I’ve just returned from another incredible photography trip, this time revisiting the stunning landscapes of Dorset, UK. My last trip to this picturesque county was back in 2019, and ever since, I’ve been eager to return. This time, my goal was to explore locations I had missed last time or where the conditions weren’t quite right for the shots I had envisioned.
The trip was planned within a seven-day window, beginning on Sunday, March 23rd, with our arrival in Boscombe. This trip was special for another reason—my wife, Karen, joined me for the first time! While I was focused on capturing Dorset’s dramatic coastlines and landscapes, she took in the sights and truly enjoyed the experience. After settling into our BnB, we took it easy for the rest of the evening, preparing for an early start the following morning.
Chasing the Mist at Corfe Castle
On Monday morning at 4 AM, we set off on a one-hour drive to Corfe Castle, located in Wareham. I had high hopes of capturing this iconic medieval ruin emerging from a mystical blanket of fog—something every photographer dreams of. After parking the car, we made the steep climb up the opposite hill, where I set up my gear and waited patiently for the mist to roll in. While conditions weren’t exactly as I had hoped, the atmosphere was still breathtaking, and I managed to capture some striking images of the castle surrounded by the soft morning light.
Karen experiencing the 4am walk up the hill opposite Corfe Castle.
Exploring Osmington Mills and the Wreck of the Minx
Over the next few days, the trip was characterized by a lot of walking, a lot of driving, and endless photographic opportunities. One of the standout locations was Osmington Mills, a stunning coastal area ideal for hiking and camping. Here, we navigated the rocky shoreline to reach the remains of the Minx, a steam-powered coal barge that met its fate on Frenchman’s Ledge in November 1927.
The remains of the Minx from a distance.
The wreck has since become part of the seascape, its rusting remains protruding from the water like a ghostly reminder of the past. As I was composing my shot, a cormorant landed perfectly on the edge of one of the jagged metal remnants, adding a dynamic element to the scene—one of those lucky moments that make photography so rewarding.
The Fleet Lagoon and Its Restless Boats
Another location that stood out was The Fleet Lagoon, a serene yet hauntingly beautiful stretch of water. The boats here appear almost frozen in time, resting half-buried in the shallow seabed, gently rocking with the tide. The contrast between stillness and movement made for some great compositions, capturing the essence of this unique environment.
Solent Beach & Changing Landscapes
Solent Beach in Boscombe was just a five-minute drive from our BnB, so naturally, we spent time exploring the area. To my surprise, I discovered that the metal gates with spikes had been removed from the Hengistbury Head breakwater—a feature I had hoped to photograph again. However, this change opened up new possibilities, and I turned my attention to the tide markers instead. Each one had its own character, standing defiantly against the shifting tides.
Swanage Pier: A Storm’s Aftermath
Swanage has always been one of my favorite locations for long-exposure photography, and this trip was no exception. The old pier had suffered damage from Storm Ciarán in 2023. While it was sad to see it in a deteriorated state, the broken structure added a new level of intrigue to my shots, making them even more compelling.
Swanage in mist.
Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove & A Humorous Farewell
On our final day, we visited some of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks—Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Butter Rock. The stairs down to the beach were just as grueling as I remembered, and walking on the shingles made it even more challenging. But the effort was well worth it, as I managed to capture a stunning shot of Butter Rock alongside the Bat’s Head cliffs.
As I was wrapping up my final shots near Durdle Door, an unexpected (and hilarious) incident unfolded. While setting up for a close-up of the famous arch, a dog came bounding towards my tripod and, before I could react, lifted its leg and peed on one of the tripod legs! 🤦♂️ His owner was mortified, but we couldn’t help bursting into laughter. It was the perfect lighthearted moment to end the trip on.
Final Thoughts & Exhibition Preparations
Overall, I came away with 16-17 strong images, which will be prepared for my next exhibition. These new additions will be displayed alongside other works I’ve created and will continue to develop in the coming months.
If I had to rate this trip, I’d give it a solid 9.5 out of 10. Dorset once again proved to be a paradise for long exposure photography, offering endless inspiration at every turn. I can’t wait to return—hopefully, without another tripod mishap! 😆