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Jurassic Coast in Dorset Photography Workshop & Tour

3 or 5 days

Easy - Moderate

Small Groups

A coastal photography workshop & tour
on the fascinating Jurassic Coast in Dorset

My Dorset photography workshops and tours offer you the chance to improve your photography skills in a fun and relaxing environment while capturing beautiful images of this captivating coastline.

Join me, Ian Middleton, for a photography workshop & tour on the beautiful Jurassic Coast of Dorset in the UK. Stretching along Dorset and Devon, the Jurassic Coast is so-named because its landscape and geology record 185 million years of the Earth’s history. The coastline is packed with fantastic photographic opportunities at anytime of the year.

The Jurassic Coast is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK, and a perfect place to learn photography with its jagged, rocky coastline providing many great coastal landscape features. Photograph Durdle Door rock arch amid its glistening pebble beach. Capture the lighthouse and Pulpit Rock at Portland Bill promontory surrounded by crashing waves. Shoot the beautiful half moon bay at Kimmeridge as the receding tide reveals its fascinating rocky underworld. Or trudge out early morning to the gorgeous white chalk cliff at Old Harry, equally as amazing as the White Cliffs of Dover.

We will be based either at Poole North or somewhere around Weymouth, depending on the workshop. The first day of photography on this UK workshop will begin in the afternoon once everyone has arrived and checked in. It will end after sunset on the last day. Accommodation will be included for the duration of the workshop, but should you need or want to arrive earlier or stay longer, then I can arrange extra nights for you.

Workshop type

Small group workshop (4 people)
Private Workshop (1 or 2 people)

Dates

Sorry, there are no dates currently available. Join waiting list.

A landscape and seascape photographer's paradise

Lighthouse at Portland Bill, near Weymouth, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England.

Waves crashing over Pulpit rock and the promontary at Portland Bill, near Weymouth, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England. Pulpit Rock is an artificial stack that was left behind after quarrymen dug away a natural arch in 1870s. The Jurassic Coast is a stretch of coastline with a geology that dates back 185 million years, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow over Durdle Door rock arch and beach, Dorset, England. Durdle door is one of the many stunning locations to visit on the Jurassic coast in southern England.

The beautiful coastal landscape at Kimmeridge bay in Dorset. This is one of the many wonders to be found on the Jurassic coast, an UNESCO world heritage site.

Sunrise at Old Harry Rocks, at Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tree lined road at Moor Crichel in Dorset.

Tree-lined Avenues

The old cobbled Banjo Jetty at sunrise in Swanage, Dorset, England.

Beaches & Piers

Portland Bill Lighthouse

At Portland Bill we can photograph this lovely lighthouse standing at the tip of this rugged promontory.

The Isle of Portland juts out southwards into the English Channel from Weymouth town and harbour. The tip is known as Portland Bill. This precarious section of water contains shallow reefs that lurk beneath the surface. Many passing ships fell foul of their nasty jagged edges until 1906 when this Trinity lighthouse was built.

The lighthouse can be photographed either at sunrise or sunset, and even at dusk when the beacon is lit.

Low tide reveals more of the rocky platform and interesting pools.

Stunning Seascapes

This beautiful coastline is perfect for seascape photography, and Portland Bill is a great place to start. The crashing waves against the rocky ledges provide a great opportunity to experiment with exposures.

You will learn how to vary your exposure time in order to get different effects on the waves, from freezing the action with a faster shutter speed, to smoothing it out with slower speeds by using ND filters.

The western side of Portland Bill is the roughest part. Its rocky ledges are often pounded by incoming swells. Here you can also photograph Pulpit Rock, an interesting large rock formation left over from the old quarrying activities that used to take place here.

Durdle Door

A photography workshop in Dorset wouldn’t be complete without photographing Durdle Door rock arch amid its glistening pebble beach.

The arch itself formed through a fascinating geological process: softer rocks behind the hard limestone headland eroded more quickly, eventually breaking through to create the distinctive doorway that gives this location its name.

The classic viewpoint from the clifftop path provides the most recognizable composition, capturing the full arch with the beach below and Bat’s Head visible in the distance. The beach level offers alternative perspectives..

