Photo locations · Family · London

Best places for family photos in London

Planning family photos in London? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.

family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
family photos by a Snappr photographer
Where to shoot

12 places to shoot family photos & videos in London

01

Hyde Park

Most popular
Hyde Park, London W2 2UH · Westminster / Central London · Outdoor

London's largest central Royal Park pairs the Serpentine lake, tree-lined avenues and Italian Gardens fountains for a huge range of looks. Open lawns suit family and group setups while the water and rose garden give romantic close-ups for engagement, couples and maternity work.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightGolden hour by the Serpentine; soft morning light on the Italian Gardens
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessTube: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner; limited paid parking
Group sizePermit caps professional shoots at 10 people
02

Kew Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens)

Editor's pick
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London TW9 3AE · Kew / Richmond upon Thames · Outdoor

300 acres of world-class botanic gardens with the iconic Palm House, Great Broad Walk borders and the Treetop Walkway. Endless seasonal colour makes it a strong pick for maternity, family and couples portraits year-round.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightEarly morning before crowds; backlit foliage around the Palm House pond
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots — check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessOverground/Tube: Kew Gardens station; on-site car park (paid)
SeasonBluebells in spring, borders in summer, autumn colour Oct–Nov
03

Richmond Park

Richmond Park, Richmond TW10 5HS · Richmond upon Thames · Outdoor

A vast Royal Park of ancient oaks, bracken and free-roaming red and fallow deer, with sweeping wild vistas rare inside London. Great for natural, editorial engagement and family sessions that want space and a countryside feel.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightMisty golden-hour mornings; long shadows across the bracken at dusk
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessMultiple gates and car parks; nearest station Richmond then bus
TerrainUneven grass and paths; keep well back from deer, especially in rut/birthing seasons
04

Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park, London SE10 8QY · Greenwich · Outdoor

Historic Royal Park rising to the Royal Observatory with one of the best skyline panoramas over Canary Wharf and the Thames. Formal avenues, the Flower Garden and the hilltop view give strong variety for couples, senior and family portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightSunset from the Observatory viewpoint over the city skyline
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessDLR: Cutty Sark; rail: Greenwich/Maze Hill; limited parking
TerrainSteep hill up to the viewpoint; paved and grass paths
05

Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill, London NW1 4NR · Primrose Hill / Regent's Park · Outdoor

A short grassy climb to a protected-view panorama of the central London skyline, framed by open sky. The simple hilltop backdrop is a favourite for engagement, couples and lifestyle sessions at dawn or dusk.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightSunrise and sunset with the skyline behind; clear open sky
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessTube: Chalk Farm; street parking limited
Group sizeBest kept small; hilltop is busy at peak times
06

St James's Park

St James's Park, London SW1A 2BJ · Westminster · Outdoor

The most ornamental Royal Park, with a lake, Blue Bridge sightlines to Buckingham Palace and the London Eye, plus flowerbeds and pelicans. Central and photogenic, it suits couples and family shoots wanting a classic London feel.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightMorning light on the lake from the Blue Bridge; golden hour on the flowerbeds
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessTube: St James's Park, Westminster, Charing Cross
Group sizePermit caps pro shoots at 10; very busy near the palace
Show all 12 places
07

The Regent's Park

The Regent's Park, London NW1 4NR · Camden / Westminster · Outdoor

Grand formal gardens including Queen Mary's Gardens with over 12,000 roses, tree avenues and fountains. The manicured beds and pergolas are ideal for maternity, engagement and elegant family portraits.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightSoft morning light in Queen Mary's Gardens; roses peak in June
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessTube: Regent's Park, Baker Street, Great Portland Street
SeasonRose gardens best late May–July
08

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath, London NW3 7JR · Hampstead / Camden · Outdoor

Wild, rolling heathland with woodland, ponds and the Parliament Hill skyline viewpoint. Its untamed, natural feel suits editorial engagement, family and lifestyle sessions away from formal gardens.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightGolden hour from Parliament Hill over the skyline
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessOverground: Hampstead Heath; Tube: Hampstead; limited parking
TerrainHilly, natural paths; can be muddy after rain — bring sturdy footwear
09

Notting Hill & Portobello Road

Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 · Notting Hill / Kensington & Chelsea · Outdoor

Iconic pastel-coloured Victorian terraces, flower-framed doorways and the famous market street. The bright facades give a cheerful, urban-lifestyle backdrop for couples, engagement and senior portraits.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightEarly morning for quiet streets and even light on the terraces
PermitUsually fine for small personal shoots; larger or commercial setups may need a permit.
AccessTube: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove
Group sizeKeep small; streets are residential and busy on market days (Fri/Sat)
10

Barbican Conservatory

Rain backup
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS · Barbican / City of London · Indoor

Tucked inside the Barbican arts centre, this is London's second-largest glasshouse, a warm indoor jungle of palms, ferns and trailing greenery threaded with walkways and small ponds. Soft diffused light filters through the glass roof, so photos feel lush and calm even on grey London days. It is a favourite fallback when the weather turns, and the sheltered warmth suits little ones.

For family photos: room for the whole group to spread out.

Best lightBright overcast days give the softest even light through the glass
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessEntry is by timed ticket and can book out; confirm current opening times with the venue
Good to knowWarm and humid indoors, so pack lighter layers for babies and toddlers
11

Horniman Museum Conservatory & Gardens

Hidden gem
100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ · Forest Hill · Indoor

A restored 1894 Victorian glasshouse with white cast-iron ribs, a tiled floor and gentle underfloor heating, set in gardens with a wide view across the city. The bright airy interior gives clean, timeless portraits, and the warmth makes it comfortable for newborns and small children. Step outside afterwards for lawns and a bandstand if you want a mix of indoor and green backdrops.

For family photos: an easygoing setting that keeps kids engaged.

Best lightLate morning fills the glasshouse with soft, flattering daylight
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessMuseum and gardens are free to enter; the conservatory is sometimes booked for events, so confirm availability
Good to knowQuieter than central London venues and easy to combine with the gardens
12

Sky Garden

Most iconic
1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF · City of London · Indoor

Perched at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street, this glass-domed garden pairs lush terraced planting with a sweeping panorama over the Thames, the Shard and the City skyline. Golden hour here is spectacular as the light spills across the glass and the river below. It makes a memorable, city-grand backdrop for proposals and milestone portraits.

For family photos: a backdrop that still feels like home year after year.

Best lightGolden hour and sunset for warm skyline colour; blue hour for city lights
PermitA permit may be required for professional shoots. Check current rules with the venue or city.
AccessFree entry requires a pre-booked timed slot; confirm current booking rules with the venue
Group sizePublic and often busy, so keep the group small and move quickly at popular viewpoints

Book a Snappr photographer in minutes. Vetted, local, and ready to shoot these spots.

From the Snappr network

Snappr family photos shot in London

Real sessions our photographers have delivered around London, so you know the standard before you book.

family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
family photos shot in London by a Snappr photographer
A sample of family photos from the Snappr network

Still need a photographer?

Snappr photographers are available in London to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.

Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

Shooting family photos in London

It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.

Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.

Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.

Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in London. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.

Related pages

More places to shoot

Same guide, a different city or milestone. Every page is researched locally.