Post Christmas Photography - Blowing off the cobwebs!

I’m meeting with some regular workshop attendees this evening for a pre-Christmas drink, and it got me thinking about that quiet stretch between Christmas and New Year. The rush has passed, the house is warm, the leftovers are endless… and at some point the need to get outside becomes impossible to ignore. A slow winter walk, with a camera tucked into a pocket or slung over your shoulder, is one of the nicest ways to reset at this hectic time of year.

There’s something about stepping out into cold air after days of eating, chatting and lounging around that instantly clears the mind. The landscape feels amazing at this time of year. The light sits low, the colours are muted, and even familiar places take on a calm you don’t get at any other point in the calendar. Whether you head out alone, with photography friends, or with family, these days offer a great chance to enjoy relaxed, pressure-free photography.

If you’re thinking about blowing the cobwebs away in the days ahead, here’s a little inspiration to take with you.

The Quiet Magic of a Post-Christmas Walk

What makes these in-between days special is the pace. There’s no need to rush or chase perfect conditions.

Coastal winds can wake you up in seconds; woodlands feel stripped back and raw; the moors open out under pale winter skies. The beauty is in the simplicity. A walk becomes less about “getting a shot” and more about appreciating the landscape and letting the photographs happen naturally.

Where to Go: Teesside and Beyond

If you’re in or near Teesside, you’ve got plenty of places that lend themselves perfectly to a post-Christmas wander — places that clear the head and offer endless photographic opportunities, whatever the weather brings.

Saltburn & Huntcliff

A classic winter walk. The pier, the long beach, and the huge sweep of Huntcliff all take on a lovely mood in December light. Whether the sea is wild or calm, there’s always something worth shooting — though expect it to be a little busier than a typical winter’s day!

Roseberry Topping

Short, steep, rewarding. On crisp mornings the views stretch for miles, and winter suits the hill’s shape beautifully. If there’s frost or a dusting of snow, it becomes even more striking. There’s a good chance of snow just before Christmas this year, so fingers crossed it clings to the higher ground.

Guisborough Forest

For a quieter, more sheltered option, the forest trails are ideal. Winter opens up the sightlines between the trees and creates lovely, gentle light throughout the day. A walk with the macro lens can work really well here.

Saltburn to Skinningrove

A slightly longer route with ever-changing coastal views. The cliffs catch whatever light there is, and the sea has real winter character along this stretch. Avoid in windy conditions!

Sandsend & Whitby

A little further but well worth the trip. Sandsend’s open beach feels peaceful and spacious after Christmas, while Whitby in winter has a mood and charm you just can’t get during the busy months. Sandsend is best on a receding tide, so check the tide times before venturing out. Nearby, the Mulgrave Castle walk is another lovely winter option.

The North York Moors

From Danby to Blakey Ridge, winter on the moors feels vast and atmospheric. It can be pretty wild up here in winter conditions, so aim for a crisp, sunlit day and stick to the main roads. An easy walk around Cod Beck is a great way to shake off those mince pies!

Not everyone reading will be local, so here are a few wider-reach ideas that offer the same sense of calm and winter atmosphere:

• East Coast beaches, from Northumberland down to Lincolnshire, offer huge skies and beautifully raw winter seascapes.

• Lake District valleys — Borrowdale, Buttermere, Grasmere — are much quieter at this time of year, with soft light and dramatic cloud.

• Peak District edges like Stanage and Curbar feel crisp and energising in winter conditions.

• Scottish east coast locations such as St Andrews, Elie, Stonehaven and Portknockie combine rugged shorelines with big winter weather.

Wherever you are, the key is simply to get outside and enjoy whatever the season has to offer.

A post-Christmas walk isn’t just about photography — it’s about breathing fresh air, resetting your mind, and easing yourself into the final days of the year. Whether you come back with ten photos or none doesn’t really matter.

So wrap up warm, head out for a wander, and see what you can create in the final days of 2025.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and I hope the days ahead bring you fresh air, good light, and a moment of calm before the new year begins.