Here are 10 unusual and lesser-known locations in London that offer unique photography opportunities:
1. GOD’S OWN JUNKYARD
God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow is a dazzling gallery showcasing vintage neon signs, retro advertisements, and colorful artwork. It’s a visual feast of glowing lights in a cozy, artistic space with a rustic-industrial vibe. Perfect for vibrant, creative photography!
•Why it’s great: A vibrant gallery of vintage neon signs and lights, creating a dreamlike and surreal backdrop.
•Best for: Bold, colorful, and retro photography.
•Tip: Use low light to capture the neon glow.
2. Eel PIE ISLAND
Eel Pie Island is a hidden gem on the River Thames in Twickenham, London. Known for its bohemian and artistic atmosphere, it houses eccentric studios, colorful sculptures, and a tranquil, creative community. Accessed by a footbridge, the island is surrounded by serene waters and lush greenery, making it a unique spot for photography.
•Why it’s great: A quirky artists’ community on a secluded island with eccentric studios, sculptures, and bohemian vibes.
•Best for: Alternative lifestyle and artsy photography.
•Tip: Check open days for access to the private island.
3. DAUNT BOOKS
Daunt Books, located at 83-84 Marylebone High Street in London, is renowned for its elegant Edwardian architecture, featuring long oak galleries and graceful skylights.
Established in 1990 by James Daunt, the Marylebone branch is housed in a building originally constructed in 1912 as an antiquarian bookshop named Francis Edwards.
While Daunt Books initially specialized in travel literature, it has since expanded its collection to include a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.
The store organizes its books geographically, grouping guides, phrasebooks, travel writing, history, and fiction by their relevant country, providing a unique browsing experience for customers.
The Marylebone branch is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For more information, you can visit their official website:
4. LEIGHTON HOUSE MUSEUM
Leighton House Museum, located at 12 Holland Park Road in Kensington, London, was the residence and studio of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton (1830–1896). The museum showcases an exceptional collection of Victorian art, including works by Leighton himself.
The museum is renowned for its opulent interiors, notably the Arab Hall, which features intricate mosaics and a golden dome, reflecting Leighton’s fascination with Middle Eastern art and design.
Leighton House is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, except on Tuesdays. The nearest Underground stations are High Street Kensington and Earl’s Court.
For more information, you can visit the official website:
Here is an image of Leighton House Museum:
5. THE ST PANCRAS RENAISSANCE HOTLE
The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, located in King’s Cross, London, is renowned for its magnificent Grand Staircase, a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Originally opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel, the building was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The Grand Staircase features intricate wrought-iron balustrades, vibrant red and gold wallpaper, and a richly decorated ceiling, exemplifying the opulence of the era.
This iconic staircase has been featured in various films, including “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” where the hotel’s exterior served as the entrance to King’s Cross Station.
While the hotel welcomes visitors to its public areas, access to the upper sections of the Grand Staircase is typically reserved for guests. However, non-guests are often permitted to view and photograph the staircase from the lower levels. It’s advisable to check with the hotel staff for current access policies.
6. NEAL’S YARD
Neal’s Yard is a vibrant and picturesque courtyard nestled in London’s Covent Garden area, renowned for its eclectic mix of independent restaurants, cafés, shops, and wellness establishments. Accessible via narrow alleyways from both Monmouth Street and Shorts Gardens, this hidden gem offers a unique and colorful atmosphere that has become a favorite among both locals and visitors.
The history of Neal’s Yard dates back to the late 17th century, named after Thomas Neale, a developer who established the area. In the 1970s, the space underwent a transformation when Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam acquired offices at 11 Neal’s Yard, and entrepreneur Nicholas Saunders opened the Whole Food Warehouse at 2 Neal’s Yard. This initiative led to the establishment of several notable businesses, including Neal’s Yard Remedies, Neal’s Yard Bakery, Monmouth Coffee Company, and Neal’s Yard Dairy.
Today, Neal’s Yard continues to be a hub for health-conscious eateries and retailers, offering a variety of organic and vegetarian options. The area is also home to Neal’s Yard Remedies, a well-known natural health and beauty store.
Visitors can enjoy the vibrant ambiance, explore the unique shops, and dine in the cozy cafés that line the courtyard. The colorful buildings and lively atmosphere make Neal’s Yard a must-visit destination for those exploring Covent Garden.
7. LITTLE VENICE
Little Venice is a picturesque and charming area located in the Paddington neighborhood of West London, known for its tranquil canals, colorful narrowboats, and scenic waterside settings. It is often described as one of the most beautiful hidden gems of London, providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are some key details about the area:
Location & Overview:
- Geography: Little Venice is located roughly between Paddington and Maida Vale, near the Regent’s Canal. It is a network of canalside streets and towpaths.
- Canals: The area is centered around the junction where the Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union Canal. You can take peaceful walks along the towpaths, enjoy canal-side cafés, and admire the vibrant houseboats and floating gardens.
- Transport: Little Venice is well-connected by public transport, with Warwick Avenue Station (Bakerloo Line) and Paddington Station (which connects to the Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith & City lines, and National Rail services) nearby.
- Nearby Attractions: It is within walking distance of Hyde Park, Paddington Basin, and Lord’s Cricket Ground. Visitors can also take canal boat tours to explore the area.
8. WILTONS MUSIC HALL
Wilton’s Music Hall is located in the Whitechapel area of East London, at 1 Graces Alley, Off Ensign Street, London, E1 8JB.