Kimmeridge Bay

Kimmeridge Bay is a unique photographic landscape renowned for its geological significance. The bay is particularly known for its exposures of Kimmeridge Clay, a dark, oil-rich shale formation that dates back to the Jurassic period.

At low tide the rocky ledges and wave cut platforms create natural leading lines and compositional elements – the famous Kimmeridge Ledges stretch into the sea like giant stepping stones, perfect for foreground interest as the morning or afternoon light catches their weathered surfaces. Golden hour lighting transforms the tones of the clay into warm browns and oranges. Long exposure techniques work exceptionally well here.

Old Harry Rocks & Handfast point

Old Harry Rocks are three chalk formations located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck.

The eastward orientation creates perfect conditions for dramatic dawn and sunrise photography. The chalk stacks catch the first golden light, glowing brilliantly against the darker sea and sky, gradually reveals the intricate textures in the chalk shaped over a millennia.

The classic viewpoint from the South West Coast Path offers sweeping panoramas capturing the main stack alongside the smaller needle-like formations. Access is via a well-maintained coastal path leading to multiple viewpoints. The walk from the car park takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Tree-lined Avenues

Dorset’s tree-lined avenues offer some of England’s most enchanting photographic opportunities, where ancient oaks, beeches, and chestnuts form natural arches over country lanes, particularly along roads like the famous Kingston Lacy Beech Avenue, and the magnificent lime tree avenue at Moor Crichel.

These avenues work beautifully for wide angle shots that capture the full architectural sweep of the trees and the way light falls across the ancient trunks.

Seasonal changes bring distinct moods – from the fresh greens of spring to the golden amber tones of autumn. Moor Crichel’s lime avenue is especially striking in late spring when the trees are in full leaf.

Beaches & Piers

The Jurassic Coast is packed with some amazing beaches and piers to photograph.

Swanage Beach presents a delightful mix of Victorian seaside charm and natural Jurassic Coast drama, making it a rewarding subject for photographers. The long sandy bay curves gracefully between the town’s colourful beach huts and the dramatic chalk cliffs that define this stretch of Dorset’s coastline.

The beaches, groynes and the historic old and new pier, along with the iconic Banjo Jetty, offer some of Dorset’s most spectacular sunrise and morning photography. Its eastward-facing orientation makes it perfect for sunrise.

Locations we can photograph on this Workshop

Locations we can photograph on this Workshop

Lighthouse at Portland Bill, near Weymouth, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England.

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Waves crashing at sunset over Pulpit rock at Portland Bill, near Weymouth, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England.

Pulpit Rock at Portland Bill

View across Portland, Chesil Beach & Weymouth harbour, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England.

Chesil Beach View

View across to Chesil beach, Saint Catherine's chapel, near the village of Abbotsbury, and Portland in the distance, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England. This coastline is a UNESCO world heritage site.

St Catherine's Chapel

Evening view of Durdle Door beach, Dorset, England. Durdle door is one of the many stunning locations to visit on the Jurassic coast in southern England.

Durdle Door

The rising moon casting beautiful moonlight over Man of War Bay, near Durdle Door, Dorset, England. Durdle door is one of the many stunning locations to visit on the Jurassic coast in southern England.

Man O' War Bay

The beautiful coastal landscape at Kimmeridge bay in Dorset. This is one of the many wonders to be found on the Jurassic coast, an UNESCO world heritage site.

Kimmeridge Bay

Corfe Castle, Dorset.

Corfe Castle

Seacombe Bay and Cliffs on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England. Seacombe Bay is one of the many stunning locations to visit on the Jurassic coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern England

Seacombe Bay

The old cobbled Banjo Jetty at sunrise in Swanage, Dorset, England.

Swanage Banjo Pier

Sun rising Swanage Beach and Groyne, Dorset, England.

Swanage Beach & Groynes

Sunrise at Old Harry Rocks, at Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Old Harry Rocks

The ruins of Knowlton Church, a 12th century Norman church that was built on the centre of an ancient neolithic henge earthworks.

Knowlton Church Ruins

Horton Tower in Dorset

Horton Tower

Tree lined road at Moor Crichel in Dorset.

