A Photographer’s Voyage: Capture Britain’s Best Views from These Six Ferries

For photographers, finding a unique vantage point is everything. Ferries offer just that: a moving platform that provides constantly shifting perspectives on landscapes, wildlife, and industry. These six UK ferry routes are a dream for any photographer, offering unparalleled opportunities to capture stunning and dynamic images that are impossible to get from the shore.
The Hebridean routes are a must for dramatic landscape photography. The crossing from Berneray to Harris allows you to shoot the jagged, elemental beauty of the rock-strewn sound, often under moody, atmospheric skies. On the way to Skye, the Glenelg ferry provides intimate shots of the Kyle Rhea straits and the chance to photograph a unique piece of industrial heritage—the turntable mechanism—in action.
Wildlife photographers should head straight for the Penzance to Scilly ferry. With a long lens, you can capture incredible images of seabirds like gannets in flight or, with patience and luck, the breathtaking moment a whale surfaces. The key is to be ready at all times, as the most dramatic moments are often fleeting. Don’t forget the seals that pose elegantly on the rocks in the Sound of Harris.
For those interested in industrial and architectural subjects, the Harwich harbour ferry is a goldmine. It offers the chance to photograph the colossal scale of modern container ships, often contrasted with classic Thames barges. Upon arrival, the historic town of Harwich itself provides beautiful period buildings. These journeys are a creative challenge, rewarding prepared photographers with a portfolio of truly exceptional shots.