Brighton Beach Photo Locations | My Top 10 For Your Family Beach Photoshoot
Brighton and its surrounding areas are a treasure trove of stunning locations for family photoshoots. We’re so lucky to have so much nature right on our doorstep, and of course living in a coastal town means that I often take families to the beach, my absolute favourite place to take photos of you and your family!
Over the years I’ve explored many of Brighton’s beach photo locations and to be fair they all have their own charm, but I have managed to narrow the locations down and come up with my personal top 10:
1. Brighton Palace Pier
The Palace Pier offers a classic Brighton backdrop. Its lively atmosphere, iconic structure, and views of the sparkling sea make it perfect for dynamic family shots. I prefer to take families to the Pier early in the morning, so we can avoid the crowds, but if you want to totally embrace the documentary family photography vibe then we’ll go in the afternoon, go on some rides at the fairground, let the kids play in the arcade and finish the shoot with some churros and hot chocolate!
2. Hove Lawns
Stretching alongside the seafront, Hove Lawns is a great spot for your family beach photoshoot. Its wide-open green spaces contrast beautifully with the sea and sky.
3. West Pier Ruins
For something a little more dramatic, the West Pier ruins are stunning, especially during sunset. The skeletal structure of the pier creates an artistic and timeless feel in your family photos and are quite iconic for Brighton.
4. Rockpools at Ovingdean
This hidden gem is perfect for adventurous families. The rockpools at Ovingdean provide a natural playground where children can explore, splash, and hunt for sea creatures.
5. Brighton Bandstand
A Victorian beauty overlooking the sea, the Brighton Bandstand offers an elegant yet fun backdrop. I love taking families here! The surrounding beach and promenade allow for a mixture of traditional candid family shots, making it ideal for families who want some variety in their family portraits.
6. Shoreham Beach
For families who prefer a quieter location, Shoreham Beach is a fantastic choice. With its shingle shoreline, natural dunes, and wildflowers, it has a charming, unspoiled feel.
7. Rottingdean Beach
Rottingdean Beach offers a rustic charm with its chalk cliffs and tidal pools. This spot is less crowded than central Brighton, making it ideal for a relaxed family photo session. The textures of the cliffs and beach provide a beautiful contrast, and due to the open space there’s lots of room for the kids to run around freely.
8. Hove Beach Huts
The colourful beach huts of Hove are a Brighton icon. They add a vibrant, cheerful backdrop to family portraits, offering pops of colour to your family portraits.
9. Volk’s Electric Railway
For a quirky and unique twist, the historic Volk’s Electric Railway makes a great addition to your family photoshoot. The tracks and old-fashioned carriages provide a vintage charm, while the surrounding beach keeps the atmosphere light and breezy. It’s ideal for families who want something a little different.
10. West Wittering Beach
Although a bit further afield, West Wittering Beach is well worth the journey. Its sandy shores and calm waters create a relaxed, idyllic setting.
All these locations not only showcase the beauty of Brighton, Hove and Sussex, but also offer the perfect settings for capturing your family photos in an authentic, natural and joyful way.
Each spot brings its own character, ensuring that your family photos are unique and full of personality. Whether you’re after some family photos that include the hustle and bustle of the Brighton Pier, or you prefer a quieter spot, like Shoreham Beach, for your family photoshoot, the perfect location is just waiting to inspire your own family photography session. I’ll see you on the beach!
