Best family photoshoot locations in Glasgow

Local Glasgow family photographer’s favourite outdoor locations for relaxed and fun family photo sessions

The Dear Green Place: Glasgow tops the list of cities with the most accessible greenspace (that’s in all of Europe I might add) which is a pretty impressive accolade! I love urban backdrops for photos, but when it comes to photographing children and families in Glasgow you can’t go wrong with one of the beautiful local parks. Lots of space to run and play, not too crowded and guaranteed to provide a variety of backdrops all within the one location.

As a local family photographer in Glasgow (based in the West End, but photographing families all over the city and beyond!) it’s not easy to narrow it down to just a handful of my favourite photo spots but I’ve gone through the archives and come up with a shortlist.

In my humble opinion the five best family photoshoot locations in Glasgow are:

1. Victoria Park
2. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
3. Pollok Country Park
4. Bellahouston Park
5. Kelvingrove Park

Victoria Park, Scotstoun, Glasgow

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16597

At the risk of sounding biased (as this is now the neighbourhood I live in) Victoria Park is easily one of the best family photoshoot locations in Glasgow. It has a variety of landscapes to offer lots of different backdrops for photos, it’s much quieter than the other West End parks and ot offers some truly unique features, like the fossil grove, which kids absolutely love to explore. There’s lots of space for them to run around adventuring, but everything is easily accessible.

It’s also easy to get parked, and pretty much the entire park is buggy and wheelchair friendly. There is a small coffee/snack truck too- in case a hot drink or some bribery is needed post photo session.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens, West End, Glasgow

https://glasgowbotanicgardens.com

The Glasgow Botanics had to make the list as one of the best Glasgow locations for a family photoshoot. It has beautiful gardens, interesting architecture and lots of greenspace- surrounded by some lovely wooded areas too. Again there is a nice variety of backdrops here, though it tends to be very busy, especially at the weekends, so it can be trickier to find quiet spots. Worried about the rain? With the Kibble Palace right there on site, the Botanics offers an indoor photoshoot location in Glasgow too- just in case it’s needed.

Parking is more challenging (and costly) in this area, however it is buggy and wheelchair friendly as well. There is a coffee truck here too with spmething for everyone: kids and adults alike.

Pollok Country Park, Southside, Glasgow

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/pollokcountrypark

One of the best family photoshoot locations in the Southside of Glasgow is Pollok Country Park. This huge greenspace offers loads of room for kids to run around and no matter what backdrops you’re hoping to find for your photoshoot- you’ll find them here. From wooded paths and greenspace (with highlands cows in the background!) to historic mansions and mazes to manicured gardens and a stunning bridge: Pollok Country Park is a beautiful spot for a family photoshoot.

There is parking available on site (though it can be difficult to snag a spot on the weekend) and most areas of the park are buggy and wheelchair friendly. There is a cafe on site as well, handy if the kids need the bribe of a nice cake or some ice cream at any point!

Bellahouston Park, Southside, Glasgow

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16580

Bellahouston Park might be the most unique family photoshoot location in Glasgow. It boasts Charles Rennie MAckintosh’s stunning House for an Art Lover, a very well cared for walled garden and a variety of sculptures dotted about that make for one of a kind backdrops for family photos. There are other interesting spots throughout the park- the small maze is a favourite amongst kids (and great for getting genuine laughs in photos!) and the large, aesthetically pleasing play park is excellent too.

The cafe inside HFAL is lovely, and there is a parking on site. Most of the park is buggy and wheelchair friendly.

Kelvingrove Park, West End, Glasgow

https://www.glasgow.gov.uk/article/16589/Kelvingrove-Park

Kelvingrove Park is a great location for a family photoshoot- and as I lived around the corner from it for close to a decade I’ve managed to find some quiet, lesser known spots for photos- even on the sunniest of days! This is a busy park, but if you venture out of the main areas there are some truly beautiful, quiet spots for family photos- and one particularly special viewpoint over the city if you don’t mind a bit of a walk uphill. Woods and river views, spectacular views, bridges and gardens- there are lots of options for different backdrops in Kelvingrove Park too. And two different playparks offer a great option for a post photo session reward for the kids too!

There is a small cafe in the park for coffee/treats/lunch, and almost everywhere in the park is buggy and wheelchair accessible. Parking can be tricky on weekends and busy times, and is metered.