My favourite York locations for photos

As a family photographer in York, North Yorkshire, i spend alot of time photographing families outdoors (despite our british weather!)

I wanted to share some of my favourite locations for meeting with families for their location photoshooots in and around York, or simply visiting with my own children. I always feel really lucky that we are spoilt with so many beautiful outdoor spaces in and around this wonderful city, so many of which are very well kept and maintained, and change in colour with the seasons throughout the year.

First up, we have 3 main park areas within walking distance of the city of York; Homestead Park (YO30 6WP), West Bank Park (YO24 4JB) and Rowntrees Park (YO23 1JQ). All of these are very large outdoor spaces, each featuring a brilliant play park for little ones, pathed walkways ideal for prams and wheelchair users, trees for shelter, handy toilet facilities, and lots of grass/woodlands areas to explore! Through the seasons the flowers and foliage change and bloom, creating stunning natural backdrops for family photoshoots, and sometimes there is an icecream van nearby to incentivise those smiles!

Secondly, I absolutely love visiting the historical York museum Gardens (YO1 7FR), having photographed many families, children, two graduations and a wedding here! It is located in the heart of the city, making it a perfect spot for a picnic, takeaway coffee, ice-cream or restful pit-stop whilst shopping. It has beautiful ruins of St Mary's Abbey to admire and explore, featuring high arched brick framework and smaller stone formations dotted nearby. It has many pathed walkways and little nooks of beauty within the walled gardens, some of my favourite photos have been taken here.

A short drive away from the city center, and you are in countryside territory, with many woodland areas that are brilliant to visit as a family for a few hours walk. My favourites include Moorlands Nature Reserve near the village of Skelton, an impressive national trust site of trees, shrubbery and a pond, and if you look closely you will see plenty of wildlife. I especially love it here in spring when the rhododendrons bloom in dramatic colours, and in autumn when the leaves are turning beautiful oranges, reds and brown and the light filters softly through the trees.

I also enjoy visiting the Knavesmire woods at the edge of the racecourse and Wheldrake wood, my children are very outdoorsy and love a good explore and somewhere with sticks is always a winner!

I am always scouting out new locations ideal for family photoshoots, or simply running off some energy with my kids, let me know in the comments any of your favourite spots!

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