14 Real Secret Photography Spots London for Perfect Shots

London’s most iconic landmarks are photographed thousands of times every day, but some of the city’s most memorable images can be found in quieter streets, real hidden gardens and overlooked corners.

If you want photographs that feel a little more original, these secret photography spots offer colourful courtyards, peaceful canals, historic ruins, neon-filled interiors and rooftop views that many visitors miss.

Each location includes photos, exact addresses and photography tips, making this guide easy to use while exploring the city.

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1. Neal’s Yard – Best for Colourful Street Photography

📍 Address: Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP

Hidden behind Seven Dials, Neal’s Yard is one of London’s brightest and most photogenic little corners. The colourful façades, independent cafés, hanging plants and narrow passageways create endless opportunities for vibrant photographs.

Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds and softer light.

Best for: Colourful architecture, portraits and Instagram photography.

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2. Kyoto Garden, Holland Park – Best for Nature Photography

📍 Address: Kyoto Garden, Holland Park, Ilchester Place, London W8 6LU

Tucked inside Holland Park, this peaceful Japanese garden features waterfalls, koi ponds, stone lanterns and beautifully landscaped greenery.

Spring and autumn are especially rewarding for photographers thanks to blossom and colourful foliage.

Best for: Nature, reflections and peaceful portraits.

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3. Barbican Conservatory – Best for Tropical Photography

📍 Address: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

The Barbican Conservatory combines lush tropical plants with striking Brutalist architecture, creating one of London’s most unusual photography locations.

Photograph the contrast between greenery and concrete for unique compositions.

Best for: Architecture and botanical photography.

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4. St Dunstan in the East – Best for Atmospheric Ruins

📍 Address: St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

This ruined church garden sits hidden among the skyscrapers of the City. Ivy-covered arches and old stone walls create one of London’s most atmospheric photography spots.

Cloudy days often provide the best lighting.

Best for: Moody architecture and portraits.

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5. Little Venice – Best for Canal Photography

📍 Address: Browning’s Pool, Warwick Avenue, London W9 2PF

Little Venice offers peaceful waterways, colourful narrowboats and charming bridges.

Morning visits often provide calm water and beautiful reflections.

Best for: Reflections and waterside photography.

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6. Leadenhall Market – Best for Historic Architecture

📍 Address: Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT

With its ornate roof, colourful details and symmetrical walkways, Leadenhall Market is one of London’s best hidden architecture spots.

Visit early for emptier walkways.

Best for: Symmetry and historic architecture.

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7. St Luke’s Mews – Best for Pastel Houses

📍 Address: St Luke’s Mews, London W11 1DF

This charming mews street in Notting Hill is lined with pastel-coloured houses and cobbles.

Remember that it is a residential street, so photograph respectfully.

Best for: Colourful houses and lifestyle photography.

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8. Daunt Books – Best for Literary Interiors

📍 Address: 83 Marylebone High Street, London W1U 4QW

Daunt Books is one of London’s most beautiful bookshops, with Edwardian galleries and natural light streaming through skylights.

Always check current photography policies before visiting.

Best for: Interior and architectural photography.

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9. God’s Own Junkyard – Best for Neon Photography

📍 Address: Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London E17 9HQ

Packed with neon signs and colourful artwork, God’s Own Junkyard is perfect for bold and creative photography.

Try portrait photography here for dramatic results.

Best for: Neon and colourful images.

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10. Postman’s Park – Best for Quiet Photography

📍 Address: King Edward Street, London EC1A 7BT

This hidden garden near St Paul’s contains the moving Watts Memorial and plenty of quiet corners.

It is ideal for detail photography and storytelling images.

Best for: Documentary photography.

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11. Horniman Museum Gardens – Best for Skyline Views

📍 Address: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, London SE23 3PQ

These gardens provide one of South London’s best panoramic views over the city.

Combine foreground flowers with skyline views for more interesting compositions.

Best for: Landscapes and city views.

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12. Clifton Nurseries – Best for Greenhouse Photography

📍 Address: 5A Clifton Villas, London W9 2PH

This historic nursery includes a beautiful greenhouse filled with plants and natural light.

A wonderful place for botanical photography.

Best for: Plants and interiors.

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13. The Garden at 120 – Best for Rooftop Photography

📍 Address: 120 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 5BA

One of London’s best free rooftop viewpoints, offering excellent skyline photography.

Golden hour is the ideal time to visit.

Best for: Rooftop and cityscape photography.

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14. Cecil Court – Best for Old London Character

📍 Address: Cecil Court, London WC2N 4EZ

Lined with antique shops, bookshops and historic signs, Cecil Court feels like stepping back in time.

Look for details rather than wide shots.

Best for: Vintage street photography.

How to Get Better Photos at London’s Hidden Spots

You don’t necessarily need expensive equipment to make the most of these locations.

Go early

Quieter streets and gardens make it much easier to compose photographs without crowds getting in the way.

Watch the light

A location can look completely different in morning, afternoon and evening light. For colourful streets, soft morning light can be particularly flattering.

Look for details

Don’t only photograph the obvious view. Signs, doors, windows, reflections, plants and architectural textures often produce more interesting images.

Use people carefully

People can give a photograph scale and atmosphere, but don’t treat private residential areas as photo studios. Be respectful and avoid photographing people in an intrusive way.

Try unusual angles

Get low, photograph through an archway, use reflections or frame a landmark through foliage. A familiar location can look completely different from an unusual perspective.

Final Thoughts

Some of London’s most photogenic locations aren’t the ones you’ll see on every postcard.

Places such as Neal’s Yard, Kyoto Garden, St Dunstan in the East and Cecil Court offer completely different perspectives on the capital, while locations such as Barbican Conservatory and God’s Own Junkyard provide more unusual visual experiences.

The best approach is to slow down, explore beyond the obvious landmarks and keep your camera ready for the details.

You may discover that your favourite London photograph comes from a tiny courtyard or quiet alley rather than one of the city’s famous monuments.

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