FIVE UNIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN LONDON
London is one of the most photographed cities in the world and it really doesn’t surprise me, it’s full of impressive monuments, beautiful parks, cute candy coloured houses and stylish restaurants. There’s a photo opportunity literally everywhere you turn! But you only have to check out the #london hashtag on Instagram to see that most of the photos are of the same spots in the same streets in the same areas. I’m not judging as they’re all certainly photo worthy spots but there’s so much more London has to offer.
In this post I share with you five unique photography locations in London to inspire you to look beyond the obvious and help you make your holiday photos stand out.
1
PERGOLA AND HILL GARDEN
It’s crazy that despite living in London for more than 14 years I only visited Pergola and Hill Garden for the first time this summer. But at the same time that’s exactly why I love this city - no matter how long you’ve been here you never run out of places to discover!
Hidden away in Hampstead Heath, this beautiful garden was originally a front garden of Inverforth House, an Edwardian style mansion on the hill to the west of the park. The extravagant pergolas, viewing terraces and a summer pavilion were designed to host garden parties and summer evening strolls. The structure fell into disrepair after the Second World War but I think the overgrown vines and crumbling stonework only adds to the dreamy secret garden atmosphere.
Take a stroll through raised passageways lined with slender ionic columns and admire the exotic plants climbing the pale grey stone walls.The faded grandeur offers a little insight into what socialising as a member of 1920s high society might have been like. In spring the wooden lattice is covered with sweetly scented, mauve coloured wisteria whilst in the summer you can enjoy the elegant rose bushes but the gardens are attractive whatever the season.
And the best thing? Apart from a couple of dog walkers or an intimate engagement photoshoot, you’ll likely to have the place largely to yourself, especially on a weekday.
2
ST DUNSTAN IN THE EAST
If you thought City of London is all concrete, steel and glass skyscrapers think again. Because hidden amongst all the greyness is a real oasis of calm and green: St Dunstan in the East. This medieval parish church was largely destroyed during the Great Fire of London. During the restoration works a tower designed by Christopher Wren (the architect behind the Royal Naval College in Greenwich) was added. Today this tower, along with the north and south walls are all that remains. The rest was wiped off the face of the earth by a German bomb during the Second World War.
St Dunstan in the East is a public park and on weekday lunchtimes it’s really popular with local office workers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, even for just an hour. I’d suggest visiting on a weekday morning, if possible, on the weekends this tiny park fills up with different photography and history walking tours.
Photos: Lydia Rachel
3
SEVERNDROOG CASTLE
Gothic style Severndroog Castle, in south east London is no ordinary castle. Instead it’s a symbol of love, built by Lady James of Eltham purely as a memorial to her late husband. Over the years it was used for everything from a navigation point for air traffic through a testing facility for lighthouses to a look out point during the war. Today the building is open to the public on Sundays, run entirely by volunteers.
Located in an ancient woodland the tower looks like something from a fairy tale. If the weather’s nice, take a stroll through the forested area (the oldest woods in the capital) and formal gardens to admire the structure from a distance. The area is popular with families and dog walkers but it never feels crowded and it’s really easy to find a spot all to yourself. Afterwards head inside and climb the 87 steps spiral staircase to the viewing platform at the top for one of the most impressive views in the city: a full 360 degree uninterrupted vista taking in London and seven home counties. On a clear sunny day you can see Windsor Castle from here!
4
GOODWIN’S COURT
Just a short walk from Leicester Square tube station in the middle of the theatre district you’ll find Goodwin’s Court, a little alley that looks like a location from a Charles Dickens or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel. Full of historic charm, you’ll find original 17th century Georgian bow fronted cottage facades with sleek black frames, lion’s head door knockers and three working gas lamps illuminating the road at night. If you’d like to go back in time and experience the olde worlde London you’ve read about in books this is a perfect place!
It always surprises me how quiet this spot is (apart from an odd Harry Potter themed walking tour passing by) considering it’s located in one of the busiest areas of the city. But this makes it perfect for photography as you can take your time getting the perfect shot without being interrupted.
Photos: The Giraffes Life
5
TUMBLING RED TELEPHONE BOXES
Red telephone box is undoubtedly iconic and one of the instantly recognisable British symbols. You couldn’t possibly visit London and not pose for a photo standing halfway inside one pretending you’re making a phone call. But whilst most tourists head for the phone boxes on Great George Street across the street from the Parliament or the ones lined up in front of the entrance to Hyde Park, I’d recommend you travel all the way to Kingston in travel zone 6 instead.
Here, on the outskirts of the city (some would argue it’s technically Surrey already), you’ll find the ‘Out Of Order’ art installation by David Mach which is basically a row of twelve red phone boxes toppled like dominoes. You might not be able to go in and pretend you’re making a phone call (a classic touristy shot, isn’t it?) but apart from that the creative potential is endless.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it inspired you to visit one of London’s more unique spots. What’s your favourite photo location in London? Let me know in the comments!
