Finding the Best Spots across Exeter to Take Incredible Photos
There are more shutterbugs across Exeter and the UK at large than ever before. Some still fully commit to a proper camera, a tripod, and the like to take the best possible pictures. Others are more than happy with snapping with their superbly high-powered smartphone cameras. Whichever of these categories you fall into, Exeter has plenty of top spots for you to explore and add to your increasingly stunning collection of photos.
The city, and the surrounding county of Devon, has so many spectacular buildings that deserve to be the subject of a snap on their own, as well as rolling landscapes that are eternally beautiful. However, Exeter also has a knack of delivering surprise photo opportunities that you’ve got to be quick to catch on camera. So, while you’re travelling between the top photo spots of Exeter, you’d also be wise to keep an eye out for the unexpected.
Known for Sudden Natural Phenomena
Over the years, especially in recent years, snaps of natural phenomena have made it to local headlines. In particular, rainbows and adjacent sights have been captured by vigilant Exeter shutterbugs. In August 2020, this Devon Live report relayed the snapping of a rare flat rainbow running across the sea in Torbay. In January 2025, a novel moonbow was spotted, being a result of the light bouncing off of the moon refracting in the water droplets of the air.
Throughout history, rainbows have inspired a sense of awe and invariably complete a scenic photo. Even in entertainment, they’re deployed to tap into our sense of luck and hidden riches. Most notably, this is seen in the Rainbow Riches slots, which are rooted in the myths of leprechauns. In the colourful game, it’s all about getting to the end of the rainbow and triggering hit bonuses like Wishing Wells, Road to Riches, and Pots of Gold.
People come for the eye-catching theme of rainbows and lucky Irish iconography, staying for the in-theme bonuses. However, rainbows aren’t the only natural phenomena that make for captivating photo features that have been seen in and around Exeter. In Brixton Harbour, we’ve seen bioluminescent algae surge lightning-like effects through the water, and in East Devon, a mini dust cyclone was captured on camera.
Great Spots You Can Always Rely on
Regardless of the time of year or even the hour of the day, there are so many places dotted nearby that can make for fantastic photos. Chief among them, arguably, is the famed Jurassic Coast area. Named for its prevalence of fossil finds, the Jurassic Coast offers a whole host of idyllic spots for a snap across its 95-mile stretch from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks. Whether you’re looking out to sea or turning back inland, you’ll find some great shots here.
In Exeter proper, Cathedral Close is a great spot for its stunning period buildings and, as a day trip, its prevalence of book, gift, craft, and antique stores. Naturally, you’ve got the cathedral, but around that in this cobbled square are plenty of unique structures to put in the middle of your frame. Circling around to a bit of a more natural location, Pinces Gardens is particularly beautiful in the spring. It’d also be wise to take your camera to Exeter Quayside to capture the scenic waterways of the city.
In Exeter and across the county, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to superb photo locations to add to your collection. Best of all, you might just encounter an oddity while you’re out and about in the area.
