5 Great Locations for a Photoshoot around Tunbridge Wells

Location, location, location!  Or so they say! 

If you’re wanting to organise a family photoshoot for your gorgeous family this year, but you’re wondering where on earth would be a great location for a photoshoot, I can help!

There are plenty of things to think about in advance of your photography session; getting a suitable date in the diary, hoping the weather will be glorious, keeping your fingers crossed the children will behave and what on earth you’re going to wear are just some of them.  But if you’re stuck for ideas on WHERE to hold your family photography session, I have a whole host of places in West Kent and East Sussex that I love to shoot at and return to time and again.  If your own garden isn’t an option here are my Top Five Favourite Locations for your family photoshoot in and around Tunbridge Wells.

1. Dunorlan Park

Dunorlan Park is a really great location for a photoshoot!  It’s a place I have returned to for many a photoshoot; but also a place I take my own children to time and time again.  Dunorlan Park boasts wonderful formal gardens with great backdrops, as well as wider parkland with huge open fields.  There are plenty of paved paths making it super easy to bring a buggy along.  A huge lake marks the centre piece of the park so there is also the option for having a bit of fun on the pedalos after your shoot! 
There is plenty of parking as well as public toilets and a café – all of which just add peace of mind to any outing with small children!

2. Knole Park, Sevenoaks

Whether or not you’re a National Trust member, Knole Park is a great location for a photoshoot at any time of year – as well as a lovely day out for the whole family!  In the grounds, herds of (semi) wild deer roam freely which always proves very popular with children!  I tend to access the site from the public entrances on the south eastern edge of the park – keeping away from the crowds at the main entrance.  Here, great oaks and chestnut trees provide a beautiful backdrop as well as some great climbing & exploring opportunities.  Wider, open spaces allow for more epic shots too.

a family portrait of a family of 5 on a path in the countryside in summer. they walk towards the camera holding hands across the path

What if my kids misbehave on our photoshoot?

Find out more here.

3. Broadwater Warren

Broadwater Warren is an RSPB reserve just outside Tunbridge Wells in East Sussex.  It’s a place I love to visit early in the morning with just my camera and see what wildlife I can capture.  But outside of being a haven for nature, it is a great location for a photoshoot!  There is a large carpark and various circular walks ranging in distance to suit all abilities.  In the summer, lush trees provide a cooling canopy under which to frolic and in the autumn, golden bracken is one of my favourite backdrops for seasonal portraits.

4. Hargate Forest

Hargate Forest is located at the very southern tip of Tunbridge Wells as you head towards Crowborough on the A26.  A fun little bit of history about the forest is that during the Second World War, the wood provided cover for the bunker dug into the top of Strawberry Hill in 1941 by the Tunnelling Company of the Royal Engineers. The tunnelling system is rumoured to have been dug as a secret headquarters, to be used in the event of an invasion. However, problems with flooding meant it was never used.  Despite this, the ‘forest’ remains a great location for a photoshoot with mature woodland, open grassland and stunning views over the surrounding countryside!

 Like the sound of a great location for a photoshoot also for a family walk?

Check out great Family Friendly Walks here…

5. Old Lodge Nature Reserve

Old Lodge Nature Reserve is a beautiful section of Ashdown Forest which I adore.  I can’t really remember how I particularly came upon this bit of A. A. Milne’s playground, but when I found it, I knew I’d found somewhere really special!  Since November 2022, parking charges have been in place which help maintain the 45 car parks and 75 miles of paths within Ashdown Forest.  The site itself is maintained by Sussex Wildlife Trust and with a range of open vistas of heather and grassland, areas of pine woodland and picturesque benches along the circular route all provide great and varied backdrops for family portraits.

So there you have my top 5 suggestions for a great location for a photoshoot.  They’re great for a family walk too!

Who is your Family Photographer?

It’s Me!  Hi, I’m Georgina.

I have a genuine passion for photographing families.  My family photography clients tells me time and again how they’ve been meaning to book a photographer and life just gets in the way and they’ve missed years of memories with their gorgeous children.

I pride myself in putting everyone at ease in front of the camera (even grumpy partners!) and making each and every photoshoot as much fun as possible.

I have photographed children of all ages, from tiny new borns, independent toddlers, through the tructulent teens and into acceptable adulthood!

Do get in touch if you’d like to book a family photoshoot with me this year.  I’ll look forward to hearing from you…

CONTACT GEORGINA