Did you know that it is World Photography Day on the 19th August? Well, now you do! So, if you fancy making your Instagram looking incredible while also marking the day, here are ten locations across Devon that are perfect for taking photos. Whether you’re a pro or it's just a hobby, these locations are so pretty that taking great photos of them is easy, no matter what your skill level.

So, without further ado, here are our ten top spots.

Dartmoor National Park

wistman woods
Image: Wistman's Woods, Dartmoor by @leeacase on Instagram

It doesn’t matter where you are on Dartmoor, you’re never too far from beautiful scenery that is perfect for photographing. There is open moorland as far as the eye can see, there are Tors which when caught at sunrise or sunset offer some incredible sights, plus there is the delightfully spooky wooded areas, the wild ponies and horses and the various rivers that run through it. From wild flowers to wild animals to ancient monuments and historical buildings, Dartmoor is a photographer’s paradise.

Thinking of heading to Dartmoor for a photo session? We recommend heading to Haytor, which is one of the most photographed places on the moor or to Great Staple Tor where you’ll find some amazing rock formations and of course Whistmans Woods – you’ll thank us when you get there.

Valley of the Rocks

valley of rocks
Image: Valley of the Rocks, @__Meez_erased__ on Instagram

You’ll find this in north Devon in the Lynton and Lynmouth area. It is pretty much as the name suggests and looks like something out of Lord of the Rings rather than somewhere on the British coast. In the summer, the sunsets from the rocks are beautiful, as are the sunrises. You can position yourself to take your photo across the cliff tops or looking out to sea, either way you’ll get an incredible photo to add to your Instagram grid. Oh, also make sure to look out for the wild mountain goats that live there. They make excellent subjects!

Salcombe

salcombe
Image: Salcombe, @quantocks_girl on Instagram.

Seriously, just look at it. There isn’t much more to say on that one really is there?

Clovelly

clovelly
Image: Clovelly @ivetapaula on Instagram

A tourist attraction in its own right, this wonderful village is really frozen in time, it has cobbled streets that are car free, a working harbour and lots of very cute donkeys. The whole place looks like it should be on a postcard, which is what makes it such a great place to take photos. The streets, the buildings and the harbour are all interesting photograph spots.

Exmoor National Park

exmoor
Image: Exmoor National Park, @exmoor_national_park on Instagram

Much like Dartmoor, Exmoor has plenty of wonderful photograph spots. Much of North Devon and Exmoor is a designated AONB, so you would expect it to have some pretty stunning scenery. The moorland stretches for miles with wild flowers and wildlife and there are coastal areas, waterfalls and the regular Dark Skies festival, where you can take advantage of a night sky that isn’t affected by light pollution allowing you to see stars and planets without the use of telescopes. It’s not the easiest thing to photograph, but it can be done!

The Jurassic Coast

jacobs ladder
Image: Jacob's Ladder, Sidmouth @jackcory on Instagram

You’ll find the Jurassic Coastline in East Devon, the iconic red cliffs dotted with fossils and the surrounding countryside make some amazing backdrops for photos. East Devon is full of quaint towns and villages to explore with a camera too, especially places like Ladram Bay in Budleigh Salterton which can be accessed on foot from Sidmouth and the village of Beer. Speaking of Sidmouth, one of the most popular photo spots in this area is at Jacobs Ladder Beach, where you can stand at the top or bottom of the stairs for interesting photo opportunities.

Woolacombe

woolacombe
Image: Woolacombe, @emma_peiyen on Instagram

Heading back to North Devon a moment, Woolacombe is one of the many beautiful beaches in this region. This one has miles of sand joining up to the neighbouring Putsborough Beach. It has sand dunes and beach huts and being one of the best beaches for surfing in the area, you’ll get the chance to photograph a few of them too.

Plymouth

smeatons tower
Image: Plymouth, @rosiemgibson on Instagram

Plymouth’s Smeaton’s Tower is one of the most photographed spots in the whole of Devon with the sea in the background. It isn’t just the iconic red and white striped tower that provides a good photography subject, the Sound, Drake’s Island and Royal Williams’ Yard are all great places to stop and take a few shots.

Exeter

exeter from above
Image: Exeter, @joao.pico on Instagram

We can’t mention one city without mentioning the other. Exeter has some amazing spots for photographs, obviously the Cathedral is a must, but the quay, the old style streets and places like Rougemont Castle and Parliament Street (the narrowest street in the UK) offer good photo spots too.

Brixham

brixham
Image: Brixham, @thebromyardblogger

We’re going to end our list with Brixham in the Torbay area of Devon. This traditional fishing village has lots of lovely views and vistas which will help spruce up your Instagram grid, but the best time to take a picture is at night. In the evenings, Brixham really lights up the sky, it’s a beautiful sight. The harbour is also a popular spot as is the Golden Hind, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship.

What are your favourite photo spots in Devon? Make sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram, we love seeing them.