Spring (March–May)

Gunnersbury, Ealing beautiful mature trees with blossom from late March, and the open lawns give families room to move. The park is never too crowded first thing on a weekend morning. With a car park on site.

Chiswick House Grounds Formal gardens with a walled kitchen garden, lake, and cascading wisteria in May. The symmetrical hedgerows create natural framing for portrait work. Parking on Burlington Lane.

Kew Gardens Spring bulbs from February and the famous Bluebell Wood in April make Kew one of London’s most photographed locations. Entry fee applies; book ahead if you want pre-opening access during quieter light.

Best light: 9–11am or 5–7pm for soft directional sun and empty backgrounds.

Summer (June–August)

Richmond Park Vast open spaces with ancient oaks, bracken, and roaming deer. Golden-hour sessions from 7pm in June and July produce long shadows and warm backlight. Arrive via the Kingston Gate for quieter spots.

Gunnersbury Park, Ealing/Chiswick border Renovated lakeside setting with woodland walks, historic buildings, and open meadows. Excellent for larger groups and extended family sessions. Cafe on site.

Blondin Park in South Ealing, is small but has many beautiful settings with long grass and wooden fences and most appealingly dirt tracks.

Kew Gardens The Rose Garden peaks in June; the grass beyond the Palm House gives open, clean backgrounds with architectural detail. Early morning sessions recommended to avoid crowds.

Best light: Golden hour (7:30–9pm in June/July). Midday sun is harsh — overcast days actually produce the most even, flattering results for portraits.

Autumn (September–November)

Kew Gardens This is Kew’s standout season. The Japanese Maples and the Broad Walk avenue turn amber and red from mid-October. November brings fallen leaves and low golden light even at midday.

Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath – The bracken turns copper from September and the deer rut runs October to November — a dramatic backdrop unlike any other London park. Use telephoto distance from deer.

Chiswick House Grounds The lake reflects autumn colour beautifully. Late October sessions here produce some of the most requested images of the year.

Best light: 3–5pm from September onward. The sun stays low, giving warm side-light without harsh shadows.

Winter (December–February)

Richmond Park Frost, bare oaks silhouetted against pale skies, and red deer make Richmond outstanding in winter. Wrap the family up and use the stripped-back landscape as a graphic, minimal backdrop.

Gunnersbury Park, Ealing Quieter in winter, with lovely low light through bare lime trees from around 1–3pm. Good for a fast, informal 30-minute session without the need for an early start.

Kew Gardens The Christmas lights trail runs November–January; strictly not for photography sessions, but the winter gardens and glass houses make Kew worth visiting in the off-season.

Tip: Winter sessions run shorter (1–1.5 hours) due to usable light. Book a 2pm slot to make the most of the low afternoon sun.

Quick-Reference Table