Top 10 locations for a family photoshoot near Exeter with Aga Kowalska -

Top 10 Exeter and surrounding areas locations for a family photo shoot with Aga Kowalska

As I am starting to write this post I am already worrying about missing out the other tens and tens of gorgeous places that I could take you for a fun and beautiful photo shoot. The area around Exeter (let’s say 20/30 miles from Exeter) is in my opinion photographer’s heaven. So many truly spectacular spots that will create a unique and scenic backdrop for your happy memories. Beaches, moors, woodland, or city locations – there is something for everyone and I guarantee at least one of these can be the one for you.

In no particular order, they simply are all great.

Dawlish Warren

I have lived in Devon for almost 14 years yet I only discovered this gem in the last year or so. A beautiful long sandy beach, colourful beach huts and National Nature Reserve area close by is a perfect combination. It doesn’t even have to be summer for you to truly enjoy Dawlish Warren’s beauty and use it as a spectacular backdrop.

Sidmouth

This is THE place to get a sun lounger, a plate of fish and chips and enjoy the glorious view. Situated just several miles from Exeter, Sidmouth is a popular holiday destination and also great hit with locals. Pebbly beach, clear waters, dramatic red rocks and acres of greenery closeby will give you hours and hours of ever changing photo shoot backdrop. The fun included goes without saying.

And if you enjoy a bit of a view and are not scared of heights, Jacob’s Ladder will take you to a high up spot with the cutest cafe and views to die for. You can also enjoy a stroll in the Connaught Gardens and get even more out of your day out.

Haldon Forrest

If your kids don’t like staying still (I don’t know any kids that do, just to clarify) Haldon Forrest is a great option for you. You may even consider packing up your bikes and let the kids do what they love most whilst I follow you with a camera (in a nice, professional way of course 🙂 Lots of attractions (Go Ape to name just one), a small cafe serving amazing hot chocolate and yummy muffins plus a lot more to offer families with children. If you fancy a fast paced race you will not be disappinted with great tracks, yet if you prefer a quiet slow walk with your toddler or a buggy, Haldon will deliver too.

To read more and decide if Haldon Forrest is THE spot for your family memories click here

Stover Park

This is my newest discovery and I must confess I haven’t explored its beauty to the fullest but I already love this place. You can take a walk around a lake and enjoy the beauty of the nature (trees, beautiful plants, different types of birds) but also discover many spots that kids can get to learn about natural beauty in a fun way. I took my family there one cold Saturday afternoon and I needed to drag them back to the car as they simply didn’t want to leave. Your kids will be able to run freely, safely (no traffic there) and be truly themselves whilst I capture it all for you to treasure. They won’t even notice I’m there as they’ll be having so much fun.

More information about this beauty spot can be found here

Haldon Belvedere

This choice may surpise you as for many Haldon Belvedere is primarily a wedding venue. But it happens to be located on a Haldon hill, enjoying spectacular view and miles of walks which you can enjoy with your family. The fact that Haldon Belvedere is described as a perfect location for an 'intimate’ wedding means that by choosing this spot you will be away from the hustle and bustle of busy city or popular holiday destinations. It’s quiet, it’s spectacular and it surely will be a hit with the kids who can run, cycle, play hide and seek or have a picnic with a view.

More info about Haldon Belvedere can be found here

Meldon Quarry

If you are a Netflix fan (or an addict like me) you may have watched the critically acclaimed series Black Mirror. And like me you could have been wondering why the scenes from the last episode seem familiar. Only to google and discover that they were indeed shot in Dartmoor, Meldon Quarry and reservoir.

Meldon Quarry has everything to tick your boxes for a great (free!) family day out. Lots of walking, spectacular views, shallow brooks for paddling, deep reservoir to admire and super high viaduct will keep you all in awe. I love escaping there with my own family so I know that your kids are bound to love it too. They may complain a bit when you start walking up the steep hill to reach the top of the reservoir but once they get to the top they will surely exclaim: 'woooow!’.

More info about Meldon Reservoir can be found here

Exmouth seafront

We had Sidmouth and Dawlish so it would be rude to leave out another popular Devon seafront location – Exmouth. On Exeter’s doorstep, just 15 minutes away, there are no excuses not to consider it. Anyone who lives in Exeter needs no more advice or information about Exmouth beauty. Just in case of the contrary, let’s get the images to speak for themselves.

Dartmoor

I have kept my most favourite two for the very end. Well, actually I sneaked it already as Meldon Quarry is actually on the edge of Dartmoor and has everything that is amazing about Dartmoor.

In case you didn’t know Dartmoor is not a place name (as silly as it may sound some people do think that way).

„When you visit Devon, and travel into the very heart of it, you will discover a magical, ancient landscape of stunning views, awe inspiring granite tors, deep wooded valleys with fast flowing rivers, and rugged, wide open spaces. This is Dartmoor, where you can truly escape to find peace, quiet and extreme beauty ” (source https://www.visitdartmoor.co.uk/)

Do I need to say any more?

My favourite locations in Dartmoor include Bellever Forrest, Two Bridges, Steps Bridge, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Spitchwick, Wistman’s Wood and many many more. Just tell me yours and together we can create a magical story for your family album.

(please excuse the oversharing of images to go with this tab, I honestly can’t show you less)

The Dark Horse of The Race – Your Home

If I haven’t convinced you that either of these locations are worth making a trip to, don’t worry. You can still have a photo shoot with me and a fabulous day to remember without leaving your home. That’s right.

The place where you feel most comfortable, a place full of memories and great emotions that your kids are going to treasure for years: isn’t it perfect?

People choose family photo shoots for a number of reasons:

You may feel a bit shy being on a location shoot, worrying about possible onlookers
You don’t drive and can’t get to the outreach locations
Your kids are too small to be taken outdoors and their daily routine is a bit tricky to arrange a family outing

Or you simply love your home and want your family to have your real, raw and important family moments captured.