We have teamed up with local professional landscape photographer James Ratchford who will be your personal guide and tutor for a day, or half-day of walking the stunning hills, rivers and coastlines that surround us. Welcome to our Skoolie Stays photography holidays, available year round! You’ll enjoy one-on-one guidance, advice and insights from James as he takes you on walks in and around the most beautiful scenery this corner of Sussex and the South Downs has to offer.
A photography short-break with long-lasting benefits
The benefits of personal attention from a local photographer whose daily privilege and joy it is to capture the bounties pf the South Downs charms, having honed his craft over may years and many trodden miles, will stay with you for many years. Together with James, we have created circular walks starting and finishing at the Skoolie, as well as other options that James offers. All are only a short drive from Skoolie Stays.
Start at the Skoolie, discover the landscape on your doorstep
The Skoolie is lucky to be located within the rolling fields and hills of Beachy Head, with sea views and big skies above. Your day can start simply by meeting James when he knocks on the Skoolie door to start your photography adventure. Instantly, you’ve got your first scenery right there for the taking, with the right person to help you capture it.
The Skoolie Stays Photography Day
Beachy Head Highland Circular trail from Skoolie Stays
Price is £250 for this full day option. Please enquire with us to check date availability before you book.
Birling Gap – Belle Tout lighthouse with views to Beachy Head Lighthouse
South Hill Barn – Cuckmere Haven
Three-hour Walk / 2-3 miles
Easy-moderate
Highlights include iconic views out to the Seven Sisters Cliffs and wildlife along the Cuckmere River
Covering shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lens choice, subject matter, composition, rule of thirds and additional useful information
Refreshments are available at the Coffee station at South Hill Barn
Transport to South Hill Barn required or pickup available
£120
Exceat Circular walk along the Cuckmere River
Six-hour circular walk / 7 miles
Moderate difficulty (some steep terrain)
Highlights include iconic views out to the Cuckmere River, the Seven Sisters and Birling Gap
Covering shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lens choice, subject matter, composition, rule of thirds and additional useful information
Refreshments are available at Birling Gap
Transport to Exceat required or pickup available (on Bus route)
£250
Exceat Circular walk along the Seven Sisters returning through Friston Forest
Three-hour walk / 3-4 miles
Moderate difficulty (some steep terrain)
Highlights include iconic views of and out to the Cuckmere River and the Seven Sisters
Covering shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lens choice, subject matter, composition, rule of thirds and additional useful information
Refreshments at start/finish from Saltmarsh Cafe
Transport to Exceat required or pickup available (on Bus route)
£120
You can book any available dates on the Skoolie instantly on our site but with our photography days added, you need please to enquire directly with us first for the dates you are interested in. We’ll get back to you quickly, so drop us a line to get started on this wonderful photography break away!
