5 FREE Places for a photoshoot in Warwickshire

Based in Warwickshire, I'm always on the lookout for great places to visit and explore with the little (not so little) ones... and if I get photo opportunities and fun along the way, it's an absolute success.

Warwickshire is an amazing county known for its beautiful countryside and historic towns and villages. The woods are lush and the places to visit are countless. I could list a hundred of them on here ( I don't know them all though... far from it), and that would not even cover them all. In the meantime, I will start with a top 5 FREE places you can visit any time of the year.

1- Ryton Pools

This country park is free (but don't forget to pay for your parking) to explore with access to a variety of habitats: ancient woodland, grassland, pools and fab playgrounds. You can even hire bikes to make the most of your visit and the newly refurbished cafe is a bonus.

2- Kenilworth Castle Circular Walk

Kenilworth Castle is worth a visit but its circular walk deserves a pace on here. ! In fact it's free (you still need to pay for the carpark) and the views are pretty awesome. I haven't been here for a very long time. In fact I was a mum of one then... a complete different life, but looking at these photos, I know I need to go back! It felt magical and even my husband managed to take a picture I was please with... it rarely happens :)

3 - Chesterton Windmill

Chesterton Windmill is a 17th-century cylindric stone tower windmill with an arched base that attracts many many visitors every day. The 'parking' on the side of the road is very limited but I've always managed to 'park' the car so fingers crossed, you will too.

I've visited the windmill at every season of the year over the last 15 years. I have taken photos of the children, I've had photoshoots with clients, I flew a toy drone (when camera drones were not a thing yet) with my husband over the fields and managed to lose it. I've visited the windmill with friends, went for a walk in the day and in the night and two things are pretty much guaranteed: you will enjoy the view and it will be windy!

Sunset is a particular favourite.

4 - River Leam

We discovered the public footpath alongside the river leam in 2023... even though we had lived in Leamington for a decade. You can access this particular spot from Newbold Comyn Carpark, just behind the swimming pool. Another fun way to access it would be to hire a boat, SUP or pedalo from Leam boat (next to Jephson Gardens) and make a stop along the way.

5 - Draycote Water

Draycote Water is a 240-hectare reservoir and country park near the village of Dunchurch. There is a flat five mile / 8 kilometer tarmac pavement around the reservoir which is ideal for a leisurely stroll, for children to run about or learn to ride their bike. There is also a cafe with a view over the reservoir.