Things to do in Billingshurst after your family photoshoot

February 12, 2026

A family of 3 smiling in front of a white wall at Billingshurst family photoshoot

If you’re booked in (or planning ahead!) for a photoshoot at my studio in Billingshurst and you’d love to turn it into a full family day out then this blog is for you! Whether you’re coming for a maternity, newborn, cake smash or family session, here are some lovely ideas to help you plan the rest of your day.

There are so many lovely places near me in West Sussex, to have lunch or to spend the afternoon doing a fun family activity. As you have made such an effort to get all dressed up and get out the house (which can be a long process especially with newborns & toddlers), so why not make a day of it!  

Here are some fun, easy ideas for what to do afterwards! Whether you want to keep the day relaxed, burn off some energy, or reward the kids with something exciting.  You can always come back to this page if you want to plan for another day! Just to add, I have been to most of these places and LOVE them! 

A one year old boy sitting on the floor with his big brother at a photoshoot in Billingshurst
A family of 4 smiling at a Billingshurst photography studio

Celebrate your family milestones and a photoshoot is a milestone too. It might not feel like a huge thing at the time, but in a few months and even years from now you’ll look back and be so glad you did it all of it. You’ll remember that day you all made the effort together!

It is never just about the photos! It’s about the memories you made while they were taken such as the laughs, the cuddles, their beautiful personalities, and those tiny but important details that change so so quickly. One day you’ll look at those pictures and think “I’m so glad we captured this and celebrated the day together” Because life is busy, children grow so incredibly fast, and those moments really do deserve to be remembered forever.

1. Treat your family to something to eat

A café or pub stop is perfect for a relaxed transition after photos and makes for sweet family memories! They are great to give the kids a snack, get yourself a coffee and end the shoot on a high. 

  • Billy’s on the Road, Billingshurst – 4 minute drive from the studio (This is the closest place to go to eat near my Studio and its so yummy! Its so hard not to go every time I have a studio session!)
  • L’Olivier, Billingshurst – 5 minutes drive from the studio 
  • Little Bean Cafe, Billingshurst – 6 minutes drive from the studio 
  • Koffie, Horsham – 20 minutes drive from the the studio
  • The Bat and Ball Country pub, Wisborough Green – 10 minute drive from the studio (This is next to Fishers Farm and its such a cosy pub)
A newborn baby boy sleeping on his tummy and his big brother and dog are kissing his head at a newborn photoshoot in Billingshurst
A mum holding her daughter and her little boy kissing his baby sisters head at Billingshurst newborn photoshoot

2. Go to the farm and see the animals

If you aren’t very local to Billingshurst then I’d highly recommend making the most of being so close and going to Fishers Farm Park. It also has a cafe, soft play, a sensory room, and of course animals! Make the most of being near by! I went as a child and it was so much fun. 

Honestly, if I had to choose out of all my suggestions this would be a top tier choice. It has everything you need! I would book prior to coming though as its so popular – Especially on a weekend and school holidays.

3. Go to a soft play or play centre 

If your little ones still have lots of energy after the session, going to a soft play is a great idea as it’s the perfect way for them to run around and have some fun after sitting still for photos for an hour or two. It also gives parents a chance to relax with a coffee while the kids play! These are the best local ones near the studio. Just to add, Fishers Farm also has a soft play and a cafe all in one and it is super close to my Billingshurst Studio!

  • Little Street Children’s Role Play, Rudgwick – 7 minute drive from the studio (Amazing for your little ones to explore and learn at the same time)
  • Adventure Centre, Horsham – 18 minutes drive from the studio (This has just opened and I have heard great things so far!)

4. Go for a stroll and get some fresh air

After being cooped up in the studio for a few hours and if it’s a nice day (rare but it happens) then make the most of it and go for a lovely walk! These are all lovely places to go for a walk and most of them have got a place to go for a snack or drink nearby.

  • Petworth House and Park – 25 minute drive from the studio (Huge place to walk, and can always pop into Petworth after which is a beautiful village)
  • Loxwood Canal Walk – 10 minutes from the studio (This is next to a lovely pub if you fancy a stop!)
  • Horsham Park – 17 minutes drive from the studio (Lots of walking spaces, a park, a cafe inside the leisure centre, an amazing coffee shop!)
A mum and dad walking and holding hands with their son and daughter at a family photoshoot in West Sussex
A mum holding her daughter and looking at her at a family photoshoot in Billingshurst

After a photoshoot kids are often either absolutely buzzing or completely done. So if you can, plan something afterwards that matches their energy levels and don’t be afraid to keep it simple! Even just a hot chocolate and a walk can be the perfect ending to the day.

I hope this has been helpful. Let me know if you do end up going to any of these (or anywhere not listed) as I would love to know how you spent the rest of your day as a family and I can also update my list so its helpful for others who live in West Sussex and are wanting to know too!

If you love my photography work and would love a family photoshoot soon, then get in touch via my contact form below. I would love to hear from you!

Contact me here

Hopefully see you soon.

Paige x

A recent review from a client

“Couldn’t have asked for a better experience at the shoot itself, very professional and relaxed environment. Also, not to mention the amazing final pictures which we will cherish forever. Have already recommended to others, and will definitely be returning in the future. Thank you Paige!!”

– Ellie 2026