South Essex photography spots to try out this autumn

With a mix of urban and natural landscapes, there’s something to suit every photographer’s taste this autumn.

From the seafront on Canvey to the crumbling glory of Hadleigh Castle and Country Park, there’s an abundance of picture-perfect places right on our doorstep.

Read on to discover our favourite south Essex autumn photography spots.

Hadleigh Castle has been delighting visitors for centuries (Image: Ellen Hume) Hadleigh Castle and Country Park

Sitting atop rolling hills and enjoying panoramic views across the Thames Estuary, Hadleigh Castle is a photographer’s dream, and becomes even more beautiful in autumn.

You’ll discover a network of crumbling castle ruins, golden-hued landscapes and spectacular views and will leave with a collection of breath-taking photographs.

Hadleigh Castle is an atmospheric destination that promises to delight any visiting photographer.

Canvey Seafront

Looking for an autumnal seascape that isn’t Southend? Consider making the trip to Canvey Island’s seafront.

An alternative to busier south Essex seafronts, Canvey combines a rustic charm with stunning scenery to create a picture-perfect photography environment. It’s often less busy than Southend too, allowing for even better photos. 

Photographers on Canvey's seafront will be able to capture images of soaring gulls, pastel-coloured skies and sunset reflected on the water.

Thorndon Country Park

If you’re a keen photographer with a young family, you may be interested in a trip to Thorndon Country Park. The park’s ancient woodlands and open meadows offer ample opportunity for landscape photography.

The country park’s “Gruffalo Trail” will entertain children for hours and provide the perfect backdrop for some beautiful family photographs.

The park is also one of the best places in south Essex to capture the changing seasons. You’ll find a landscape rich in yellows, reds and oranges this November.

The Cliff Gardens are a favourite among Southend's photographers (Image: Dawid Glawdzin) Southend’s Cliff Gardens

Combining lush greenery, historic terraces and uninterrupted views across the Thames Estuary, the Cliff Gardens may just be Southend’s best spot for photography this autumn.

There are winding paths throughout the gardens, improving accessibility for visitors and a lift can also be used to reach higher levels. The gardens’ proximity to the town centre makes them a great choice for photographers reliant on public transport.

 The gardens have recently received a minor facelift, making for extra special photos.