I’ve lived in Brighton – well… Hove, actually – for 7 years. It’s where I arrived in 2014 when I moved from Germany, giving myself the option to go somewhere else if it didn’t feel right, and I never left. Well, that’s until I moved to Lancing in 2021.
The thing is, Brighton&Hove instantly felt like home when I arrived. The energy, the people, the atmosphere… it all just felt right.
Over the years, I learned my way around the city and thought I’d share some outdoor locations that are great for any kind of photos – and some that might not be the best choice for you, depending on what you’re looking for.
Best outdoor photo locations in Brighton&Hove for your family photos
While I LOVE family photos taken at your home, it’s not for everyone. And I’m not here to convince you that in-home family photos are the best if that’s not your jam. So instead, I would like to give you some options on Brighton-based locations that would be amazing for your photo session. Let’s go….
1. Brighton Beach and Seafront
Let’s start with the most obvious choices for photos. The beach and seafront… This is for you if you like a summery and beachy vibe for your photos. But you might have to share the space with lots of other people. Specifically, over summer, the beaches between Brighton and Hove can get very busy.
Brighton Pier
Brighton Pier is a beautiful place, especially when you’re out and about with your children. There are rides and snacks and the view over the sea. BUT, it’s a very touristy place and it can get quite expensive if your children love fairground rides.
I would say, this is definitely a place for family photos if Brighton is a day trip for you! It’s an exciting attraction.
But even if you live locally, I wouldn’t dismiss this as a place for photos. Since children grow up fast and their relationship with their surroundings changes over time, it’s a lovely place to include in family photos before their appreciation for a place like this changes.
Brighton Seafront
Brighton Seafront is one of my favourite places ever. The sight of the ruins of the West Pier never gets old to me. Over time, the seafront changed a lot as well. Little boutique shops, a playground, the Bandstand, and the Upside Down House on one side, and the Minigolf, another playground, and the path towards the marina make for great walks and therefore great photos.
There are lots of locations that can work well for family photos, portraits, headshots, and everything else in between.
Hove Beach
Hove beach is a little quieter than Brighton Beach. There are fewer attractions and a calmer feel which lends itself for any kind of photos with a bit fewer distractions and stimulation for you as well as your kids.
Depending on the dynamics and personalities within your family, the locations you want to incorporate in your photos can support what stories your photos will tell about your life (or day) in Brighton. Similarly, if these images are just for you, it helps to know what feeling you want to connect with the images taken.
Hove Lagoon
Nestled in the far western end of Brighton& Hove along the beach is the Hove Lagoon. Watersports, a playground, a skate park, an outdoor gym, and a cafe co-owned by Fatboy Slim make this a perfect place to spend some time with your kids (or friends or by yourself) – with or without a photographer in tow.
2. Brighton town centre
Central Brighton is full of atmosphere, colours and quirkiness. But it’s also full of people. That means it can be tricky to get photos, especially on weekends. It’s absolutely not impossible though!
If this is your vibe and you thrive in the buzz of the city, here are a few locations that could look amazing as part of a day exploring and having documented by me.
The Lanes
The Lanes are the part of Brighton town center that’s closest to the seafront. There is a labyrinth with narrow alleyways with jewelry shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, hidden squares, and boutique shops.
There’s a mix of old and new that gives The Lances its special charm. Especially during warmer days, you can get lost in this area, exploring alleys, listening to buskers, and sipping coffee or tea.
North Laine
The other part of town, going from the seafront towards the train station, is called the North Laine. This is the vibrant hub of independent shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, which Brighton is so well-known for.
Everywhere you look, you see quirky art, smell great coffee and hear buskers entertain passersby. But aside from the busier areas, you can also find quieter streets to explore, graffiti-filled alleys, and colourful houses. All of these can be perfect backdrops to photos of you and/or your family enjoying the city.
The Level
A bit further away from the beach, you can find an urban park called The Level. It’s one of the largest open spaces in town with a big green area, and my personal favourite – a skate park. Do you have skaters in your family and don’t know where they could practice their skills? The Level would be the place to go for that!
3. Parks
While