Portobello Beach is Edinburgh’s beach and there’s a really traditional seaside vibe going on when you notice the cafes, ice cream stands, amusement arcade and coffee huts dotted along it’s promenade. There are also lots of traditional seaside benches to admire the view of the Forth.

 

 

You can get a really good mix of shots all in the one area. One minute you could be snapped taking a stroll along that promenade and the next, your family are at the water’s edge wincing as to how cold the water is.

 

 

PARKING - There are several residential streets spaced out at various points with easy access to the beach where you can usually find a spot to park.

This long sandy beach is very popular with families and younger children.

 

 

It looks across to Fidra Island and lighthouse, which was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous tale Treasure Island! A fun fact.

 

 

The bonus is an adventure playground before you get to the beach where you can look through a telescope and look out for pirates approaching. This area is often where a photo session can begin! There’s also a nice wooded area before you venture down to the beach and the dunes.

 

 

PARKING - There is a car park at the end of the road as you arrive at Yellowcraigs where there are also toilets.

A much loved spot for families and another extensive beach to explore!

 

 

More amazing views out to the Firth of Forth await you here. This beach is well known for it’s sand dunes which kids love to run down, and rock pools. There’s a small network of paths through the dunes which also work very well for photographs. Great for kids and dogs if you feel like bringing them along too. There are also toilets.

 

 

PARKING - There’s a dedicated car park with plenty of room. From there it’s a short walk down to the sand. Often an ice cream van parked there on sunny days.

North Berwick is just the loveliest seaside town. Frequented many times for days out as a child. There’s a bustling main street with independent shops, tea rooms and eateries.

 

 

The town itself is very photogenic, over looked by the volcanic rock Berwick Law. As is the little harbour and of course the beach! No shortage of spots to choose from here. It goes without saying that it’s fab for kids and the ice cream van is never far away.

 

 

PARKING - Can sometimes be tricky especially on the weekend so it’s wise to leave a little time to find a space. There’s a little car park in the town and at the east end of the beach there’s a few spaces leading right onto the sand. It’s a small town so wherever you park you won’t need to walk too far to your photo location.

Bang in the middle of Edinburgh, this iconic extinct volcano is what many think of when Scotland’s capital city comes to mind. No surprise that it’s one of the most photographed landmarks and that makes it a fantastic location for your photos.

 

 

St Margaret’s Loch lies at the foot of the ‘Seat’ and many famiies choose to have their photos taken here. There’s a gentle walk from there up to the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, another feast for the eyes, with views stretching across to Calton Hill and Edinburgh Castle. It can be windy (see below) and is a bit exposed but that doesn’t put people off! Pretty much any spot here looking across to the city will give you impressive family photos, not to mention the top if you’re feeling energetic.

 

 

PARKING - There’s a good sized car park at Holyrood House. You can also drive a little bit up Arthur’s Seat itself where there is limited on road parking.

This magnificent Edwardian home graces the coast of the River Forth, just along from Cramond in Edinburgh. I’ve photographed many families here over the years.

 

 

There’s good reason for this - there’s a large area of grass for kids to run around, a beautiful Japanese garden and pond, one of the best trees to sit in for photos and a promendade showcasing views across the Forth.

 

 

PARKING - There is a car park just inside the entrance which is often full at busy periods but a space can usually be found on the residential street opposite.

Blackford Hill is where I remember sledging downhill very fast when I was a child. We didn’t live far from this lovely beauty spot, one of Edinburgh’s seven hills. There’s a pond, lots of walks which make up the wider Hermitage of Braid nature reserve.

 

Blackford Hill doesn’t take long to climb and boasts stunning vistas across the city of Edinburgh. Perfect for shorter legs.

 

 

If you don’t fancy an uphill climb you can explore the pond and that then leads to the woodland walkways of the Hermitage of Braid.

 

 

PARKING - There’s off road parking at the main entrance to Blackford Pond albeit a few spaces only. There’s also a few spaces along the residential streets at the Hermitage of Braid entrance.

One of Edinburgh's seven hills and another extinct volcano, the views from Calton Hill grace many a postcard. 

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Hill? You're thinking, I don't want to climb a hill when 8 months pregnant, but although there are a number of steps up to the top it only takes around 5 minutes and you are there. The view is very well worth it!

