5 Reasons why Lower Slaughter is the dreamiest spot for your family photos in The Cotswolds
When it comes to choosing the perfect setting for your family photos, location is everything. It’s the backdrop that frames your memories and tells your story for years to come.
For me, one of the most magical places to capture family sessions is Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds. As a local who grew up in the area, I have to say it really is a showstopper location that gives you the whimsy Cotswolds aesthetic without the bustling crowds of tourists. It really is a hidden gem!
Here’s why I think it’s the dreamiest spot for your family photoshoot…
Mother and daughter photoshoot in idyllic Cotswolds village of Lower Slaughter
Storybook Scenery
Lower Slaughter looks like it has been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.
With its honey-stone cottages, winding lanes, and the gentle River Eye flowing through the village, it creates a whimsical backdrop that you can’t help but adore at every turn.
If you are a fan of quintessentially English villages and stories like Pride and Prejudice, then this little village on the edge of Bourton-on-the-water is somewhere you just can’t miss!
Natural childhood memories captured along the River Eye in the village of Lower Slaughter
Perfect for Little Adventurers
Children thrive when they have space to explore, and Lower Slaughter is full of hidden corners, stone bridges, and grassy spots to run wild. The village itself provides an easy route for your family (especially young children) to walk and run around, with plenty of variety of backdrops for a gallery that feels like a full story.
Giving children the freedom to play during a session makes for photos that are candid, joy filled and overflowing with their true personalities. Lower Slaughter in The Cotswolds provides plenty of space for children to run, play games like ring-a-roses and even wander into the nearby fields for games that require a bit more space like parachute blankets or tag!
Fun and playful family photos captured in the walk between the villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter
Light That Feels Like Magic
The Cotswolds has a special kind of golden hour; soft, hazy, and warm.
In Lower Slaughter, the way the light filters between the cottages and reflects off the water adds a cinematic glow to your images, making every moment feel extra magical.
The bonus of being a local photographer to the area is my expertise when it comes to the best times of the day to visit the villages throughout the year, as I know exactly when the sunlight hits each spot.
Sunset memories captured with a family along the fields between Lower and Upper Slaughter in The Cotswolds
A Blend of Iconic and Intimate
You get the best of both worlds here: iconic Cotswold charm as well as quiet, tucked away spots for more private, tender moments.
It’s the kind of location where you can have a mix of wide, sweeping shots of your family together and close-up portraits that feel personal and full of connection.
Family memories captured along the River Eye in the village of Lower Slaughter, The Cotswolds
A Place You’ll Want to Return To
Family photos aren’t just about the images themselves; they’re about the memories you make while taking them.
Lower Slaughter is one of those villages you’ll fall in love with, and you might just find yourself planning return trips in the years ahead to relive those moments.
Whether you’re based in the Cotswolds or planning a visit, Lower Slaughter is one of my absolute favourite places for family sessions. It’s more than just a backdrop, it’s an experience, a memory, and a place where love and connection can be captured so beautifully.
Ready to create your own storybook memories?
Get in touch to book your family session in Lower Slaughter or elsewhere in the Cotswolds. I have plenty of recommendations for beautiful, off-the-tourist-footpath locations.
Candid memories captured at sunset in between the villages of Lower and Upper Slaughter
