My Favourite Family Photography Locations in Kent | A Local Family Photographer's Guide

One of the questions I'm asked most by parents before booking a session is:

"Where should we have our family photos taken?"

Luckily, Kent has an incredible variety of beautiful outdoor locations. Whether your family loves woodland adventures, countryside walks or running barefoot along the beach, there's a perfect setting waiting for you.

These locations I return to time and time again and they each offer something different, but they all have one thing in common—they allow children to relax, play and simply be themselves.

Here are my favourite family photography locations in Kent.

Hamstreet Woods

Hamstreet Woods is one of my favourite locations for families who love nature.

The winding woodland paths, tall trees and changing seasonal colours create a beautiful backdrop throughout the year. During autumn the woodland comes alive with warm oranges and golden leaves, while spring brings fresh greenery and soft light filtering through the trees.

It's especially suited to adventurous children who enjoy exploring and collecting sticks, leaves and treasures along the way.

Perfect for:

• Autumn family sessions

• Toddlers and young children

• Relaxed woodland photography

King's Wood, Challock

King's Wood is stunning in every season. The wide forest tracks give children plenty of space to run, while the peaceful woodland creates beautiful natural portraits without distractions.

Spring is particularly magical when the bluebells appear, while autumn provides rich colours that make family photographs feel warm and timeless.

Littlestone Beach

If your family loves the coast, Littlestone is a wonderful choice. The wide sandy beach offers endless room for children to play, build sandcastles and splash at the water's edge. Evening sessions here are especially beautiful when the sun begins to set across the sea. Beach sessions are always wonderfully relaxed because children rarely feel like they're having their photograph taken—they're simply enjoying themselves.

Greatstone Beach

Greatstone has a quieter feel, making it ideal for families wanting natural, uninterrupted photographs. Its open skies, sand dunes and expansive beach create a simple backdrop that keeps the focus on your family and the connections between you. Golden hour here is simply breathtaking. It has a similar feel to Camber Sands photoshoot, but much more convenient to families from Ashford, the Marsh and Kent and also with a more convenient carpark and toilet facilities nearby.

The Warren, Ashford

The Warren is one of Ashford's hidden gems. With woodland paths, open spaces and beautiful natural textures, it provides a lovely mix of scenery during a family session.

It's particularly popular with younger children who enjoy exploring every corner of the woodland.

Hothfield Common

Hothfield Common offers something completely different. The open heathland, wild grasses and purple heather create a wonderfully natural setting that changes beautifully throughout the seasons. The wide-open landscape is perfect for families wanting a relaxed countryside feel.

Sunny Sands, Folkestone

Sunny Sands is ideal if you're looking for a fun, relaxed beach session. Children can paddle, search for shells and enjoy the seaside while I capture genuine smiles and natural moments. The combination of sand, sea and colourful skies creates timeless family photographs you'll treasure for years.

Eastwell

Eastwell is one of Kent's most picturesque countryside locations. The rolling landscape, mature trees and peaceful surroundings make it perfect for families wanting elegant outdoor portraits while still keeping sessions relaxed and natural. It's especially beautiful during golden hour.

Deer Park at Mersham le Hatch

The deer park offers a stunning countryside backdrop with beautiful mature trees and open grassland. Families love the peaceful atmosphere, while children enjoy spotting wildlife during the shoot. It's a wonderful location for natural storytelling photography.

Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is one of Kent's most iconic locations. The beautiful grounds, lakes and tree-lined pathways provide endless opportunities for stunning family photographs throughout the year.

Whether it's blossom in spring or colourful autumn leaves, there's always something beautiful to photograph here.

Godinton House & Gardens

Godinton House & Gardens is perfect for families looking for beautiful gardens and colourful seasonal flowers. From formal gardens to peaceful walkways, every corner offers another lovely backdrop for natural family portraits. The changing seasons mean no two sessions here ever look the same.

How to Choose the Right Family Photography Location

Every family is different, so the best location depends on what feels most like you.

If your children love climbing trees and exploring, woodland locations like Hamstreet Woods or King's Wood work beautifully. If they can't resist the beach, Littlestone, Greatstone or Sunny Sands are fantastic choices. If you'd prefer elegant gardens or open countryside, Eastwell, Leeds Castle or Godinton House offer timeless scenery. When you book a session with me, I'm always happy to help you choose the perfect location based on your children's ages, the season and the style of photographs you'd love to display in your home.

What Should You Wear?

Soft, neutral colours always work best outdoors. Think creams, beige, soft blues, olive greens, rust, mustard and earthy tones that complement Kent's natural landscapes. Coordinating colours rather than matching outfits helps create timeless photographs that won't date.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best location for family photos in Kent?

There's no single answer—it depends on your family. Woodland locations are perfect for adventurous children, while beaches create relaxed, playful photographs full of movement.

What time of day is best?

I usually recommend sunrise or the last hour before sunset when the light is soft, flattering and perfect for outdoor photography.

What if my children won't sit still?

That's exactly how I like it! My sessions are designed around play, exploration and genuine interaction rather than asking children to sit and smile. The result is natural photographs that truly capture your family's personality.

Let's Find Your Perfect Location

Choosing the right location is the first step towards creating photographs you'll treasure for years to come. Whether you picture your family exploring ancient woodland, walking through beautiful gardens or laughing together on the beach, Kent has the perfect backdrop—and I'd love to help you find it. If you're thinking about booking a family photography session, get in touch and together we'll choose a location that suits your family perfectly.