Bournemouth Funicular

Bournemouth Funicular

This is one of the funiculars taking holidaymakers from the tops of the cliffs down to Bournemouth Beach.

This shot was taken just after sunrise, with the low light giving the sand that fantastic texture.

According to the website

http://www.letsgoout-bournemouthandpoole.co.uk/things-to-do/beaches/cliff-lifts/

"Cliff Lifts

Bournemouth’s famous cliff lifts offer you an easy way of getting to and from the beach.

The cliff lifts are actually funicular railways but are often referred to as cliff railways. They are tram-like carriages on rails, and they operate via a cable which moves the carriage up and down the cliff face.

There are three cliff lifts in Bournemouth at West Cliff, East Cliff and Fisherman’s Walk. They operate daily between Easter and the end of October, weather permitting.

Both the West Cliff Lift and the East Cliff Lift were built in 1908, with the East Cliff Lift opening first. The cliff lift at Fisherman’s Walk was built in 1935.

The prices are as follows (updated 7.9.25).

Adult – £2.30

Child – £1.80

Family – £7.55

Unfortunately, at the time of updating this post, the cliff lifts are closed due to cliff slips - please check out the latest BCP Council website page here.

Here are some new thoughts that I have added to the original blog post.

Bournemouth's coastline is famous for its sandy beaches and vibrant pier, but tucked away on the West Cliff is a unique subject for photographers: the historic Bournemouth West Cliff Funicular. This charming cliff railway offers an incredible viewpoint and a unique opportunity to capture a slice of local history. This guide will help you understand how to photograph this iconic structure, from the best angles to the camera settings you need.

The photograph accompanying this post is an amazing, high-angle shot, providing a unique perspective of the Bournemouth West Cliff Funicular. Taken from the top of the cliff, the image looks down the steep slope of the funicular tracks toward the beach and the sea. The two funicular carriages, one ascending and one descending, are the main subjects, providing a sense of motion and purpose. In the foreground, the worn concrete of the cliff-top provides a strong leading line that draws the eye down the tracks. The sandy beach below is a tapestry of raked lines, and the calm sea stretches to the horizon with gentle waves lapping the shore. This scene perfectly encapsulates the classic English seaside town, blending historical infrastructure with natural beauty.

I took this photo with my trusty Canon 5D camera and a 17-40mm lens, shooting at f/22, a slow shutter speed of 1/40th of a second, and a low ISO 100. My goal was to capture every detail, from the textured concrete to the lines on the sand and the waves of the sea. By using a small aperture (f/22), I ensured maximum depth of field, keeping everything from the foreground to the background in sharp focus. The slow shutter speed allowed me to smooth out the gentle motion of the water and get a beautiful, clean image. Finally, the ISO 100 setting guaranteed the highest possible image quality with no digital noise. My professional approach to architectural photography is all about combining these settings to achieve maximum clarity and impact.

1. Composition: Use Leading Lines for a Dynamic Image

As seen in the accompanying photograph, using the tracks and the concrete cliff edge as leading lines is a powerful technique. These lines naturally guide the viewer's eye through the frame, creating a sense of depth and a more dynamic image. You can also use other elements, such as the distant groynes on the beach, to add visual interest and draw the eye out to the horizon.

2. Timing and Light: Wait for the Right Moment

To capture the funicular carriages in motion, as I did, you'll need to time your shot carefully. Wait for one carriage to be halfway down the slope and the other to be ascending, creating a sense of symmetry and balance. The best light for this kind of shot is often early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is low, casting long shadows and highlighting textures. On a bright, clear day, the colours of the sand and sea will be at their most vibrant, perfect for seascape photography.

3. High-Angle Perspective: Go Beyond the Obvious

This high-angle shot provides a unique perspective that a ground-level photo simply can't. By finding a viewpoint from above, you can capture the entire scene, from the funicular to the beach and the sea, giving a more complete story. This is a great tip for anyone looking to go beyond the usual tourist snapshots and create compelling travel photography.

Final Thoughts

Photographing the Bournemouth Funicular is a fantastic way to practice and improve your travel photography and architectural photography skills. By paying attention to details, composition, and light, you can capture a truly memorable image of this magnificent landmark. This is an excellent addition to your photography tips toolkit.

#bournemouth photographer