A local’s guide to aesthetic and secret photography spots in London, from the hidden garden at Aga Khan Centre to Sketch London – beautiful places to visit!
I know, I know.
A lot of blogs talk about secret photography spots in London, but if this is your first time here, I think you’ll enjoy it a lot.
When I write about the most secret places in London, and cute, instagrammable photo spots, I mean that they will be secret.
Some will be most known to locals, while others, like Leadenhall Market, seems even better known amongst tourists!
After all, it is a famous Harry Potter film location in London, so that’s pretty understandable.
In any case, if you’re looking for a complete guide to secret photography spots and use these for romantic dates in London…
You’ll definitely find a good handful here today!
35+ Aesthetic & Secret Photography Spots in London to Visit
In this London Travel Guide, I’ve decided to include some really famous landmarks as well as my own picks.
I’ve been living in London, on a budget since 2019, and while I’m part time between London and Barcelona at the time of writing…
There’s nothing I love more than finding utterly instagrammable pink cafes in London.
And other cute places where I can snap as many shots as my heart wishes.
PS. If you’re looking for other completely free things to do in London, I’d recommend the huge guide I’ve written for you guys.
There are also many London on a Budget guides on The Working Line you can use to create your own itinerary in London, and have the time of your life!
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: One Canada Square/Jubilee Park
If you’re ever looking for things to do in Canary Wharf, a few moments spent relaxing at Jubilee Park are always something that makes me feel good.
And if you want to see some beautiful free views of London and Canary Wharf, walk on over to One Canada Square.
There’s often street art and installations at Canary Wharf, and it’s simply one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London – imo.
Read: The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill
Secret Photography Spots in London: Painted Hall at Old Royal Naval College
Another one of the not-so-secret photography spots in London this time, with the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College.
It is a World Heritage Site located in Greenwich, which is nothing short of one of the poshest areas in London.
Lots of nature there too, and beautiful views of the Thames and the sunset in London.
Read: The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Bonny Street, Camden
Some of the most instagrammable places in London, in my opinion, are all the colorful streets and houses disseminated throughout town.
From colorful houses in Camden to Notting Hill, Chelsea and Primrose Hill, they all make for perfect outdoor photoshoot locations.
Since those are residential areas, try to be as quiet and respectful as possible when taking pictures.
Read: How to Save Money on Groceries in London
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Dutch Garden
The Dutch Garden is one of the most secret gardens in London; much less known that its neighbor, Kyoto Garden.
If you’re ever looking for places to write in London, the Dutch Garden is always an inspiring place to sit down and reflect.
There, you have a fountain, a fresco, a beautiful human-size chess set, as well as stunning flowers blooming in London in front of your eyes.
Read: The Best Halal Rooftop Restaurants in London
Secret Photography Spots in London: Aga Khan Centre
One of the most secret photography spots in London is the Aga Khan Centre, which is an exchange centre focusing on Muslim culture and civilizations.
The Islamic Gardens at the Aga Khan Centre, close to King’s Cross offer really beautiful free views of London.
Plus, there are plenty of brunch places in King’s Cross to have a beautiful bite after relishing the peace and quiet of the Islamic Gardens!
Read: St Dunstan in the East – Church Ruins in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Chalcot Square Primrose Hill
Chalcot Square in Primrose Hill is one of the quietest and most colorful places in London.
You can access it by walking from Chalk Farm Station, and it’s really just a beautiful place if you’re looking for secret photography spots in London.
It’s pretty rare to see influencers and photographers at Chalcot Square for some reason, actually.
Sso if you’re looking for romantic date ideas in London, that’s a cool one!
Read: Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to London
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Horse Tunnel Market
I’ve talked about many cool things to do in Camden Town, and one of them is visiting Camden Lock and Camden Market.
And inside Camden Market, you’ll find the Horse Tunnel Market, with those beautiful horse sculptures.
There are quite a lot of horse sculptures in London, and animal statues in general, but these make for a great photo spot.
Read: The Complete London Travel Guides
Secret Photography Spots in London: Walthamstow Wetlands
I used to live in Edmonton, close to both Enfield and Walthamstow, and used to spend a lot of time in those areas.
And well, one of the best places to see nature in London and take a lot of pictures is the Walthamstow Wetlands.
You can’t bathe (as is usually the case with all the secret beaches in London), but you can walk around, have a picnic, take pictures...
And it’s completely free!
