You might not think it, but Kent has some cracking locations for stunning photo opportunities.

I’ve visited quite a few of them over the past few years armed with just my camera bag and a tripod, so I thought I’d share 10 of my personal favourites.

Even if you’re not into photography, I’d still recommend a visit to all of these places.

1. Botany Bay

Dover isn’t the only place in Kent that boasts magnificent chalk cliffs. Botany Bay in Broadstairs does too, and you’re in for a treat if you’ve never been.

It’s well worth a visit at any time of the day, but the beach looks particularly special at sunrise.

Set an early alarm and get yourself down there with your camera. You won’t regret it.

Botany Bay, Kent, is particularly beautiful at sunrise

2. Samphire Hoe

Perhaps I’ve been lucky, but the two or three times I’ve visited Samphire Hoe it’s always been extremely quiet and peaceful. Honestly, I wish there were more places like this close to where I live!

Aside from a few people walking their dogs, I had the place to myself the last time I went - a late evening in July 2019.

Created by Eurotunnel in 1997 during the construction of the Channel Tunnel, Samphire Hoe features a stony beach, incredible chalk cliffs and even a distant view of France on a clear day.

Samphire Hoe, Dover, is one of the most peaceful photography locations in Kent

3. Reculver Towers

From a modern construction to the oldest place on this list, the eye-catching Reculver Towers landmark (situated on Kent’s north coast) was founded way back in the 7th century.

There’s something about Reculver that keeps dragging me back. I must have been three or four times now over the past couple of years at different times of the day.

I was treated to a spectacular sunset on a visit in August 2019, but you’ll have the opportunity to get some great shots at any time of the day. Or night, in fact, because the towers are lit up when the sun goes down.

Reculver Towers at sunset look spectacular

4. Mote Park

Located in Maidstone, this 440-acre park offers an enjoyable day out for all the family.

It’s only a 20-minute drive from where I live, so I’m a fairly regular visitor. In recent years, as my interest in photography has grown considerably, I’ve managed to get a handful of images that I look back on with fondness.

Fun fact: Mote Park also run an annual photography competition (check out their Facebook page for more info) which I actually managed to win in 2018 for this shot of one its more unusual-looking trees.

Mote Park was where my lovely clients, Jenn and Mike, had their pre-wedding photo shoot.

This photo of a tree won Mote Park’s photography competition in 2018

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5. White Horse Wood

Looking for a hidden gem in Kent? Look no further.

White Horse Wood, located near Detling Hill in Maidstone, offers magnificent views of the Kent countryside from an elevated position.

One of my favourite places in the county for sunset shots, don’t forget to check out the ruins of Thurnham Castle (built in the 12th century) while you’re there.

White Horse Wood, Kent, is a hidden gem for photography lovers

6. Leeds Castle

Unlike the other locations on this list, there is an admission fee to enter Leeds Castle’s picturesque grounds.

But if the cost of a ticket doesn’t put you off, there are plenty of opportunities to get some beautiful images.

There’s the castle itself, of course, but you’ll also find plenty of animals dotted around the 500-acre estate - perfect if wildlife photography is your thing.

They also host a very good Christmas market every year.

Leeds Castle, Kent, is well worth the admission fee

7. Deal Pier

In terms of photography, this is probably my favourite pier in Kent.

I visited one warm, mid-week evening in June 2019 and pretty much had the pier to myself, which meant I could take my time and experiment with a wide-range of angles and compositions.

I was fortune to experience a gorgeous pinky sunset on that occasion and couldn’t wait to get back home and edit the shots.

8. Whitstable beach

If you’re a sunset lover - and let’s face it, who isn’t? - then I can’t recommend an evening visit to Whitstable enough.

I’ve watched the sun go down over the sea at Whitstable’s beach on several occasions and usually come away with at least one or two keepers.

You’ll also find the Instagrammable Neptune Pub on the beach front. If you’re passing by, treat yourself to a Whitstable Pale Ale with some fish and chips.

Whitstable Beach is one of the best places to see a sunset in Kent

9. Boxley

Trying to locate poppy fields in Kent is, in my experience, far harder than it should be.

Boxley has at least one - but possibly more - poppy field, although finding it isn’t that straightforward.

There used to be a poppy field located behind the Kings Arms pub, but this was no longer the case in the summer of 2019.

A five-minute drive up the road, however, and we came across another poppy field and took some shots there with Ryan - one year after taking maternity photos of Anya.

I’d recommend jumping on Instagram, hitting the ‘Recent’ tab around June, July and asking people for directions.