The Best Beaches, Woods and Fields for Family Photos in Kent

Kent is one of the best places in the South East for outdoor family photography. From wide sandy beaches and dramatic coastlines to woodland walks, wildflower meadows and rolling countryside, there’s no shortage of beautiful locations for relaxed family photos.

As a family photographer based in Ashford, I’m lucky to work across many different parts of Kent throughout spring, summer and autumn. Every area offers something slightly different, whether you love coastal sunsets, woodland adventures or open countryside. Here are some of my favourite beaches, woods and outdoor locations for natural family photography across Kent.

Beaches for Family Photos in Kent

Kent’s coastline offers some of the most beautiful beach photography locations in the South East, especially during golden hour on warm summer evenings.

Family Photos at Camber Sands

Although technically just over the border in East Sussex, Camber Sands is hugely popular with families from Ashford, Tenterden and Romney Marsh. The sand dunes, open skies and soft evening light create a relaxed setting for natural family photos. It works especially well for children who love running, exploring and playing barefoot in the sand.

Coastal Family Photography in Folkestone and Hythe

The coastline around Folkestone and Hythe offers a mix of beaches, colourful coastal paths and quieter spots away from busy tourist areas. Sunny Sands Beach in Folkestone is lovely for relaxed summer sessions, while the seafront near Hythe gives a more peaceful feel with beautiful evening light. Families travelling from Canterbury, Dover or Deal often choose this part of the Kent coast for sunset photography sessions.

Whitstable and Herne Bay

Whitstable is well known for its coastal charm, beach huts and relaxed atmosphere. Nearby Herne Bay also has quieter beach areas that work beautifully for family photography. These locations are especially popular during late summer and early autumn when the beaches are calmer but the weather is still warm.

Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate

The Thanet coastline has some fantastic beaches for family sessions, particularly around Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate. Botany Bay near Broadstairs is especially stunning for evening family photos, with chalk cliffs and soft coastal light creating a beautiful natural backdrop.

Woodland Family Photography Locations in Kent

Woodland sessions are perfect during spring and autumn, especially for families wanting relaxed outdoor photos surrounded by nature.

King’s Wood and Challock

King's Wood near Challock is one of my favourite woodland locations near Ashford. It’s especially beautiful during bluebell season and autumn, with woodland paths, soft light and plenty of space for children to explore naturally. Families often travel from Wye, Canterbury, Faversham and Maidstone for sessions here.

Family Photos Around Wye and the Kent Downs

The countryside surrounding Wye and the wider Kent Downs area offers rolling hills, open fields and beautiful walking paths. This area feels especially peaceful during golden hour in late spring and summer, making it ideal for relaxed family photography. Nearby villages like Brook, Brabourne, Chilham and Westwell also have beautiful countryside settings that work well for outdoor sessions.

Bedgebury Forest and Tunbridge Wells

Families based around Royal Tunbridge Wells often choose woodland locations such as Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest for family photography. The forest works beautifully year-round, particularly during autumn when the colours change across the trees.

Fields, Meadows and Countryside Family Photos

Open countryside and wildflower fields are some of the most popular choices for natural family photography in Kent.

Countryside Sessions Near Tenterden

Tenterden is surrounded by beautiful countryside, orchards and quiet lanes that create a timeless backdrop for family photos. This area is especially popular during late summer when the fields glow during golden hour. Families from Rye, Appledore, Woodchurch and Hamstreet often choose this area for relaxed outdoor sessions.

Canterbury and Surrounding Villages

The countryside around Canterbury offers a mix of woodland, open farmland and wildflower areas. Villages including Chilham, Chartham, Bridge and Sturry all have lovely nearby outdoor spaces that work naturally for family photography throughout spring and summer.

Maidstone, Lenham and Leeds Castle Area

The countryside around Maidstone, Lenham and Leeds Castle provides beautiful green spaces, tree-lined paths and rolling Kent countryside. This part of Kent is ideal for families wanting a softer countryside backdrop without travelling too far towards the coast.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Family Photos

The best location for family photos often depends on your family’s personality and what feels most natural for your children. Some families love the freedom of the beach, while others prefer woodland walks, countryside sunsets or open fields where children can run and explore. One of the best things about family photography in Kent is the variety of beautiful outdoor locations within easy reach of Ashford, Canterbury, Folkestone, Whitstable, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Dover and the surrounding villages.

Whether you’re planning relaxed summer family photos by the sea, autumn woodland portraits or golden hour sessions in the countryside, Kent has some truly beautiful places to capture natural family memories.