Best locations for photographs in Kent

As a local Kent photographer, I've scouted out some of the most scenic and beautiful spots in Kent for family and maternity photoshoots.

Take a look at my handy guide below if you're not sure where to go for your shoot or if you just fancy a day out at a different Kent location!

1. White Horse Wood Country Park, Detling Hill.

This one might seem deceiving to those who don't know it. Turn left off of the A249 - a bustling A road and you won't even know there are cars anymore. Park up and pass through a quaint little orchard and then watch the views drop away in front of you. Perfect for catching the golden hour, there are plenty of idyllic spots to choose. In front of the stunning views, in the woods, in the orchard. There are so many possibilities. I just love it and think it's a really good taste of what Kent has to offer.

2. Botany Bay, Broadstairs

We're so lucky to be surrounded by coastlines in Kent. Having your photos taken at the beach makes for dreamy, adventurous images. Plus the kids love it and always have fun. Botany Bay is my favourite with its dramatic white rock cliffs and gold sand. The perfect location for candid photographs that tell a story of a beautiful, fun time you shared with your family.

3. Reculver Towers, Reculver

If you're from Kent, then you've no doubt heard about Reculver Towers. Set against a striking backdrop of sea and sky, the towers hold so much history and intrigue. As a Kent photographer, it was hard not to place this higher in the list. Who wouldn't want photographs with this backdrop? Think of the stories the photographs tell here. The rustic and moody vibes would suit a Kent maternity shoot so well!

4. Mote Park, Maidstone

Another favourite of mine and very local for me. My photography studio is in Bearsted, on the outskirts of Maidstone and I feel ever so lucky to have Mote Park on my doorstep. It's huge and varied. There's the big lake, lots of fields and grasslands and wooded areas. Bonus is the playground to let the kids burn off steam after the session! Any photographer in Kent is sure to have this on their list.

5. Samphire Hoe, Dover

Another coastal location that's absolutely gold for photographs is Samphire Hoe Country Park. Think chalk cliffs, lots of grassy areas and a stony beach. It's another stunning and dramatic backdrop to family and maternity photographs in Kent.

6. Riverside Country Park, Gillingham

Clearly, there's something about the water that I love and so at number 6 is Riverside Country Park. Located down a quiet road in Gillingham, Kent it's picturesque and offers a variety of landscapes. Another one that's perfect for the golden hour when the park gets a little quieter and the golden sun reflects beautifully in the water.

7. Leeds Castle, Maidstone

This is slightly different as you do need to pay an admission charge to enter. But, if you don't mind that, the views are incredible. The backdrop of the castle and the mote alone is amazing but there is so much green space here, rivers and waterfalls. Big, lush lawns and areas with lots of trees. If this location doesn't give your photographs narrative, I don't know where will.

8. Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells

Keeping with the castle theme and paying for admission, is Scotney Castle in Tunbridge. I couldn't leave it out of the list. A visit to Scotney Castle is like stepping into a fairy tale or a time gone by. It's the most perfect and magical backdrop to childhood portraits. The castle itself could be straight out of a Disney movie and the grounds are the same. I promise a family session here would just be dreamy.

9. Oare Marshes Nature Reserve, Faversham

Oare Nature Reserve in Faversham is another great spot for a Kent photography session. Childhood portraits, family photos and maternity sessions would all work well here. The waterways, long grasses and wildlife give this location a very romantic and quintessential feel. Photographs here at sunset are nothing short of perfection.

10. Camber Sands, Rye

Long stretches of golden sands and plenty of dunes make Camber sands a perfect coastal backdrop. Maternity sessions are romantic and peaceful here. Family sessions are fun, with so much space for the kids to run and play. It provides another excellent location for natural, candid photographs that tell a story.