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No matter what direction you look, the panoramas before you are breathtaking. Sit and take it all in on the grassy slopes or have a stroll along one of the main walkways round the hill. There's an observatory and famous Athenian acropolis giving your photos that unmistakable Edinburgh stamp.

 

 

PARKING - There are car parks nearby at St James Quarter and the Omni Centre.

This really is a hidden gem in Edinburgh. I only found out about it when a client wanted their maternity photos there and I was blown away. It’s cared for entirely by local volunteers.

 

 

You enter through a lovely decorative gate at the edge of a woodland. It feels very intimate as it’s not huge but perfectly sized in order to provide a good range of backgrounds for photos. The planting is beautiful, looking fantastic throughout the year. There’s a pond with a lovely bridge just begging to be photographed. The best bit is that it’s rarely busy and likely you’ll have the whole place to yourselves.

 

 

PARKING - No official car park but lots of spaces up the side streets of Clermiston Road.

Situated in the Barnton area of the city to the west, this is a glorious, sprawling estate with substantial mature woodland, fields, meadow land and more recently the addition of a pontoon over a small pond area. It’s even got a short canal!

 

 

There are some great photo opportunities in the meadow area especially in spring and summer with blooms of wild flowers scattering the landscape.

 

The remains of what was the big house, stables and walled gardens can be found. All in all, a great place to perch the kids on old tree trunks, play hide and seek and have a pleasant walk at the same time. Very popular with dog walkers too, so consider bringing your four legged friend.

 

 

PARKING - There is a free car park on Cammo Walk.

Newhailes House and Gardens is a National Trust for Scotland property in Musselburgh. The house is surrounded by an 18th century designed landscape comprising of meadow bordered by a circular woodland walk.

 

 

The woodlands themselves are home to magnificent displays of bluebells in Spring. There’s also a Shell Grotto, Tea House and Ladies’ Walk. Lots for younger children to enjoy, as well as spotting wildlife.

 

 

The house provides a stately backdrop for photographs and lots more opportunties await in the woodland and surrounding walks. Some of those walks offer unspoilt views across the River Forth.

 

 

PARKING - There is a car park at the entrance and the price is £3 per car.

This stunning rural estate is just 10 miles from Edinburgh. At the heart of which sits Old Penicuik House built in the 18th century. It was tragically gutted by fire and lay as a ruin for over 100 years but it’s structure has now been stabilised thanks to and extensive funding programme.

 

 

The house provides a striking backdrop to any photograph. The estate comprises of wide open lawn, avenues of trees, woodland walks, and a pond.

 

 

There’s a circular walk which is perfect for your photo session, allowing you to explore and enjoy your time at this impressive place.

 

 

PARKING - There’s off road parking at the main turn off from the road. It’s then around a 20 minute walk down to the house.

If you want a tranquil location for your photo sessioin then I cannot recommend this country park enough. Fabulous at any time of year, it truly shines in Autumn. Set amid rolling countryside near Linlithgow in West Lothian, it’s an expansive area of stunning woodland offering walks, playground adventures and cycling tracks.

 

 

A real feature is the Beecraigs Loch which has a walk around it’s circumference, ideal for your photo session. Watch the swans - they may follow you out of the water!

 

 

PARKING - A few car parking areas are dotted about Beecraigs. Depending on where you want to explore. There are toilets and a visitor centre with cafe.

One of the jewels in Midlothian’s crown, Roslin Glen Country Park is home to the iconic Rosslyn Chapel (Da-vinci Code) and semi-ruined Roslin Castle.

 

 

This dramatic glen has a rich industrial past in the shape of what used to be Scotland’s largest gunpowder mill. Some remains of the various buildings that made up the mill are still prominent are now great places to explore amongst the woodland paths that surround. The River Esk winds through it’s centre.

 

 

There’s a fantastic pooh stick bridge that leads across the river and up to the Castle.

 

 

PARKING - There’s a car park off the glen road with plenty of spaces.

One of the best places by far for Bluebells in spring! Situated just off the town centre in Dalkeith this place has a lot going on including Fort Douglas adventure park and Restoration Yard with cafe and shops.

 

 

It’s the surrounding woodland that is wonderful for your photo session, looking particularly magical in spring with bluebells and wild garlic at your feet.

 

 

The river Esk flows through it’s centre and along walkways providing interest for children. There’s lots of wildlife to spot, including deer if you’re very quiet!

 

 

PARKING - There’s plenty of parking which is £3 upon entry.