Best Locations for Family Photos in Berkshire
One of the questions I get asked all the time as a family photographer is:
“Where should we have our family photoshoot?”
Honestly? There isn’t one “perfect” answer. It really depends on your children, your energy as a family, and the kind of images you’re secretly dreaming of. But after years of photographing families all over Berkshire, there are a handful of spots I keep coming back to again and again, because they just work.
They’re the places where kids can run, we’re spoiled with beautiful light and variety of backgrounds without having to walk miles. Below are some of my favourite locations that I use regularly for family sessions, and why I love them.
1. Harris Garden & University Gardens, Reading
Autumn family Photoshoot in Harris Garden, Reading, uk
Harris Garden at the University of Reading feels a bit like a secret garden hidden in the middle of town. It was originally a botanical garden, so you get this gorgeous mix of formal bedd and wild woodland by just pointing camera in different directions. Long winding woodland paths, meadows and old trees all in one place.
From a photographer’s point of view, it’s a dream. Within a short walk we can move from blossom trees to long grass, from colourful flower borders to quiet corners that feel almost private. If your children tire easily, this is perfect. We don’t have to walk to far to get lots of variety.
The surrounding University grounds and Whiteknights campus also give us tree‑lined paths and open lawns that work beautifully for relaxed, natural portraits.
Why I love photographing here
Beautiful all year round
Excellent spring blossom displays
Colourful summer flowers
Very Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Perfect for younger children who don't want to walk long distances
Best season
Spring and early summer are particularly magical, Whiteknights campus in stunning with yellow flower fields in summer and autumn colours are spectacular too.
2. Prospect Park – Around the Mansion House
Bluebell Photoshoot in Prospect Park, Reading, Uk
Prospect Park has a classic, elegant feel. Around the Mansion House you get sweeping lawns, mature trees for shade and that little touch of history in the background, perfect if you like something a bit more “timeless country estate” than just a wild meadow.
I often use the tree‑lined paths and open grass near the house for autumn photos and blubells in Spring. There’s tons of space for running out, and it still looks fantastic in the photos. Although there is a lot of crown near play areas, as you walk towards the mansion house, you find a quite a peaceful place for photos.
Why I love photographing here
Spring Blubells and blossoms
Historic house as a subtle backdrop
Big open spaces for movement and play
Gorgeous evening light
Ideal for
Perfect Families with energetic children who would want to run around and explore, and my go to for bluebell and autumn photoshoots.
3. Cantley Park, Wokingham (RG40 5QG)
Autumn Photoshoot at Cantley Park, Wokingham
I recently discovered Cantley Park and is one of my go‑tos around Wokingham, because it offers a lovely combination of open landscapes and natural surroundings.
The park works especially well for family sessions because the circular walk around the playground is small enough to entretain, adds varienty to photos and perfect setting for autumn family photoshoots.
The open fields provide beatiful depth of field creating beautiful soft blurry backgrounds, while the mature trees provide texture and depth. During golden hour, the light here can be absolutely stunning.
Why I love photographing here
Spacious open areas to provide good depth of field
Loads of room to move and play
Natural, relaxed atmosphere
Convenient location for Wokingham families
Ideal for
Young families, maternity sessions, and children who love to run around, fantastic for autumn.
4. Bugs Bottom, Caversham
Bugs Bottom feels like a hidden patch of countryside in Reading.
It’s more wild than manicured: rolling grass, natural paths, little hill to climb and big skies. If you like your photos to feel a little more rustic and “out in nature” rather than in a formal park, this might be your place.
The only thing I always mention is that it’s a popular dog‑walking spot and they are NOT always on leash. Most of the time this is completely fine, but if have little children, you might need to be careful. and if your child is very nervous around dogs, we might have to choose another quieter location.
Why I love photographing here
Natural countryside feel
Beautiful long golden grass in summer
Wonderful sunsets over the top of that lihill.
Unspoilt simple scenery
Best season
Late spring, summer, and early autumn.
5. Dinton Pastures Country Park
Autumn Photoshoot at Dinton Pastures in Reading, uk.
Dinton Pastures is one of Berkshire’s best‑known country parks, and it really does go on and on if you start wandering. There are lakes, little beaches, bridges, woodland paths and open meadows in almost every direction.
If I am taking you there for a photoshoot, I wouldn’t walk to overwhelm you, which is why, over the years I’ve found a handful of spots that work for photography. Locations that have simple backgrounds for a depth of field, beatiful soft evening light for flattering portraits. and plenty of space for children to explore without disappearing out of sight. It’s especially gorgeous in autumn, when the trees turn golden.
Woodland and meadow scenery
Excellent for storytelling photography
Beautiful all year round
Ideal for
Reading and Wokingham families, during late autumn.
6. Lightwater Country Park
Lightwater is technically just over the border, but I still count it in my Berkshire favourites because I use it so often.
It’s one of those locations where you really feel like you’ve stepped away from everyday life. Woodland trails, heathland, open spaces and lots of natural texture likes wooden bridges, multiple lakes, variety of stunning trees that photograph beatifully. Its beatiful year roung and especially wonderful in autumn when the colours deepen, the light gets softer, golden ferns decorate the whole woodland.
Why I love photographing here
Atmospheric woodland and heathland
Very natural, unpolished
Amazing autumn colour
Interesting textures and variety
Quiet, peaceful and good for kids who love exploring outdoors.
Best season
Autumn, without question, but it’s lovely throughout the year.
7. Herschel Park, Slough
Herschel Park has more of a “classic garden” feel. Think landscaped beds, pretty paths, ornamental planting, lake and most importantly mature trees for shade. It’s a great choice if you love the idea of nature, but you still want things to feel tidy and elegant. The park photographs beautifully all year round and suited for families who prefer a slightly more polished, traditional look to their images.
Why I love photographing here
Elegant surroundings
Beautiful mature trees for shade
Ideal for
Families wanting a classic and refined look and timeless family portraits.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Family
When we’re planning your session, I’ll always help you choose a location that fits your family and is perfect for a season, rather than just picking somewhere at random.
If you love flowers and gardens, Harris Garden is a fantastic choice.
If you want lakes and adventure, Its lightwater county park for you.
If you prefer open spaces and golden evening light, Cantley Park works beautifully, espacially in autumn
And if you're looking for a hidden countryside feel and live in caversham, Bugs Bottom is a wonderful option.
The most important thing is choosing a location where your family can relax, have fun, and enjoy spending time together. When that happens, the photographs naturally become meaningful, more genuine and much more “you”.
Book Your Berkshire Family Photoshoot
If you’re thinking about a family session in Berkshire and aren’t sure where to go, I’d be very happy to guide you. We’ll chat about your children, the kind of images you love and how you want the session to feel and then choose a location that suits all of that.
Together, we’ll create photographs that don’t just show what you look like, but really capture this chapter of your family’s story in a place that feels right for you.
