10 Beautiful Family Portrait Locations In And Around Chester
I’m often asked for recommendations of local locations for family photography sessions. Over the past fifteen years I’ve photographed clients here, there and everywhere across the northwest of England, so I have plenty of experience to share!
My approach is always to root my photographs in space and time and so every shoot is inspired by its environment. When choosing your shoot location, consider the aesthetic of the final artwork you’d love to see hanging in your home. Whilst you can craft beautiful photographs in each, there’s a big difference between a wide open coastal scene and a beautiful formal garden. Which would lend itself best to your interior style?
Photographs are informed by the environment and the light in which they are captured and so location is always important. With this in mind I've outlined ten of my favourite spots within 20 miles of Chester, all of which I’ve found are ideal for taking beautiful photographs in the great outdoors:
1. Grosvenor Park, Chester
Chester City Centre
Description: A Victorian park in the heart of Chester with beautiful gardens, mature trees, and the River Dee nearby, offering diverse backdrops.
2. Chester Meadows
Chester City Centre
Description: Located along the River Dee, this area offers expansive views of the river, open meadows, and natural scenery perfect for relaxed, candid family shots.
3. West Kirby Marine Lake and Beach
Distance: 17 miles from Chester
Description: A stunning location with its large saltwater lake, sandy beach and views of the Welsh hills. The combination of water, sand and sky provides a perfect backdrop for coastal-themed family photos.
4. Birkenhead Park
Distance: 18 miles from Chester
Description: One of the first publicly funded parks in Britain, Birkenhead Park offers lovely landscapes with lakes, bridges and woodlands. The mix of open green spaces and traditional architecture makes it ideal for versatile family photography sessions.
5. Delamere Forest
Distance: 10 miles
Description: A vast forest offering a variety of natural backdrops, including tall trees, peaceful pathways and open clearings… perfect for woodland-themed shoots.
6. Ness Botanic Gardens
Distance: 11 miles
Description: A personal favourite, Ness Gardens offers a mix of formal gardens, wildflower meadows and stunning views over the Dee Estuary. There’s plenty of open shade too, perfect for those midday summer photo sessions.
7. Tatton Park
Distance: 20 miles
Description: A historic estate with deer parks, beautiful gardens and a large lake. The diverse landscapes make it ideal for a variety of family photo styles.
8. Beeston Castle and Woodland Park
Distance: 11 miles
Description: With impressive ruins and panoramic views over the Cheshire Plain, Beeston Castle combines history with natural beauty, perfect for dramatic family photos.
9. Erddig Hall and Gardens
Distance: 12 miles
Description: A National Trust property with expansive formal gardens, topiary, orchards and parkland, Eriddig offers a wide variety of charming settings.
10. Thurstaston Common and Royden Park
Distance: 15 miles
Description: Royden Park offers a mix of heathland, rock formations, woods and stunning views over the Wirral peninsula. This landscape is ideal for more rugged and natural photo shoots.
These ten locations provide a range of backdrops and there is something for everyone from formal gardens to wild forests and open beaches, all within a short distance from Chester. I feel so fortunate to have such a diverse range of photographic locations on my doorstep and we don’t have to travel much further to find bustling urban cities, dramatic Welsh mountains and tranquil lake landscapes. The photographic opportunities are endless!
I hope you found this shortlist helpful and if I’ve inspired you to schedule a shoot somewhere new please share your photographs with me on instagram, I’d love to see!
