Unique Solo Photography Spots In London

Solo photography can be a daunting affair. No one ever truly gets used to standing in front of a tripod alone as people walk by staring in fascination. However, solo photography is becoming more and more normal, and London has its share of beautiful solo photography spots that make it fun and easy to indulge in the activity. Besides the fact that London is one of those cities where people couldn’t care less what people are doing, it is a postcard-perfect destination that your camera lens will love.

Ranging from historical landmarks and lush parks to famous streets and colourful attractions, this post features a collection of breathtaking locations that are perfect for solo photography.

Travel and Accommodation In London 

While London is a large city, Central London, where you can enjoy most of these activities, is not. You can’t go wrong with where you stay, but I recommend staying on the north side of the River Thames. 

Good options include:

• Comfort Inn London – Westminster
• citizenM London Bankside
• Apex London Wall Hotel
• Dorsett City London
• Leonardo Royal London St Paul’s

London is incredibly well connected, and you can catch any transport link by simply tapping your card or phone wallet to the card readers on the bus or at the barriers before the train platforms. As such, you don’t even need to stay within Zone 1, but also don’t stay further out than Zone 5 and make sure to be walking distance to a tube line. 

Eight Unique Photography Spots In London

Hampstead Heath Pergola and Hill Garden

Perhaps my favourite location for solo photography in London, Hampstead Pergola & Hill Garden is a hidden gem of tranquillity nestled inside Hampstead Heath. The garden exudes a fairy-tale aesthetic, and every angle brings you something special to shoot as beautiful vines, wisteria, and flowers bloom all around the gorgeous architecture. After your photoshoot, you can relax with a picnic or book in the peaceful green spaces or on the benches.

Best time to visit Hampstead Pergola and Hill Garden: weekdays
Cost: Free

Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard is the place to be if you like lots of colours in your photos. The small alley that opens into a vibrant courtyard sits within lively Covent Garden, and amongst its rainbow buildings, contains cafes, wine bars and retailers so you can take a break from photos for pizza and pedicures! The enclave really does feel like its own micro village and every business is committed to sustainable and ethical commercial practices.

Best time to visit Neal’s Yard: daytime 
Cost: Free

Kew Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew a.k.a Kew Gardens, is one of London’s more treasured attractions. The lush UNESCO world heritage site consists of over 50,000 living plants spread across a beautiful Victorian glasshouse, Mediterranean and Japanese gardens, and a 100-ha arboretum. There is really no better place for springtime photography, so book your tickets, grab your camera, and make your way to Richmond for a lovely day out in nature.

Best time to visit Kew Gardens: between March and September 
Cost: £17

Leadenhall Market

Situated in London’s financial centre, the buzzing Victorian Leadenhall Market (which also happened to serve as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films) is home to numerous boutique shops, restaurants, and pubs. The weekdays draw quite a crowd to its posh interiors, but on the weekend, everything closes, and you find yourself in a remarkable space that is perfect for solo photography in London because there is barely a single soul in sight. 

Best time to visit Leadenhall Market: weekends
Cost: Free

St Dunstan In The East 

St Dunstan In The East is a serene and relatively unknown garden amongst the ruins of an old church in Aldgate that is incredibly picturesque and a friendly location for solo photography in London. The attraction is particularly beloved in autumn when the surroundings glow in orange hues. Head over here if you want to escape the busy streets and discover creative ways to shoot while soaking up the quiet atmosphere.

Best time to visit St Dunstan In The East: daytime 
Cost: Free

St Lukes Mews (Notting Hill)

At the end of many mansion-dominates streets around Notting Hill and South Kensington, you can find quiet, extravagant, cobble-stone squares from the 17th and 18^th that used to host stables for horses. Today, they hold quintessentially pretty residential flats and make for perfect spots for photography in London – especially because they are traffic-free areas, so there’s no fear of your tripod being run over. 

Best time to visit St Lukes Mews: daytime 
Cost: Free

St Paul’s Cathedral

The historic landmark of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, is a favourite amongst London photographers – especially over spring and summer. Within a setting of cherry blossom blooms and bright blue skies, the magnificence of the already stunning feature is accentuated and there are so many different points from which to take pictures. If you choose to head inside, the cathedral tower and dome offer incredible views of the cityscape as well. 

Best time to visit St Paul’s Cathedral: weekends
Cost: Free

Tower Bridge

Ok, I’ll admit, this isn’t a ‘unique’ photo spot in the city. Photoshoots on Tower Bridge are incredibly common for this beautiful 19^th-century suspension bridge with its blue details, contains pedestrian pathways by the roads where you can place your tripod. However, you can’t explore London without having fun with your camera around her iconic English attraction. As you can imagine, this place is always busy, so to get the best pictures, you can either shoot in long exposure, visit at night or arrive at sunrise before the city awakes.

Best time to visit Tower Bridge: night-time and sunrise
Cost: Free

Top Tips For Photography In London 

Now that you have a list of some of the most unique places in London for photography, here are some tips to help you get the best photos.

• Wake Up Early: London is a busy city, but if you head out early in the morning, it’s relatively easy to find these locations empty of the tourist crowds.
• Golden Hour: although this is the time of day that everyone wants to take advantage of, the soft light and golden glow make up for the crowds you may have to endure.
• Beware of Tripod Police: generally speaking, there are very few places in the city that ban tripods, however, if you are around the River Thames or on private property, the police may ask you to move along.

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When Is The Best Time For Photography in London?

In my experience, the best time to take photographs in London is before 9am on the weekends. The city is quiet and relatively empty, and you can head out for a delicious brunch after your photoshoot. Night-time photography is also popular because many landmarks in the city light up in lovely colours. 

Of course, the best time also depends on your photography goals (e.g. do you want to catch the sunrise or sunset?) and when attractions open and close. 

Practical Information About London

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland