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Wow factor
Accessibility
Photo potential
Knowlton Church
| Directions: |
The tiny hamlet of Knowlton is located on the B3078 around 10 miles north of Bournemouth. Travelling from Bournemouth head towards Wimborne Minster, then take the road towards Cranbourne. It’s easy to miss the scattering of houses that make up the Knowlton, but just as you come into the hamlet you’ll find the turning to the church on your left. There’s just enough space to park a car or two by the entrance to the church. |
| Accessibility: |
Limited car parking next to the church, but otherwise very easy access. |
| Costs: |
None |
| Best time to visit: |
Dawn or dusk make for the most atmospheric shots. |
Venue information
The ruined remains of Knowlton church sit on top of a Bronze Age earthwork. This combination of a Christian and a pagan site isn’t unique, but unlike almost every other site the banks of the earthworks are still clearly visible. The fact that the church is ruined makes the whole site even more picturesque.
Visiting this site on a misty, still morning there’s an eerie feel to the whole area, but that may be as much down to the cold as the ancient spirits! On a more practical level you’ll need to pack an extreme wide-angle lens to include the whole of the earthworks and the church from any of the banks. You’ll also need an ND grad filter to cope with the contrast between the sky and the foreground for successful dawn or dusk shots as well.
Venue Verdict: An atmospheric and eerie site, that’s at its best on a misty morning.
Ratings (out of five): 3