Read: How to Eat in London on a Budget
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Sketch London
If you’re ever looking for instagrammable cafes in London, Sketch London is one of the places you should try.
Close to all the shops on Oxford Street and Regent Street, Sketch offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner in several very picture-worthy rooms.
If you’re interested in bright places, the Parlour at Sketch offers a kind of neon coffee shop vibe, pretty rare in Central London!
Read: How to Survive Life in a Hostel
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Ave Mario London
Far from being one of the very cheap eats in Central London I have told you about lately, Ave Mario is more mid-to-high budget.
And it offers some of the best Italian food in London.
Along with the fact that it is one of the most instagrammable places in London to take pictures, one could say that Ave Mario has all cards in hand.
You’re one street away from Covent Garden and Long Acre (and one of the best TK Maxx in London!), and the setting is peculiar, intoxicating.
Read: How to Save Money for Travel for Students
Secret Photography Spots in London: Henrietta Street
Another one of my favorite places to take pictures in London is Henrietta Street.
Actually, Ave Mario, the Italian restaurant I’ve mentioned right above, is located on Henrietta Street.
You have some colorful buildings there, as well as a plethora of cute restaurants, and some of the best street food in London just a few steps away too.
Read: The Best 24 Hour Places to Study in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Holland Park
Holland Park is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London, and from the houses to the park itself, it’s a dreamy photo spot.
Back when I used to do makeup on photoshoots, I went to Holland Park a couple of times to use the houses and Kyoto Garden as backgrounds.
Really one of the prettiest outdoor photoshoot locations in London if you like clean and elegant settings!
Read: The Must Have Apps to Use in London
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Supreme London
If you’re ever after urban photography locations in London, the Supreme shop in Soho could be a good one.
For a full-on professional photoshoot, I’m not too sure if that would be possible, but for a couple of selfies for Instagram, Supreme is one of my favorite spots to use.
Also, it’s one of the best streetwear shops in London if you ever want bags, hoodies, or caps!
Read: The Most Beautiful Bookshops in London
Secret Photography Spots in London: Leadenhall Market
At this point, when you’re looking for secret photography spots in London, you will see Leadenhall Market on blogs and Tik Toks.
However, when you walk a bit around the main hall of the market, which was one of the Harry Potter locations in London...
You’ll see plenty of small streets perfect to use as outdoor photoshoot locations.
You’re also not too far from some really cute cafes in London Bridge; about 15/20 mns walk from Leadenhall Market.
And about the same time to get to the decadent Bread Ahead Bakery doughnuts at Borough Market!
Read: The Best Candle Shops in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Exmouth Market
Exmouth Market is probably one of the best hidden gems in London – at least of those I’ll mention here today.
It’s one of the smallest markets in London, in a cute, trendy neighborhood of Clerkenwell.
Whether you’re doing photojournalism or fashion, Exmouth Market can be a really nice place to take pictures of the street, the market, a model, or all three.
Read: The Best Stationery Shops in London
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Seven Dials Market
You will have to enter Seven Dials Market to really understand why I think it’s one of the most secret photography spots in London.
With sculptures of a half cut cucumber and bananas in the market and some of the best street food in London, it’s an interesting place to visit.
You also have Neal’s Yard a couple of minutes away.
Neal’s Yard is not secret per se at all, but it’s still one of the most instagrammable places in London and close to Covent Garden and Leicester Square!
Read: The Best Budget Shops in London
Secret Photography Spots in London: God’s Own Junkyard
There aren’t a lot of neon places in London, but the best is God’s Own Junkyard anyway.
This neon shop and gallery has been around for decades and while you can’t shoot with your camera, you can use your phone to take pictures there.
It’s located in Walthamstow, in East London, and really one of the most nontouristy things to do in London!
Read: The Best Shops for Cheap Clothes in London
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Richmond
Richmond offers everything a photographer might wish for: water, forest, parks, and one of the cutest villages in London.
I haven’t been very often since I moved to London, simply because Richmond is located very far from Central London.
However, back when I was a makeup artist on photoshoots, I had a couple of photoshoots in Richmond and we were even able to get a picture of the model with a deer close to her!
Read: The Best Cat Cafes in London
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Hill Garden & Pergola
For those looking for urban photography locations, almost like an abandoned place, you have the Hill Garden & Pergola.
Given how empty it was when I visited, I still feel that the Hill Garden & Pergola at Hampstead Heath is still a very secret garden.
