Yana Skakun
The best outdoor photography locations in Surrey: A local's guide
By Yana Skakun·22 May 2025·8 min read
Surrey is one of England's most beautiful counties for outdoor photography — and as a photographer based here, I've had the privilege of exploring its most photogenic corners in all seasons, at all times of day. Here are my absolute favourite spots for portraits, families, couples, and engagement sessions.
1
Box Hill & the North Downs
Arguably Surrey's most iconic landscape — sweeping views across the Weald, open grassland, and ancient woodland. Perfect for golden hour sessions and dramatic wide-angle portraits. The viewpoint at the top is particularly stunning at sunrise.
2
Painshill Park, Cobham
A stunning 18th-century landscape garden with a serpentine lake, follies, and some of the most romantic backdrops in Surrey. Ideal for couple portraits, engagement shoots, and fine-art family sessions.
3
Polesden Lacey, near Dorking
A beautiful Edwardian country house with walled gardens, open meadows, and tree-lined avenues. The rose garden in summer is extraordinary. This is a favourite for all kinds of portrait sessions.
4
Richmond Park (Surrey border)
Ancient deer park with ancient oaks, open grassland, and incredible light at golden hour. The deer are a magical natural element. Accessible, versatile, and endlessly photogenic.
5
Frensham Ponds & Common
Sandy heathland, silver birch trees, and two beautiful lakes — unusual for Surrey and completely stunning. The colours here in autumn are absolutely remarkable.
6
The River Thames at Guildford
The towpath along the River Thames offers beautiful water reflections, willow trees, and a peaceful atmosphere. Lovely for relaxed family sessions and couples.
7
Ranmore Common & Denbies Vineyard
Rolling vineyard rows and ancient woodland combine for a uniquely European feel. The vineyard rows in autumn (October) are spectacular with warm golden tones.
8
Loseley Park
A beautiful Elizabethan country house surrounded by walled gardens, meadows, and ancient trees. The walled kitchen garden in summer is breathtaking.
When to Shoot in Surrey
Surrey looks beautiful year-round, but each season has its magic:
- ◆Spring (March–May): Bluebells in the woodlands, fresh greens, blossom. Magical for families and couples.
- ◆Summer (June–August): Wildflower meadows, long golden evenings, lush green landscapes.
- ◆Autumn (September–November): Arguably the most dramatic — russet and gold tones, morning mist, and that incredible low light.
- ◆Winter (December–February): Frost, bare trees, and a quiet beauty. Perfect for moody, atmospheric portraits.
Book a Surrey Portrait Session
I know these locations inside out — which spots have the best light, the most beautiful backdrops, and the fewest crowds. Let's find the perfect location for you.
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Yana Skakun
Photographer · England
Professional wedding, family and portrait photographer based in England. Passionate about capturing authentic emotions and timeless moments.
About Yana →photo locations Surreyoutdoor photography Surreybest places photos SurreySurrey portrait locationsfamily photo spots Surrey
Venue Spotlights — Wedding & Portrait Photography in Cambridge & England
Yana Skakun photographs weddings and portrait sessions at venues across Cambridge, East England, London, and beyond. Venue scouting and creative collaboration are part of every booking — every location is worked with rather than against. This guide — The best outdoor photography locations in Surrey: A local's guide — is part of the photography journal: practical, experience-based advice drawn from real sessions across England. Whether you arrived searching for photo locations surrey or outdoor photography surrey, the same care and attention shapes every session Yana photographs.
Wedding & Portrait Photography sessions are available year-round, with bookings open across Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, Peterborough, and further afield — East England, London, the Midlands, and beyond. If you have specific questions about best places photos surrey, mention it in your enquiry. Get in touch through the contact form above to check availability and discuss your session. Enquiries are welcomed from anywhere in the UK.
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