picturesque england

Photogenic England: looking at the number of social media posts on Instagram, TripAdvisor reviews and the number of photographs on Getty Images, GO Outdoors has revealed the most photogenic outdoor locations in England.

Calum Jones, author and outdoor enthusiast, at GO Outdoors comments: “With social media continuing to inspire more of us to explore the outdoors, we wanted to look at England’s most picturesque destinations. From dramatic coastline to impressive gorges, these locations are perfect for everything from a scenic walk to a quick photo stop.

“We hope this inspires more people to get outside, explore what England has to offer and benefit from the endless mental benefits getting outdoors has to offer.”

England’s most picturesque destinations:

Rank

Location

Tripadvisor review rating /5

Number of Instagram posts

Number of photographs on Getty Images

Photogenic destinations score /10

1

Seven Sisters, Sussex

4.8

414,000

3,466

9.90

2

Durdle Door, Dorset

4.1

332,000

972

9.72

3

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

4.1

106,000

684

9.39

4

Malham Cove, North Yorkshire

4.8

73,400

290

9.22

5

Gaping Gill, Yorkshire Dales

4.8

2,461

66,893

9.09

6

Ilkley Moor, West Yorkshire

4.7

54,200

221

8.93

7

Flamborough Head, East Yorkshire

4.7

27,100

466

8.92

8

Botany Bay, Kent

4.2

118,000

166

8.65

9

Winnats Pass, Peak District

4.7

37,400

193

8.09

10

Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire

4.6

20,300

318

7.98

The Seven Sisters takes the top spot as England’s most photogenic destination with a score of 9.90/10. The iconic white cliffs are popular with Instagrammers and photographers alike, with over 400,000 Instagram posts and more than 3,000 Getty Images. Whether you’re snapping a sunset over the English Channel or just enjoying an easy coastal walk, it’s hard to take a bad photo here.

In second place is Durdle Door, with a score of 9.72. The natural limestone arch formed thousands of years ago and has since become one of the most popular tourist spots in the region. Arguably the most recognisable landmark on the Jurassic Coast, it is no surprise Durdle Door has amassed over 330,000 Instagram posts, offering visitors the perfect backdrop for a seaside snap.

Rounding out the top three is Cheddar Gorge with a score of 9.39. Located in Somerset, the gorge is the largest in England, and the towering cliffs offer a great picture opportunity for both Instagrammers and professional photographers. The gorge is especially striking when captured from the top, where cliff-top walks offer panoramic views across the gorge itself and out over the Mendip Hills.

Calum adds: “When heading out into nature, it’s best to be prepared for all conditions. A waterproof jacket, sturdy walking shoes and lightweight layers will help keep you comfortable so you can focus on enjoying your surroundings. Remember to respect the environment and local guidelines so that others can enjoy these natural beauty spots long after your visit.”

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.