I have seen the odd photoshoot there, and indeed, if you’re ever looking to see blooming flowers in London, that’s a magical place to visit.
Read: The Best Halal Breakfast in London
Secret Photography Spots in London: Oxo Tower Rooftop
One of the most secret rooftops in London, the Oxo Tower Rooftop, offers a free viewpoint, a bar and a restaurant.
I love paying a visit to Southbank as one of my favorite cafes to work in London, Caffè Nero, is located there.
As well as Coffee Academy, which serves some of the best hot chocolate in London and Crosstown Doughnuts.
A winner all around!
Well, obviously, with a free rooftop, Oxo Tower could only be one of the most secret photography spots in London – it’s still only very known to locals!
Read: The Best Brunch in London Bridge
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Floral Street, Covent Garden
Floral Street, Rose Street and Conduit Close are three locations in Covent Garden very close to each other.
And if you’re looking for really aesthetic places in London, those offer beautiful urban photography options.
If you have some eating out budget, pay a visit to Bageriet – it’s only one of the best Swedish bakeries in London!
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Shad Thames
Shad Thames is located really close to Tower Bridge, which is in itself another one of the best outdoor photoshoot locations in London.
However, Tower Bridge is not exactly one of the most secret places in London, now, is it?
Shad Thames, however, is still very much of a local gem, and one of the oldest streets in London.
Perfect to visit if you’re a fan of architecture and history!
Secret Photography Spots in London: King John Court/New Inn Broadway
King John Court and New Inn Broadway are two very important locations for street art in Shoreditch.
The murals on King John Court, the Romeo and Juliet mural in New Inn Broadway…
Wherever you look in this area, you’re surrounded by paintings, portraits, sketches and graffiti.
A few minutes walk away, you have more street art on Brick Lane, as well as some really nice coffee shops in Shoreditch to relax after walking!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Shoreditch
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Liverpool Street
Liverpool Street is one of my favorite areas in London; it’s Central, there are a lot of cheap eats and street food...
And most importantly, there’s one of the best Italian food shops in London, Eataly.
There are many things to do in Liverpool Street, and it’s an area I feel amazing strolling by.
However, when the sun starts to set, you’ll find that Liverpool Street is one of the best places to take pictures in London.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Marylebone
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: St Katharine’s Greek Orthodox Church
When I used to live in North Finchley last year, I used to take many walks to the nearby St Katharine’s Green Orthodox Church.
It’s located in Friern Barnet, and easily accessible from the bus stop Colney Hatch Lane, which used to be my bus stop.
St Katharine’s Greek Orthodox Church is one of the smallest churches in London, and is still in use today.
When flowers bloom around the tombs, this is one of the most beautiful churches in London to discover.
And if you’re in North London, take the time to discover some charity shops in London to get new secondhand designer clothes!
Read: The Best Charity Shops in Muswell Hill
Secret Photography Spots in London: London in Bloom at Belgravia & Chelsea
Witnessing London in bloom during the spring and fall leaves in autumn are two of my favorite things to do.
It’s just seeing the weather change, the flowers bloom, being able to see the cherry blossom…
It’s also seeing all the pretty mews in London have their atmosphere changed, and become more cozy.
In any case, whoever wants to find some secret photography spots in London would do well to walk around Belgravia and Chelsea.
These are places where you’ll find the most beautiful outdoor locations, mews, houses, and parks – perfect for a romantic setting!
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Slingsby Place, Covent Garden
Slingsby Place and St Martin’s Courtyard are located within distance of each other, really close to Covent Garden.
As a reminder, you have some of the best makeup stores in London around Covent Garden, from TK Maxx to MAC Cosmetics and Charlotte Tilbury.
I love Slingsby Place because of its super trendy flower installation, and you have many restaurants in the area too.
Not too posh, but posh enough to really enjoy eating out in Covent Garden!
Read: The Best Italian Cafes in London
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Westminster Cathedral
Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey?
Not the same thing.
I come from a French town which takes the difference between cathedrals, churches, abbeys, monasteries and the like very seriously (it’s Troyes, North East of France).
Well, Westminster Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church with architecture that will remind you of the outside of the Victoria & Albert Museum.
You’re literally 5 minutes away from Victoria station, and Westminster Cathedral is completely free to enter!
Read: The Best Charity Shops in Chelsea
Secret Photography Spots in London: Cutty Sark View on Canary Wharf
Cutty Sark and King William Walk are two other perfect outdoor photoshoot locations in London, located in Greenwich.
