Cambridgeshire in Autumn
Where to Walk in Cambridgeshire to See Stunning Autumn Colours
There’s something about autumn that feels like magic. Maybe it’s the way the trees turn gold and auburn, or how the light softens and everything feels a little slower, a little more meaningful. Whatever it is, it’s hands down my favourite time of year and year after year, it proves to be the best season for photographing families.
As a Cambridge photographer, autumn offers everything I could ask for: warm tones, beautiful soft light, and nature showing off in full colour. I always look forward to this season because it brings so much joy and connection to the families I work with, and Cambridgeshire is full of amazing places to soak it all in.
So, whether you’re planning a weekend stroll, hunting for the perfect location for a family shoot, or just want to enjoy the beauty of the season, here are my favourite spots for autumn walks (and photos!) across Cambridgeshire:
Cambridgeshire autumn photoshoots
My favourite spots for autumn walks across Cambridgeshire
Wandlebury Country Park, Gog Magog Hills
This is my go-to woodland walk just outside of Cambridge. With its towering trees, open meadows, and winding trails, Wandlebury feels like a hidden retreat. In October, the leaves blaze with colour and the afternoon sun filters through the branches in the most magical way, it’s one of my favourite spots for autumn portraits. It can get quite busy at weekends, so I often head there on weekdays for a quieter, more peaceful experience. Just a heads-up: there is a small parking fee, so it’s worth bringing some change.
Why I love it for photos: There are endless natural backdrops, from tree-lined paths to wide open skies, perfect for families who want space to relax and explore during their session.
Milton Country Park
Milton Country Park offers a lovely mix of lakes, wooded trails, and peaceful spots. It’s a fantastic place for families with young kids (and dogs!). In autumn, the reflections on the water are truly stunning, and there’s a playground nearby, so it’s a win-win for everyone.
A little insider tip: I usually park at the nearby doctor’s surgery, where parking is free, which makes visits even easier.
Photography tip: I always bring clients here in late afternoon when the light hits the trees just right. It’s peaceful and golden and just works.
The Backs, Cambridge
For something more urban yet still utterly autumnal, The Backs is an iconic spot. Walking behind the historic colleges in October feels like stepping into a storybook, ivy turning red on stone walls, crunchy leaves underfoot, and boats still gently drifting on the river.
Perfect for: Those timeless Cambridge family portraits with a backdrop of colour and history.
Anglesey Abbey, Lode (National Trust)
Autumn at Anglesey Abbey is something special. Their seasonal trail is designed to guide you through the most vibrant spots, and the Japanese maples are just incredible. It’s like stepping into a painting.
Bonus: There’s plenty of open space for kids to run, and cosy nooks for more intimate moments. I’ve shot so many beautiful family sessions here, it never disappoints.
Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Huntingdon
A bit further out, but worth the drive. This park has a lovely mix of open meadows, lakes, and woodland paths. It’s one of those places that glows in the late autumn light.
Just a heads-up: there is a small parking fee, so it’s worth bringing some change.
Family-friendly: Great for energetic little ones and dogs, with lots of space to roam and explore while I quietly capture those in-between moments, included a park for afterwards.
Grantchester Meadows
Just outside Cambridge, Grantchester is one of those places that always feels serene. The riverside walks in autumn are breathtaking, especially early in the morning when there’s mist on the water and golden light peeking through the trees.
After your walk: Pop into The Orchard Tea Garden for a hot drink, it’s the perfect end to an autumn outing.
Ferry Meadows, Nene Park (Peterborough)
Spacious, accessible, and filled with tree-lined paths that absolutely glow in October. If you’re on the north side of Cambridgeshire, this is a must-visit.
Photo-worthy spots: The bridges and lakes framed by orange and yellow leaves make it a dreamy location for family portraits.
Why Autumn Sessions Just Work
I love photographing families in every season, but autumn has a special kind of energy. The colours bring out so much warmth in every frame. Kids can run through the leaves, cuddle up in cosy jumpers, and parents don’t have to worry about harsh sun or summer heat, just being together, naturally.
During sessions, I love using gentle games and prompts to help everyone feel relaxed and enjoy the moment. It’s all about connection, not posing and that’s when the most beautiful, candid shots happen.
I photograph my own children every autumn to capture how they’re growing and changing, and I have many families who come back year after year to do the same. It’s become a seasonal tradition, and honestly, one of the most meaningful ways to document your family story.
If you’ve been thinking about a family session, autumn is the time. The season is short, but it’s the perfect moment to slow down, get outside, and feel grounded in nature before winter sets in.
I like to hold my Mini Sessions at Wimpole Folly, it’s one of my favourite spots for family photography.
It’s quiet, meaning fewer people around to get in the way or watch while you’re having your photos taken, making it easier for everyone to feel relaxed and natural. There’s plenty of free parking nearby, so it’s super convenient. The wide-open spaces around the folly give kids lots of room to run and explore (and to get my Drone out), while the mix of woodland and grassy areas provides beautiful, varied backdrops. Plus, the children always love having their photos taken right at the folly itself, it’s such a charming and atmospheric setting, making it the perfect spot to capture those special memories for you.
And with Christmas just around the corner, these autumn sessions are a great way to create meaningful, personal gifts for family, photos that they’ll truly treasure.
