus Bay, Otterbield Bay, Friar’s Crag, Ashness Jetty and Catbells summit.

5. Ullswater

At 7.5 miles long, Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District and England. For centuries, the shores of Ullswater and the surrounding landscape have attracted artists and poets looking for creative inspiration. Nowadays, Ullswater remains popular with all types of creatives including photographers and it is clear to see why.

With dramatic views and stunning mountain scenery from either side of the lake, Ullswater is the ideal setting for Lake District photographers. To name a few iconic photography spots near Ullswater, The Duke of Portland Boathouse on the Pooley Bridge end of the lake, Aira Force waterfall and Wall Holm Island at the Glenridding end of the lake are brilliant locations.

For that perfect shot, it is always best to head out in the early morning for a chance of capturing the sun as it rises above the valley. Dependent on the time of year, you may even catch some mist on the water on a chilly winter’s morning or reflections across the lake on a clear day.

Tips

The weather in this region can be unpredictable, so wearing layers is crucial. Don’t forget accessories like a warm hat, gloves and a scarf during the colder months and sun protection like suncream and a sun hat during the warmer months.
A reliable pair of walking shoes or walking boots with good grip is key to enjoying your adventure safely and comfortably.
Checking sunrise and sunset times is key for capturing the best light. Make sure to consult a reliable weather app for accurate sunrise and sunset timings before heading out.
Having the right camera equipment is important, though most smartphone cameras today are quite advanced and can produce stunning images. If you want to enhance your photography experience, a tripod can help stabilise your shots.

This guide to the most photographed places in Cumbria only represents a handful of the many amazing views you will discover during your visit to the county. There are many other fantastic places in Cumbria and the Lake District to discover, you could easily spend a few days to a week exploring this picturesque part of the world. At Made In Cumbria you’ll find talented photographers in Cumbria for photograph gifts, commissioned artwork, Lake District landscape photography prints, wildlife photography and much more. Explore our showcase of talented Cumbrian photographers and find gifts for friends, family or yourself.