I used to live in Greenwich, in South East London, and loved walking up to Cutty Sark to see the sun set on Canary Wharf.
There’s something about finding beautiful spots to see the sunset in London I’ve always been very fond of.
Well, seeing the sunset on Canary Wharf in the background of the picture ain’t too shabby, innit?
Read: The Best Halal Restaurants in Canary Wharf
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Battersea Power Station Mall
Another one of the most secret photography spots in London is the Battersea Power Station shopping centre.
With all its independent and high end shops, the mall is now one of the most important shopping centers in London.
And one of my favorite when I want to take pictures, as Battersea Power Station has a brutal, very industrial look.
Some parts of the shopping center look more modern, and you can find plenty of angles and secret photo spots all around Battersea Power Station!
Read: The Best Halal Brunch in London
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Burlington Arcade
If you’re ever looking for luxury shops in Central London, you have Burlington Arcade.
You will mostly find jewelry, accessories, shoes and clothes at the Burlington Arcade, which is located very close to Piccadilly Circus.
And for those planning to spend Christmas in London, that’s one of the best places to see the Christmas lights and decorations!
Read: The Best Restaurants in Walthamstow
Secret Photography Spots in London: Brown Hart Gardens
Brown Hart Gardens are one of the most secret instagrammable places in London, and located right in the heart of Mayfair.
Depending on the time of the year, Brown Hart Gardens sees multiple installations set on its rooftop, which make the place even more enjoyable.
You’re not too far from all the beautiful shops in Mayfair, stunning halal restaurants in Oxford Street, and enjoying a really secret garden.
Read: The Best Cafes in Brixton
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Middle Temple
Middle Temple is located really close to Inner Temple Gardens, which are both off Temple Church.
This medieval church is located within walking distance of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Strand, and offers one of the most secret photography spots in London.
You will almost never find anyone but locals at Middle Temple, and you will be able to enjoy each sound of the fountain.
Inner Temple Gardens are also another stunning place to take pictures in London during the spring and the fall, for a scenic result.
Read here my guide to the historic Temple area and its hidden gems, from Fountain Court to the secret poetic sundial in Elm Court, photogenic columns facing Temple Church and more.
Secret Places to Take Pictures in London: Kynance Mews
You can access Kynance Mews pretty easily from both South Kensington and Gloucester Road stations.
You have nearby Macellaio, one of the best Italian restaurants in London, as well as some of the best cafes to work in Kensington.
But if you’re looking for some of the prettiest views in London in fall, then Kynance Mews is one must visit spot.
The only thing I’d recommend is arriving as early as possible as people tend to flock to Kynance Mews during the spring and the fall.
Secret Photography Spots in London: English Garden at Regent’s Park
The English Garden at Regent’s Park is another one of the most secret photography spots in London for photoshoots and souvenirs.
The perfect place to visit when you’re looking for places to see blooming flowers in London.
For once, Regent’s Park also boasts one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens in London, so it’s really worth a visit.
And if that’s your first time visiting London, just know that Regent’s Park is one of the places you can easily go roller skating in London without being disturbed!
Read: The Best TK Maxx Skincare and Makeup
Most Instagrammable Places in London: Mr Fogg’s Tavern
Mr Fogg’s Tavern is one of the most beautiful pubs in London; while I don’t drink alcohol, I do very much enjoy the decor and architecture of London pubs.
Mr Fogg’s Tavern is one of the only themed places in London since it revolves around the world of Phileas Fogg, protagonist of Jules Verne’s masterpiece Around the World in 80 Days.
This place is magical, from the furniture to the flowers on the shop window; and it’s located really close to Covent Garden.
Whether you’re looking for things to do in London when it rains or just a relaxing drink, that’s the place.
Most Secret Photography Spots in London: Traffic Light Tree
Not too far from Poplar and Canary Wharf, you have one part of London called Blackwall.
It’s not very famous – but it still offers one of the most instagrammable places in London with its bright and lively Traffic Light Tree.
It’s very rare to find such unusual art installations in London, but if you’re planning a photoshoot, the Traffic Light Tree clearly is not something you see every day in editorials.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Canary Wharf
35+ Aesthetic & Secret Photography Spots in London to Visit
There you have them, all the most secret photography spots in London – and some of the most instagrammable places as well!
Whether you’re looking for places to take pictures for souvenirs or for a complete photoshoot in London, you’ll hopefully have found plenty of options here!