Moor Crichel

Show Places

Lighthouse at Portland Bill, near Weymouth, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England.

Portland Bill Lighthouse

Portland Bill Lighthouse, standing sentinel on the southernmost tip of Portland Isle in Dorset, provides photographers with a dramatic and iconic subject. Its striking red and white stripes against the often turbulent sea and sky create powerful compositions, particularly during stormy weather or at sunrise and sunset. The rugged, rocky coastline surrounding the lighthouse offers diverse perspectives, from wide-angle shots capturing its isolated grandeur to close-ups highlighting the texture of the weathered rocks and the lighthouse's imposing structure. Photographers can capture the powerful waves crashing against the shore, or the serene beauty of the lighthouse illuminated at night, making it a versatile location for both landscape and architectural photography.

Waves crashing at sunset over Pulpit rock at Portland Bill, near Weymouth, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England.

Pulpit Rock at Portland Bill

Pulpit Rock, a striking sea stack at Portland Bill, offers photographers a dramatic and dynamic subject. Its jagged, weathered form, isolated from the mainland, provides a compelling focal point against the backdrop of the churning sea and expansive sky. The rock's unique shape lends itself to diverse compositions, from wide-angle landscapes emphasising its isolation to close-ups capturing its intricate textures and the power of the waves crashing against it. Photographers can capture stunning images during sunrise and sunset, when the golden light bathes the rock in warm hues, or during stormy weather, when the powerful waves create dramatic sprays and add a sense of raw energy to the scene.

View across Portland, Chesil Beach & Weymouth harbour, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England.

Chesil Beach View

A remarkable 18-mile long shingle barrier, Chesil Beach is a vast expanse of pebbles graded in size from west to east. The beach's dramatic form, separating the Fleet Lagoon from the open sea, offers striking contrasts. The sheer scale of Chesil Beach, combined with its ever-changing light and atmospheric conditions, provides endless opportunities for capturing both grand landscapes and intimate details. It’s particularly lovely to photograph from the cliffs at the start of Portland Isle, which offer a panoramic view across Weymouth and Chesil combined.

View across to Chesil beach, Saint Catherine's chapel, near the village of Abbotsbury, and Portland in the distance, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England. This coastline is a UNESCO world heritage site.

St Catherine's Chapel

Saint Catherine's Abbey, or what remains of it at Abbotsbury, offers a beautifully atmospheric and historically rich subject. The ruins, perched atop a hill with sweeping views of the Dorset coastline, create a sense of tranquil isolation. The weathered stone, framed by the surrounding fields and sky, provides a canvas for dramatic lighting. The simple, yet striking, outline of the chapel against the backdrop of Chesil Beach lends itself to both wide landscape shots and more intimate detail work.

Evening view of Durdle Door beach, Dorset, England. Durdle door is one of the many stunning locations to visit on the Jurassic coast in southern England.

Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a beautiful limestone arch at the end of a long pebble beach. Its unique shape lends itself to diverse compositions, from wide-angle landscapes capturing its grandeur to intimate close-ups highlighting its texture. Golden hour light bathes the arch in warm hues, creating stunning silhouettes and highlighting the surrounding coastal scenery. While popular, the location provides ample opportunities for striking photographs, with varying perspectives from the clifftops and beach, making it a must-capture for landscape photographers.

The rising moon casting beautiful moonlight over Man of War Bay, near Durdle Door, Dorset, England. Durdle door is one of the many stunning locations to visit on the Jurassic coast in southern England.

Man O' War Bay

Nestled beside Durdle Door, Man O' War Bay offers a serene yet dramatic alternative. Its sheltered cove, dotted with striking limestone stacks and wave-worn rocks, creates a captivating scene, particularly during low tide when the textures and formations are fully revealed. The bay's tranquil waters reflect the sky, providing opportunities for stunning mirror-like compositions, especially at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding cliffs offer elevated perspectives, while closer shots from the beach reveal the intricate details of the weathered rocks, making it a perfect location for both wide landscapes and intimate detail shots.

The beautiful coastal landscape at Kimmeridge bay in Dorset. This is one of the many wonders to be found on the Jurassic coast, an UNESCO world heritage site.

