Behind the Lens: 10 Photography Locations in Devon You Can Reach by Public Transport
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Here at Thorn Valley Studios, we absolutely love guiding photographers through Devon’s wild moorlands, ancient woodlands, and dramatic coastlines during our outdoor photography workshops.
But let’s be honest: not everyone wants to navigate Devon’s notoriously narrow, high-hedged country lanes, and finding a parking spot during peak season can be a proper headache.
The good news? You don’t need a car to experience the absolute best of the region.
From water-powered industrial heritage at Sticklepath and the granite peaks of central and eastern Dartmoor, to the sweeping sands of Exmouth, the iconic tidal views of Bigbury on Sea, and the historic, winding river banks of the Dart, you can leave the car keys behind.
Grab your camera bag, lace up your walking boots, and hop on board. Here are the top 10 workshop-ready locations accessible entirely by public transport.
1. Sticklepath & Finch Foundry
The Vibe: Industrial heritage frozen in time, a rushing river, and a beautifully wooded village on the northern slopes of the moor.
How to get there: Take the train straight to Okehampton on the Dartmoor Line, then catch a quick connecting bus (like the 6A/66) which drops you right in the heart of Sticklepath.
Photography focus: Interior and texture photography bliss. Capture the National Trust's Finch Foundry—the last working water-powered forge in England—focusing on the massive iron tilt hammers, water wheels, and flying sparks. Outside, practice slow-shutter-speed shots where the River Taw slices through the village.
2. Hound Tor & Bowerman's Nose (East Dartmoor)
The Vibe: Ghostly granite monoliths, sweeping moorland vistas, and the haunting ruins of a medieval village.
How to get there: Take the Country Bus 271 (Dartmoor service) from Newton Abbot train or bus station, which drops you right at the Hound Tor car park start point.
Photography focus: Landscape drama at its finest. It's a spectacular spot for scale photography using the massive rock formations, capturing low-light silhouettes at sunset, and exploring the textures of the nearby 14th-century stone longhouses.
3. Princetown & The Central Moor (Nun's Cross & Drizzlecombe Gateway)
The Vibe: Moody, vast, and beautifully desolate moorland packed with prehistoric monuments and isolated stone farmsteads.
How to get there: Catch the Transpeak/Plymouth Citybus 1 from Plymouth or Tavistock, or use seasonal Dartmoor bus services straight into the heart of Princetown.
Photography focus: The perfect base for high-atmosphere wilderness photography. Hike out from the village to capture the eerie, isolated ruins of Nun's Cross Farm, or trek toward the Drizzlecombe complex to photograph dramatic Bronze Age stone rows and giant menhirs set against an endless horizon.
4. Haytor Rock
The Vibe: The most iconic, towering granite landmark on Dartmoor, offering panoramic views stretching all the way to the South Devon coast.
How to get there: Take the seasonal Country Bus 271 (Haytor Hoppa) from Newton Abbot or Bovey Tracey, which stops right at the foot of the tor.
Photography focus: Wide-angle landscape framing and composition. Capture the dramatic, weather-beaten granite textures of the main tor, or explore the historic, overgrown granite quarry pools hidden nearby for beautiful reflection shots.
5. Postbridge & Bellever Forest
The Vibe: Ancient clapper bridges, rushing peat-stained waters, and atmospheric pine forest trails.
How to get there: Catch the trans-moor Country Bus 171 running between Newton Abbot and Tavistock, which stops right by the Postbridge National Park Visitor Centre.
Photography focus: A masterclass in contrasts. Capture the iconic 13th-century granite slab bridge over the East Dart River using slow shutter speeds, then head into Bellever Forest to experiment with leading lines among the tall pine canopy and seek out the local Dartmoor ponies.
6. Bovey Tracey & National Trust Parke
The Vibe: Known as the 'Gateway to the Moor', offering tranquil estate walks, ancient trees, and the rushing River Bovey.
How to get there: Catch the frequent Stagecoach 39 bus from Newton Abbot bus station and alight at Bovey Tracey.
Photography focus: Woodland photography at its finest. It's an incredible spot for capturing dappled sunlight through the canopy, long exposures of the rocky riverbed, and macro photography of forest-floor details.
7. Exmouth Beach & The Maer
The Vibe: Gateway to the Jurassic Coast, vast golden sands, and dramatic kite-surfing action.
How to get there: The Avocet Line train runs frequently from Exeter straight to Exmouth station, leaving you just a short walk from the seafront.
Photography focus: High-shutter-speed action photography (capturing water sports), expansive landscape framing, and beautiful low-tide sand ripples at sunset.
8. Bigbury on Sea & Burgh Island
The Vibe: Sweeping sandy beaches, breaking surf, and the iconic tidal island topped with a glamorous Art Deco hotel.
How to get there: Catch the Stagecoach Route 3 bus from Plymouth Royal Parade, which drops you at Bridge End. From there, it's a scenic walk down to the coast, where you can catch the famous high-rise sea tractor over to the island if the tide is in!
Photography focus: Coastal scale and shifting environments. Perfect for capturing the unique meeting of two tides over the sand tombolo, the stark architecture of Burgh Island, and dramatic sea-scapes at golden hour.
9. Teignmouth Back Beach & River Estuary
The Vibe: A traditional, relaxed working fishing harbour with the rolling red hills of The Ness as a backdrop.
How to get there: Teignmouth train station is on the main line; the Back Beach is a flat, 10-minute stroll through the town.
Photography focus: Great for capturing textures and details. Think colourful fishing hulls, weathered lobster pots, and the dramatic contrasts of the incoming tide meeting the River Teign.
10. Dartmouth & The River Dart Estuary
The Vibe: Historic naval architecture, steep winding streets, and a deep-water river bustling with ferries.
How to get there: Take the train to Newton Abbot or Paignton, then catch the Stagecoach 92 bus straight into Dartmouth. Alternatively, arrive via the steam railway from Paignton for a truly cinematic journey!
Photography focus: Framing the grand Britannia Royal Naval College across the water, capturing the historic timber-framed buildings of the Butterwalk, and using telephoto lenses to compress the layers of colourful houses stacked up the hillsides.
Thorn Valley Studios Tip: Before you head out on your South Devon public transport photography safari, always download the local bus operators' apps (like Stagecoach or Country Bus) to keep an eye on live tracking, and don't forget to check the tide times if you’re heading to the coast or the estuaries!
Whether you are picking up a camera for the first time or looking to master manual mode, getting out to capture Devon's breathtaking moorlands, historic villages, and dramatic, tidal coastlines shouldn't depend on having four wheels.
Which of these spots are you most excited to frame up? If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, check out our upcoming Thorn Valley Studios Outdoor Workshops and book your spot on our next eco-friendly photography adventure!
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