How do you choose a location for your family photoshoot? In the North East we have so many amazing places to choose from.
Castle Eden Dene is definitely one of my favourites. It’s a site of special scientific interest, being home to more than 450 species of plants, and mammals such as roe deer and fox. It stretches across Peterlee and Horden, Castle Eden, Blackhall and Heselden - 3.5 miles in length! While that sounds like a super long walk, there are loads of different routes and walkways in the Dene that make it great for families, especially if you're active and love being in nature! You can make the walk as long or short as you like, but my one piece of advice is that comfortable shoes are essential.
There are plenty of paths to take from the Peterlee entrance on Oakerside (where there's a free car park), depending on how active you want your shoot to be. The walk to the Castle itself is 20 minutes but even on shorter routes, there are some great spots to stop and get photos. If it's been raining heavily, we won't venture in too far as some of the paths can become quite slippy.
In the Summer, it's the perfect background to your family photos with luscious greens and light peeking through the trees, creating beautiful family shots:
In the Autumn, the colours of the leaves turning those gorgeous fall browns, reds and oranges that cover the paths can create super vibrant photos:
Just perfect on those crisp Autumn days when the sun's shining and you can hear the leaves crunching beneath your feet.
Back at the entrance in Peterlee on Oakerside, there's a cute cafe with homemade food including delicious cakes and treats, as well as a nature garden. Ideal for grabbing a bite to eat after your shoot!
Does Castle Eden Dene sound like the perfect place for your family shoot? Get in touch today to book yours.