Family photography in Leighton Buzzard - my favourite locations
We are blessed in Leighton Buzzard with some really fantastic woods, parks and playgrounds, offering lots of opportunities for family and children photography.
Finding a fab location takes the stress out of family photo shoots. There is no need to worry about awkward posing or - worst of all - trying to get the children to cooperate. Instead the shoot just feels like a family day out. Everyone relaxes, the kids are in their element and having fun, with opportunities for some great action shots and playful expressions. I love this kind of documentary family photography. Nothing contrived - just letting your kids be who they are and telling the story of your day together. The hardest thing then is to keep up with them…
Below are some of my favourite locations in and around the Buzz. I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments section below - I’m always on the lookout for new locations 😊
Stockgrove Country Park
We are so lucky to have this wonderful park on our doorstep, which I’ve been visiting since I was a child. We (and the dogs!) know every inch of Stockgrove but never get bored, and I love how it changes over the seasons. It boasts some stunning scenery, with woodland, beautiful views and little nooks and crannies to explore. Whichever path we choose we normally make a stop-off at the lake to say hello to the ducks and swans, and of course the cygnets in late spring / early summer. It’s a lovely spot for family and children photography, with so much colour and interesting backdrops for portraits.
Rushmere
Backing onto Stockgrove, we often take in both parks in the same walk. Rushmere has so much to offer for everyone. The kids love the sandy playground near the car park, and it can be fun to spend a while on the café terrace looking out for wildlife, including the local herons in the spring. Then it’s into the woods, with many surprises in store, including big chairs, giant wooden insects and little tree houses to climb and explore, with no end of opportunities for action photos. Progress can be slow as there are so many things to stop and do along the way, and there is a lovely family atmosphere all throughout the year.
Mead Open Farm
Mead Farm is a fantastic day out with so much to do with the children. The outdoor playgrounds are really well equipped for kids of all ages, and the indoor soft play has an impressive array of big slides, climbing frames, tunnels and play areas. The children hardly know where to start - it’s chaos but the good kind! Fortunately there is a decent cafe with snacks to keep the energy levels up and coffee for the grownups 😊 Then it’s back outside to the trampolines, climbing wall for the older kids, go-karts, petting area and train ride. It is normally hard to leave with the mandatory extra go round the playground before you get to the exit. I honestly can’t recommend this place enough, and it’s a gift for me as a photographer, with the kids in their element and having so much fun.
Linslade Recreation Ground
With the playground by the station, and the stunning flower garden a short walk away by St Barnabas Church, Linslade Recreation Ground is a real treat. The playground is small ‘but perfectly formed’ and ideal for younger kids, with a handy seating area for the grownups to chat and have a coffee while the children race around. For my nephews a visit often involves a diversion to the station platform to watch the trains go by. The flower garden by the church is beautifully maintained, and I was grateful to the Town Clerk and Bloom Volunteers for recently allowing me to hold photo shoots there to raise money for the Linslade Lower School and Mentmore Under-5’s Nursery.
Linslade Woods
The woods in Linslade are great in their own right, but are best known for their stunning bluebells in the spring. The ground is a beautiful carpet of blue and just so so pretty from late March to early May. It’s a must for family photography 🥰
Parson’s Close Recreation Ground
We have so many lovely playgrounds in Leighton Buzzard. When the weather is good our favourite is Parson’s Close - or ‘Town Park’ as the kids like to call it. Located a stone’s throw from the town centre, the playground was refurbished a few years ago. They did an amazing job and it’s now really well equipped for kids of all ages, including a huge sand pit, skate park and of course the splash pool for the summer months. People bring tents and camp out for the day! It’s a brilliant location for photos all times of the year 😎
🌿🌼 Spring shoots 🌷🌱
Spring is in the air and it’s a gorgeous, colourful time of year to capture your family’s magic.
I still have availability for spring shoots up to the end of May. If you’d like to know more about my approach to family photography and details about my sessions, prices and packages, just download my brochure here.
If you’re not quite ready and would like to wait till the summer, why not join my Summer Wait List. You’ll be the first to know when summer dates (1st June - 31st August) are released, get first dibs on sessions, as well as a discount and special bonus.