Kimmeridge Bay

One of my favourite places on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, Kimmeridge Bay offers photographers a unique blend of geological wonder and stunning coastal scenery. Its iconic flat, rocky ledges, known as the Kimmeridge Ledges, create mesmerising patterns and reflections, especially at low tide and during golden hour. The bay's dark, fossil-rich shale cliffs and the imposing Clavell Tower provide dramatic backdrops, while the calm, shallow waters are ideal for capturing long exposures and mirror-like reflections. The area is renowned for its diverse marine life and fossil hunting, offering opportunities for macro and nature photography alongside the breathtaking landscapes.

Corfe Castle, Dorset.

Corfe Castle

A ruin perched atop a hill near Swanage, Corfe Castle provides photographers with a captivating subject steeped in history. Its weathered stone walls and fragmented towers, silhouetted against the sky or bathed in golden light, offer dramatic compositions. The surrounding Purbeck landscape, with its rolling hills and patchwork fields, adds depth and context to the castle's imposing presence. Photographers can capture wide-angle views showcasing its strategic position, or focus on the intricate details of its stonework and architectural features. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly stunning lighting, while misty mornings create an ethereal atmosphere, making Corfe Castle a versatile and rewarding location for landscape and architectural photography.

Seacombe Bay and Cliffs on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England. Seacombe Bay is one of the many stunning locations to visit on the Jurassic coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern England

Seacombe Bay

Nestled along Dorset's rugged coastline, Seacombe Bay offers photographers a secluded and dramatic coastline. The bay's layered rock formations, often revealing fascinating geological details, are particularly photogenic during low tide and golden hour, when the light accentuates their textures. The challenging terrain and powerful waves offer opportunities for capturing dynamic seascapes, while the relative isolation allows for undisturbed exploration and intimate shots of the natural beauty.

The old cobbled Banjo Jetty at sunrise in Swanage, Dorset, England.

Swanage Banjo Pier

The Banjo Pier, jutting out into Swanage bay, offers photographers a charming and unique perspective of this Dorset seaside town. Its distinctive curved shape, reminiscent of a banjo, provides excellent compositional lines leading the eye towards the open sea or back towards the town's picturesque coastline. The pier is particularly photogenic during sunrise as it points east. Long exposures can capture the movement of the sea and the pier's sturdy structure, while wide-angle shots highlight its architectural form against the backdrop of the bay.

Sun rising Swanage Beach and Groyne, Dorset, England.

Swanage Beach & Groynes

Next to the Banjo Pier, the groynes and sandy beach also make great photos at sunrise.

Sunrise at Old Harry Rocks, at Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Old Harry Rocks

The iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks, jutting out from the Dorset coastline, provide a stunning and dynamic subject. Their stark white forms against the blue sea and sky create striking contrasts, particularly during sunrise when the golden light bathes them in warm hues. The surrounding cliffs and coastline offer diverse perspectives, from wide-angle landscapes capturing their grandeur to close-ups highlighting their weathered textures. This is best shot at sunrise.

The ruins of Knowlton Church, a 12th century Norman church that was built on the centre of an ancient neolithic henge earthworks.

Knowlton Church Ruins

The Knowlton Church ruins, nestled within a prehistoric earthwork in Dorset, offer photographers a uniquely atmospheric and evocative subject. The skeletal remains of the medieval church, standing stark against the sky, create a sense of timelessness and mystery. The circular earthwork surrounding the ruins adds a compelling compositional element, framing the church and providing a sense of historical depth. Photographers can capture dramatic silhouettes at sunrise and sunset, or utilize the soft, diffused light of overcast days to highlight the intricate stonework and the peaceful, contemplative atmosphere. The juxtaposition of the ancient earthwork with the church ruins provides a rich tapestry of textures and historical layers, making Knowlton Church a captivating location for landscape and architectural photography.

