5 Favourite Locations for Family Photography in Somerset
Would you love an outdoor photoshoot but are finding hard to pick locations for family photography? Or are you just looking for some new local spots to explore with your little ones? I can help. As an
So, where is pushchair friendly? Where has plenty of parking? Which spots look best at which times of year?
Well, luckily for you I have tried and tested many local locations with pushchairs, children and camera bags in tow. So here are my go-to top 5 locations for family photography in Somerset. . .
#1 Ham Hill Country Park
If you’re looking for a variety of quiet locations for intimate family photography then Ham Hill Country Park has it all. Located just off the A303 this country parkland spans over an impressive 390 acres. Not only is their ample parking, pushchair friendly paths, children’s play areas, picnic benches and, get this, a brilliant pub. It also boasts some incredible views across Somerset!
I regularly use Ham Hill as a location for family photoshoots because of it’s diverse range of outdoor spaces from wide open fields to meadowy grassland and woodland. The well signposted paths make it easy to navigate and it’s shear size means there are plenty of spots to choose from where clients can feel they aren’t being overlooked.
- Plenty of Free Parking
- Public Toilets
- Excellent Pub
- Pushchair Friendly Pathways
- Children’s Play Areas
- Amazing Views
#2 Chard Reservoir
Just a few miles from Yeovil sits Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve. This tranquil spot is a great location for families looking for an outdoor space that is serene and peaceful. A short walk from the car park is a long meadow stretching out along the bank of the reservoir. In the summer it is a great spot for walking, bird watching and viewing the native wildflowers that grow in abundance. There is access to toilets, picnic benches and a large child’s play area that is beautifully maintained.
I will often recommend this location for families with children that are not keen on dogs as its nature reserve status means that dogs are not allowed access near to the water and are only allowed on a short lead in a specific dog area.
- Free Parking
- Public Toilets
- Pushchair Friendly Pathways
- Children’s Play Areas
- Limit Dog Access
#3 Sparkford Woods
Sparkford Woods for 11months of the year is simply a tiny woodland nestled at the edge of Sparkford Village. Popular with dog walkers and ramblers it has a grid of woodland pathways that are, at best, boggy in the winter and well trodden in the Summer and unfortunately parking is just a little lay-by across the main road. However, this little hidden gem is a firm favourite with me as a photography location because during late March to early April it is one of the top locations in Somerset to see the most incredible spread of bluebells.
If you’re looking for beautiful bluebell images or simply want to visit this gorgeous purple carpeting I highly recommend a visit to Sparkford Woods during early Spring.
- Off the Beaten Track
- Limited but Free Parking
- Amazing Bluebells!
#4 Nine Springs Country Park
Yeovil Country Park or Nine Springs as its more commonly known is a familiar spot to most families I photograph as they visit regularly to feed the ducks, play on the swings and enjoy a coffee in the cafe. The park itself is named after the natural springs that feed into the Yeo River and features some beautiful landscaped woodland pools channeling water down to a small nature reserve at the bottom. With many routes to take to explore, the park has been well designed for pushchair access and is popular with lots of young families. There is a large well maintained children’s play area and a lovely scenic walk along the river heading into Yeovil town. I like to use the open grassy spaces at the base of the hill for photography sessions so that families have only a short walk from the car park and the little cafe.
- Paid Parking
- Pushchair Friendly Pathways
- Children’s Play Area
- Child Friendly Cafe
- Close to Yeovil Town Centre
#5 Combe Hill Woods
Upon moving to Somerset I was immediately on the hunt for beautiful outdoor spaces to shoot in and Combe Hill Woods was one of my first great discoveries. With a free carpark and variety of different routes this little woodland is a popular spot with those in the surround villages. It’s real attraction though is it’s stunning views across the rolling landscape and it’s perfect situation for a summer sunset. There are a few picnic benches to sit and enjoy the gorgeous vista and some larger open spaces for playing. Most pathways, but not all, are pushchair friendly so wellies are a good idea in the winter months.
- Free Parking
- Some Pushchair Friendly Pathways
- Amazing Views
- Off the Beaten Track
So whats next?
Why not explore some of these fantastic local locations with your family and let me know which one you enjoyed the best in the comments below?
Or do you and your little ones have your own Top 5? Get in touch and tell me your favourite outdoor spots in South Somerset to take families.
To see more examples of photographs taken at many of these locations check out my Newborn, Family and Maternity Portfolio.
To find out more about planning and preparing for your Family Photography Session check out some of my other blog posts.
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