The Best Kent Locations for Autumn Family Photography

Autumn is one of my favourite times for family photos in Kent. The summer crowds have disappeared, the colours start to change, and there are so many brilliant places to explore with children.

From colourful woodland walks and open countryside to hidden paths covered in leaves, Kent has no shortage of beautiful locations for an autumn family photoshoot. And the best bit? You don't need to travel far to find somewhere that works.

If you're based in Ashford, Romney Marsh, Folkestone, Hythe, Canterbury, Maidstone or anywhere nearby, here are some of my favourite Kent locations for autumn photography.

Hothfield Common, near Ashford

Hothfield Common is a brilliant choice for families who love open space and a bit of adventure. Just outside Ashford, it has woodland areas, heathland and plenty of different backdrops within one location.

In autumn, the changing colours and natural textures make it ideal for relaxed family photography. There is plenty of room for children to explore, and we can make the most of the different areas as we wander.

It's a great option for families from Ashford, Tenterden, Wye, Charing and the surrounding villages who don't want to travel too far for their family photos.

Wye Downs and the countryside around Wye

For big views, long grass and a more open countryside feel, Wye and the surrounding Downs are beautiful in autumn.

The landscape changes throughout the year, but autumn brings warmer tones and softer colours, especially later in the afternoon. It's a lovely choice for families who want something a little different from a woodland setting.

Wye is also easy to reach from Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham and surrounding areas, making it a great location for a Kent family photoshoot.

Hamstreet Woods

Hamstreet Woods is one of my favourite locations near Ashford and the Romney Marsh for families who want a proper autumn woodland backdrop.

The paths, trees and fallen leaves give us plenty to work with, and it is an ideal place for children to explore along the way. Every visit can look slightly different depending on the time of year, which is part of what makes it such a good photography location.

If you're looking for autumn family photography in Ashford, Hamstreet, Tenterden or Romney Marsh, this is definitely one to consider.

King's Wood, near Challock

King's Wood is another fantastic option for autumn photography in Kent. With woodland paths and plenty of trees, there is lots of variety for a family photoshoot.

It works particularly well for families with children because there is space to walk and explore rather than staying in one small area. Autumn leaves can add a lovely splash of colour to photographs, and the woodland setting feels completely different from a beach or open field.

King's Wood is well placed for families from Ashford, Canterbury, Faversham and Maidstone.

Lympne and the countryside around Hythe

The countryside around Hythe and Lympne has some beautiful spots for autumn family photography. Open fields, woodland edges and countryside paths can all work really well when the colours start to change.

This area is a good option for families based around Hythe, Folkestone, Ashford, New Romney and Romney Marsh who are looking for an outdoor location without travelling too far.

Blean Woods, near Canterbury

If you're based closer to Canterbury, Blean Woods is a brilliant autumn location. The woodland offers plenty of natural backdrops and a real feeling of being away from everything.

Autumn is a particularly good time to photograph here, with changing leaves and woodland paths creating lots of variety. It's ideal for families from Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay, Faversham and surrounding areas.

Bedgebury Pinetum, near Goudhurst

For something a little different, Bedgebury has a huge variety of trees and colours. This makes it a great option for autumn photography, particularly when different varieties start changing at different times.

It can be a good choice for families travelling from Maidstone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden and the wider Kent area.

As with any popular location, it can get busy, so timing your family photoshoot carefully can make all the difference.

Dungeness and the Romney Marsh

Autumn doesn't always have to mean orange leaves and woodland.

Dungeness and the Romney Marsh offer something completely different, with big skies, wide open spaces and a landscape that changes beautifully as the light gets lower. The grasses and natural colours work especially well at this time of year.

It's a great choice for families from New Romney, Greatstone, Littlestone, Lydd, Ashford, Hythe and Folkestone who want something a bit more unusual for their family photographs.

Greatstone and Littlestone Beach

Yes, the beach can still be a brilliant location for family photos in autumn.

Greatstone and Littlestone have huge stretches of sand, dunes and open skies, and the beaches are often much quieter outside the summer months. You won't necessarily get autumn leaves, but you do get a completely different feel: windswept hair, big skies, sandy adventures and plenty of space.

For families based in Romney Marsh, New Romney, Ashford, Hythe or Folkestone, an autumn beach photoshoot is definitely worth considering.

Samphire Hoe, near Dover

Samphire Hoe is another location with something a bit different. The dramatic landscape, open space and coastal views make a great backdrop for family photography.

Autumn can bring beautiful softer light, and the location works well for families coming from Dover, Deal, Folkestone, Hythe and Canterbury.

Choosing the right autumn photography location for your family

The best location isn't necessarily the one with the most colourful leaves or the most famous view. It's about choosing somewhere that suits your family.

Some children will love running through woodland paths and collecting leaves. Others might prefer a wide open beach, sand dunes or somewhere with lots of space to explore.

When you book a family photoshoot with me, I can help you choose a location based on where you're coming from, the ages of your children and the sort of photographs you'd love to have at the end.

Whether that means woodland near Ashford, countryside around Wye, beaches at Greatstone and Littlestone, the Romney Marsh, Hythe, Folkestone, Dover, Canterbury or somewhere completely different, there are plenty of beautiful places across Kent.

Autumn family photos make a great gift too

If you're looking for a gift for parents, grandparents or another family member, a photography voucher is also a lovely option.

My gift vouchers can be used towards a family photoshoot, giving the recipient the chance to choose a date and location that works for them. They are available as printed vouchers or e-vouchers, so they're handy for birthdays, Christmas or when you want to give something a bit more memorable than another thing to put in the cupboard.

And if you fancy giving your own family photos an update, autumn is a great excuse to get everyone outdoors and make the most of some of Kent's best locations.

Looking for an autumn family photographer in Kent?

I'm a family photographer based in Ashford, Kent, photographing families across the county and beyond. My sessions are relaxed, outdoors and built around your family, with plenty of exploring, playing and time together.

From the woodlands of Hothfield, Hamstreet, King's Wood and Blean to the countryside around Wye and Tenterden, and the beaches of Greatstone, Littlestone, Dungeness and Folkestone, there are so many brilliant places for an autumn family photoshoot.

If you're looking for a family photographer in Ashford or Kent, autumn is one of the best times to head outside and make the most of it.