Horton Tower in Dorset

Horton Tower

A unique 17th-century brick structure rising from the Dorset countryside, Horton Tower offers a distinctive and intriguing subject. Its tall, slender form, often framed by rolling fields and expansive skies, creates compelling compositions. The tower's intricate brickwork and the subtle variations in its colour provide rich textures. Photographers can capture wide-angle views showcasing its isolated grandeur, or use telephoto lenses to focus on the architectural details and the surrounding landscape. The tower's unusual design and the peaceful, rural setting make it a rewarding location for landscape and architectural photography, offering opportunities for both dramatic and serene images.

Tree lined road at Moor Crichel in Dorset.

Moor Crichel

The tree-lined avenue at Moor Crichel offers a classic and picturesque subject, evoking a sense of timeless English countryside charm. The symmetrical rows of mature trees, stretching into the distance, create strong leading lines and a natural frame, perfect for capturing depth and perspective. The play of light and shadow through the canopy, particularly during golden hour, adds a magical quality to the scene. Misty mornings create an ethereal atmosphere, while autumn foliage transforms the avenue into a vibrant tapestry of colours.

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Included in the price

Accommodation: All workshop nights in a single room (I can arrange extra nights if required)

All transport on workshop days

All tuition and guidance

Free ebook guide to photography

not included in the price

Flights

Lunch and Dinner

Travel insurance
(Guests must ensure they have their own travel insurance)

Suitable for:

DSLR or mirrorless users ideally (but some advanced compact or bridge SLRs may suit. Contact me to discuss whether your camera is suitable or not).

Difficulty level

This workshop involves a fair bit of walking on grassy terrain which could likely be wet and muddy. Good sturdy, water resistant boots are advised.

Most of the locations are close to the car with the exception of:

Durdle Door, which is the most difficult part. The walk from the car park to the beach is about a 15-20 minute walk, but also quite steep as we descend from the clifftop to the beach.

Seacombe is about a 25-minute gentle sloping walk from the car park.

Old Harry Rocks is also a 30-minute walk from the car park, but flat all the way.

Corfe Castle viewpoint is right next to the parking area, and it’s a short walk, but the viewpoint is a short but steep walk up. However, we only go up to the high point if there is mist. If no mist, we photograph from a small hill lower down along the trail.

Equipment needed

DSLR or Mirrorless Camera

Tripod.

Remote shutter release cable.

Spare batteries.

Raincover (or umbrella).

Equipment desired

Polarising filter

Neutral density filter

ND grad filters

Head or hand torch
(for working, and getting back to the car in the dark)

Getting to UK

Best option for Dorset is to fly to London.

For flights try:

Getting to the location

We will be based near Poole. You can get there by train or car. If you need car hire then try:

Skyscanner Car Hire

What to wear

Warm clothes. Ideally layers that can remove or put on as we’ll either be shooting before sunrise or after sunset, in the dark, when it will be colder. You will also need a raincoat. It is England after all!

Group bookings

Group bookings are available on request.
Contact me for more info

How to book

If you are interested in this workshop then you can enquire or book online using the link above or via the contact form below.

Payment

Once a booking is agreed, unless you paid online, you will be sent an invoice for payment, a deposit is payable upon booking and the balance is due at least 8 weeks before the workshop date, unless otherwise agreed or booking was made closer to the date. Payment can be made by bank transfer, paypal.

Cancellations

If your workshop is cancelled for any reason by me then a full refund will be given, or you will have the chance to join another group. Should you cancel for any reason after payment has been made then a full refund will be given up to one week before the workshop date, but after that a full refund will only be given if I have a minimum of three people on the date of your booking.

Detailed Photography Ebook

I know how hard it can be to try and scribble down notes at any kind of lesson or workshop, so to this end I have created a detailed ebook that is totally free.

download the ebook here

Upcoming Dorset Photography Workshops

New dates TBA

Join waiting list

Contact form

If you have any questions about this workshop please fill out this form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Watch my Dorset videos

Ian is a natural teacher and his…

Ian is a natural teacher and his passion for photography is evident. Ian has given me the confidence to use my camera to its full potential and taught me skills that enable me to capture the perfect shot – still lots to learn thank you Ian

M Hyland

The clarity of Ian's tuition is …

The clarity of Ian’s tuition is impressive and he adapts to your level. He is a natural photography teacher particularly for novices.

Louise Welcome