15 of the best South East & London, England Photography locations
If you're looking for inspiration for your next photoshoot why not consider some of these beautiful places located in South East, England? From wild meadows, cliff-top vistas and stunning seaside towns. These are all in my Kent/Sussex/Surrey/London catchment area!
- South Foreland Lighthouse, Kent
- Margate, Kent
- Wye Downs, Kent
- Hothfield Heathlands, Kent
- Camber Sands, East Sussex
- Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
- Brighton, East Sussex
- Birling Gap & Seven Sisters, East Sussex
- Rye, East Sussex
- Greenwich, London
- Hampstead, London
- Richmond, London
- South Kensington, London
- River Wey and Dapdune Wharf, Surrey
- Box Hill, Surrey
Find out more about each location, their accessibility and the best time to shoot below.
1. South Foreland Lighthouse/Dover Cliffs, Kent
One of my favourite places to photograph, especially in June when the daisies are in full swing! This cliff-top spot is perfect for wistful pictures with the family or adventurous couples. South Foreland can also be combined with Dover Cliffs for an epic photo series.
Weather: Great in sunshine, overcast and rain
Best time to photograph: Afternoon or golden hour
Public transport: Only accessible by car
Parking: St Margarets Bay, Dover CT15 6HP
2. Margate, Kent
Margate is best photographed at sunset when the street lights come on and the sun is setting over the sea. The magical blue hour light makes for fun and romantic images, plus there are arcades, amusement parks and lidos to include in your photographs. A great winter shoot.
Weather: Great in all weather, rain or shine
Best time to photograph: Golden hour or nighttime
Public transport: Margate train station is located a 5-minute walk from the beach
Parking: Belgrave Rd, Margate CT9 1XG
3. Wye Downs, Kent
One of my favourite sunsets in Kent. Wye Downs encompasses wide countryside views and long grass meadows with wildflowers in the summer. If you're looking for a quiet escape you will rarely find people here during a weekday evening.
Weather: Great in sunshine
Best time to photograph: Golden hour
Public transport: Wye train station located a 1 mile walk away (very hilly though!)
Parking: Coldharbour Ln, Wye, Ashford TN25
4. Hothfield Heathlands, Kent
Beautiful heathland with a mix of enchanting woodland paths, open heather fields, fallen trees and picturesque boardwalks. Great for families and couples who love exploring.
Weather: Any!
Best time to photograph: Late spring, summer, early autumn (boots may be needed in spring/autumn)
Public transport: Bus station 5 minute walk away.
Parking: Hothfield Heathland Car Park, Hothfield, Ashford TN26 1HD. Free.
5. Camber Sands, East Sussex
Okay not technically Kent, but it's very close! A beautiful beach with sand and sea for miles. Taking pictures between the dunes and then paddling in the sea is one of my favourite things to do. The photo used in the blog header was taken at Camber.
Weather: Great in sunshine, overcast, rain
Best time to photograph: Golden hour
Public transport: Only accessible by car or bus
Parking: New Lydd Rd, Camber, Rye TN31 7RB
6. Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
Wander through ancient heathland and woodland that inspired Winnie the Pooh. Ashdown Forest is ideal for misty mornings, soft light, and natural textures — perfect for moody landscapes and nostalgic imagery.
Weather: Best in mist, fog, sunshine
Best time to photograph: Early morning and golden hour
Public transport: Limited – nearest train station is East Grinstead, with local buses requiring planning
Parking: Multiple car parks – I like to meet my clients at Lintons Car Park, Colemans Hatch Rd, Forest Row RH18 5JP
7. Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton offers a vibrant mix of seaside charm and urban edge. Capture bold colours along the pier, Regency architecture, and eclectic street scenes in The Lanes. Great for street photography and bold seascapes.
Weather: Best in sunshine, cloud, overcast
Best time to photograph: Sunset and blue hour along the seafront
Public transport: Easily accessible by train and bus
Parking: Regency Square Car Park, BN1 2FG (close to the seafront)
8. Birling Gap & Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Dramatic white chalk cliffs meet windswept coastlines — this iconic location is stunning for sweeping landscapes and cliffside drama.
Weather: Best in sunshine, stormy skies, mist
Best time to photograph: Sunrise or golden hour
Public transport: Train to Eastbourne or Seaford, then bus to Birling Gap
Parking: Birling Gap National Trust Car Park, BN20 0AB
9. Rye, East Sussex
Step into a medieval fairytale. Rye is all cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and hidden corners. Great for detailed shots, golden hour glows, and soft twilight.
Weather: Best in soft sunshine or overcast light
Best time to photograph: Early morning and blue hour
Public transport: Train to Rye from Ashford or Hastings
Parking: Strand Quay Car Park, TN31 7AY
10. Box Hill, Surrey
Sweeping views over the North Downs, woodland trails, and winding roads make this a classic spot for expansive landscapes and layered shots.
Weather: Best in golden light
Best time to photograph: Early morning or sunset
Public transport: Box Hill & Westhumble Station, then 20-minute walk (uphill!), driving highly recommended
Parking: Box Hill National Trust Car Park, KT20 7LB
11. River Wey and Dapdune Wharf, Surrey
A peaceful canal and riverside setting with barges, reflections, and rich greenery. Great for calm, slow-paced compositions with historical touches.
Weather: Best in soft sunlight, light mist, or autumn colour
Best time to photograph: Morning or late afternoon
Public transport: Guildford Station, 15-minute walk
Parking: Dapdune Wharf National Trust Car Park, GU1 4RR
12. Greenwich, London
Blend history, riverside views, and skyline backdrops. The Royal Observatory, Greenwich Park, and the Thames offer a variety of scenic and architectural opportunities.
Weather: Best in golden sunshine or moody skies
Best time to photograph: Sunset from the park, blue hour along the river
Public transport: DLR to Cutty Sark or Greenwich Station
Parking: Park Row Car Park, SE10 9NL
13. Hampstead, London
A village in the city with woodland walks, classic architecture, and panoramic views from Parliament Hill. Ideal for a more tranquil, timeless feel.
Weather: Best in mist, golden light, overcast
Best time to photograph: Morning or golden hour
Public transport: Hampstead Underground Station (Northern Line)
Parking: Limited – use paid car parks near Hampstead High Street or Hampstead Park
14. Richmond, London
Home to Richmond Park and its resident deer, riverside walks, and elegant streets. A haven for natural light photography with seasonal interest year-round.
Weather: Best in golden sunshine, mist, or frost
Best time to photograph: Early morning (especially for deer) or winter at dusk
Public transport: Richmond Station (District Line, Overground, National Rail)
Parking: On Richmond Hill street parking, free after 7pm
15. South Kensington, London
Grand museums, Victorian architecture, and leafy streets make this a refined and versatile urban setting. Perfect for elegant, structured compositions.
Weather: Best in bright or overcast light
Best time to photograph: Mid-morning or twilight
Public transport: South Kensington or Gloucester Road Underground Station
Parking: On street anywhere near Royal Albert Hall, free on Sunday mornings
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