It is a historic music hall and one of the oldest surviving music halls in the world. The venue dates back to 1859 and has a fascinating history. Originally built as a Victorian music hall, it hosted a wide range of performances, from popular entertainment to vaudeville. Over the years, the building fell into disrepair, but in the 20th century, it was restored and is now a cherished part of London’s cultural heritage.
Today, Wilton’s is a vibrant arts venue that hosts a diverse range of events, including live music, theatre, cabaret, and other performances. The hall’s intimate and atmospheric setting, with its wooden paneling and original features, makes it a unique venue in London.
The venue is also available for private hire, and it has a small bar serving drinks. It is located close to public transport options, including Whitechapel Underground Station, which is a short walk away, making it easily accessible for visitors
9. THE SEVEN NOSES OF SOHO
The Seven Noses of Soho are a series of sculptural works located in the Soho district of London. These life-sized noses, created by artist Rick Buckley in the early 2000s, are scattered around the area in various locations, often blending in with the urban environment. Each nose is made from plaster and is mounted on walls, doorways, and other surfaces in a somewhat hidden manner, making them an interesting treasure hunt for visitors and photographers alike.
Key Details About the Seven Noses of Soho:
- Location: The noses can be found scattered throughout Soho, specifically in streets like Greek Street, Dean Street, Meard Street, and Bateman Street. Some are located on walls of buildings, while others may be on shop entrances or even higher up on structures.
- Origin: Rick Buckley, the artist behind the noses, created them as a form of urban guerrilla art. The idea behind the project was to create a playful and slightly mysterious urban installation, blending art with the everyday environment.
- The Noses: There are, in fact, more than seven noses, but the “Seven Noses” refers to the most iconic ones, which are widely known to the public. The number 7 is a bit of an exaggeration, as there are many more if you search carefully.
- Public Access: The noses are freely accessible to the public, and it’s entirely up to the observer to find them. They can be spotted in the most unexpected places, making the search itself an exciting experience for visitors and photographers.
Why The Seven Noses of Soho Are Great for Photography:
- Urban Exploration: Soho itself is a vibrant and culturally rich area with narrow streets, quirky shops, and colorful buildings. This makes it a fantastic location for street photography, and the noses add an extra layer of intrigue to your shots. The unexpected nature of the noses offers an excellent way to capture surprising and whimsical details within the city’s everyday life.
- Contrast in Urban Setting: The noses are subtle and not overly prominent, blending into the environment. Their slight misplacement within the urban fabric adds a surreal, almost dream-like quality to photographs. You can capture the contrast between the old, gritty walls of Soho and the strangely out-of-place plaster noses.
- Treasure Hunt Feel: Searching for the Seven Noses gives photographers a “treasure hunt” experience, adding an element of playfulness and challenge to your photo walk. Each nose you find might inspire a different composition, from close-ups to wide-angle shots with Soho’s lively streets in the background.
- Cultural and Artistic Impact: The Seven Noses are a part of London’s modern urban art scene. Documenting them is not just about photographing a random installation; it’s about capturing a piece of contemporary art that interacts with the city. This can add depth to your photography project, especially if you’re focused on urban art or street culture.
- Unique and Eccentric Subject Matter: The noses themselves make for interesting and quirky subjects. Photographing them with interesting compositions or perspectives (for instance, with reflections, interesting shadows, or interactions with passers-by) allows for a fun twist on your typical street photography.
- Great for Storytelling: Each nose can tell its own story depending on how you frame it. You might capture the nose at sunset with warm golden hour light, or at night, with streetlights casting interesting shadows. If you’re shooting in black and white, the texture of the plaster and its integration with the old buildings could create a timeless feel.
Tips for Photographers:
- Look Up and Down: The noses aren’t always placed at eye level. Some are tucked away in high or low corners, so be prepared to look up and down as you wander.
- Be Patient: While Soho is a busy area, the noses tend to be placed in quiet corners. Sometimes, patience and waiting for the right moment (e.g., when the street is less crowded) can make a big difference in capturing a good shot.
- Use the Environment: Soho is full of dynamic elements, like neon signs, people, and bustling cafes. Try incorporating these into your shots of the noses for a more dynamic, contextual photograph.
- Go Early or Late: Soho can be crowded during the day, so getting up early in the morning or wandering around in the evening can offer quieter streets and better lighting for photography.
Overall, the Seven Noses of Soho are a fantastic photographic adventure for those who love urban exploration, street photography, and quirky art.
10. THE CROSSNESS PUMPING STATION
Crossness Pumping Station, located in Abbey Wood, London, is a Grade I listed Victorian sewage pumping station renowned for its remarkable cast-iron architecture. Designed by Sir Joseph Bazalgette and architect Charles Henry Driver, it was constructed between 1859 and 1865 as part of London’s sewerage system redevelopment. Nikolaus Pevsner described it as “a masterpiece of engineering – a Victorian cathedral of ironwork.”
The station features four massive rotative beam engines, with one fully restored, showcasing the grandeur of Victorian engineering.
Visitors can explore the site through guided tours and special events. For instance, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, a “Steaming Day” event is scheduled, offering the opportunity to see the Prince Consort Engine in operation.
Please note that Crossness Pumping Station is located within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). If your vehicle does not meet the emissions and safety standards, you will need to pay the charge. It is advisable to check your vehicle’s status and consider using public transport, such as the Elizabeth Line to Abbey Wood, which can be more cost-effective than the ULEZ fee.
For more information on visiting hours, events, and ticket prices, please refer to the official website:
