Dorset, located along England’s southern coast, is an ideal destination for astrophotography enthusiasts. The county's mix of rural landscapes, scenic coastlines, and relatively low levels of light pollution makes it one of the top places in the UK to photograph the stars. Whether you're looking to capture the Milky Way, planets, or star trails, Dorset offers a range of locations that provide stunning backdrops and clear skies. Here's a guide to the best locations for astrophotography in Dorset.
1. Durdle Door
Why It's Great:
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks and is a favorite for astrophotographers. The natural limestone arch, with its dramatic coastline and clear view of the night sky, creates a striking foreground for celestial photography. The arch frames the stars beautifully, particularly during the Milky Way season, when the galactic core rises over the horizon.
Best Time to Shoot:
For Milky Way photography, visit from April to September when the core is visible. However, Durdle Door is spectacular year-round for star trails and moonlit seascapes. Autumn and winter can also offer some of the clearest skies for shooting stars.
Tips:
Durdle Door is a popular tourist spot, so it’s best to visit outside peak hours, such as late at night or early in the morning, to avoid crowds.
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the sweeping sky and landscape in a single shot.
2. Kimmeridge Bay
Why It's Great:
Kimmeridge Bay offers a stunning seascape that is perfect for combining astrophotography with landscape photography. The rugged cliffs, rock formations, and wave-cut platforms make it a unique location for nighttime photography. The bay has minimal light pollution, especially looking out over the sea, making it an ideal spot for capturing the stars.
Best Time to Shoot:
The bay is a great place for Milky Way photography during the summer months. Autumn and winter skies here are often clear and dark, making it an excellent location for long-exposure shots and star trails.
Tips:
Make sure to check the tide times. The receding tide can reveal interesting foreground elements, but be cautious of changing conditions to ensure safety.
Kimmeridge Bay is part of a marine conservation area, so respect the natural environment while setting up your shots.
3. Cranborne Chase AONB
Why It's Great:
Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of the few places in the UK designated as a Dark Sky Reserve. This means that the area is specifically protected from light pollution, making it one of the darkest and clearest places to photograph the night sky in Dorset. The rolling hills, open fields, and ancient woodlands provide serene and isolated locations for astrophotography.
Best Time to Shoot:
Cranborne Chase is ideal for shooting at any time of year. In summer, it’s a great location to capture the Milky Way, while winter offers the chance to photograph the Orion Nebula and winter constellations.
Tips:
There are many public footpaths and open areas to explore within the AONB, so scout your location during daylight to find a composition that suits your style.
Bring a red headlamp or torch to preserve your night vision while adjusting settings and moving around in the dark.
4. Studland Bay
Why It's Great:
Studland Bay is a large expanse of sandy beach that stretches for miles along the Dorset coast. The bay provides unobstructed views of the night sky, and its remote location ensures minimal light pollution. The beach also offers plenty of opportunities to capture the stars reflecting on the water, adding depth and interest to your photos.
Best Time to Shoot:
Studland Bay is perfect for photographing meteor showers, star trails, and the Milky Way during summer. During the winter months, you can capture crisp images of constellations and the winter sky.
Tips:
Winter months can be particularly cold and windy along the coast, so dress warmly and bring extra layers.
Plan your shoot to coincide with a new moon for the darkest skies and best visibility of faint celestial objects.
5. Portland Bill
Why It's Great:
Portland Bill is a famous landmark on the Isle of Portland and offers some of the most breathtaking coastal views in Dorset. The Portland Bill Lighthouse, perched on the rugged coastline, serves as an excellent subject for astrophotography. The cliffs and lighthouse provide a dramatic foreground against a starry sky.
Best Time to Shoot:
Portland Bill is great for all-year-round astrophotography. In the summer months, you can capture the Milky Way arching over the lighthouse, while winter offers opportunities for photographing planets and constellations in the southern sky.
Tips:
The lighthouse operates a rotating light, so be mindful of its presence when planning long-exposure shots. You may need to adjust your timing to prevent overexposure from the lighthouse beam.
Portland Bill can get windy, so ensure your tripod is secure to avoid camera shake during long exposures.
6. Tyneham Village
Why It's Great:
Tyneham is a ghost village located in the Purbeck Hills. Abandoned during World War II, the village remains a hauntingly beautiful and remote location, perfect for astrophotography. Its lack of artificial light makes it a great dark sky site, and the old buildings provide an eerie foreground against the starry night.
Best Time to Shoot:
Tyneham Village is accessible during daylight hours but remains a quiet and remote spot for night shoots. It’s particularly atmospheric for capturing star trails and time-lapse photography.
Tips:
The village is located within the Lulworth military range, so check access times in advance, as parts of the range can be closed to the public.
Experiment with lighting techniques to highlight the abandoned structures in your astrophotography.
7. Hardy's Monument
Why It's Great:
Hardy’s Monument, located in the Dorset countryside near Dorchester, provides expansive views of the surrounding hills and countryside. Named after Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, the monument stands on a high hilltop, offering clear views of the night sky. The elevation and lack of nearby light pollution make it a fantastic location for astrophotography.
Best Time to Shoot:
Hardy’s Monument is suitable for astrophotography throughout the year, especially for capturing the Milky Way, star trails, and meteor showers.
Tips:
The hilltop can get windy, so bring a sturdy tripod and secure your camera gear.
The monument itself can serve as an interesting foreground for night sky shots, so consider different compositions to include it in your frame.
Dorset’s combination of dark skies, coastal landscapes, and historical landmarks makes it a paradise for astrophotographers. Whether you’re looking to capture the Milky Way, planets, or meteor showers, Dorset offers a variety of locations that provide breathtaking backdrops and minimal light pollution. Remember to plan your shoot according to the moon phase and weather conditions, and always respect the natural environment while photographing.
With the right preparation, patience, and a sense of adventure, Dorset’s night skies will reward you with unforgettable images of the cosmos.
