London is a city bursting with incredible photo opportunities. But if you’re looking the ultimate guide to classic London landmark backdrops or quieter spots that offer peace away from the tourists, this blog is for you. I recommend the best season or time of day to shoot in these locations to get the most out of your session.
1. Greenwich Park
One of my favourite spots and an absolute gem, Greenwich Park offers a stunning mix of historical and natural beauty. The park provides sweeping views of the city skyline, making it ideal for capturing both nature and city landscapes in one frame. The classical architecture of the Old Royal Naval College and the nearby Queen’s House serve as elegant backdrops and are a brilliant and back up in the rain. Greenwich Park is best for the evening sunset.
Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/nVaf58D
Nearest tube: DLR Greenwich
Recommended season: Spring and autumn
Recommended time of day: Sunset, any day
Permit required? Yes (£120), learn more here.
Greenwich Park late autumn afternoon
2. Notting Hill
Colourful and charming, Notting Hill is one of London’s most iconic spots. The pastel-coloured townhouses, leafy streets streets, and the vibrant atmosphere of Portobello Road Market create endless opportunities for cinematic and fun images. Early mornings or late evenings are particularly magical, with quieter streets and soft natural light before the crowds arrive.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9SaSoLHXD9tmF4SH6
Nearest tube: Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate
Recommended season: Anytime
Recommended time of day: Early morning and late evening/sunset.
Permit required? No.
An afternoon in May at Notting Hill
3. Chelsea
The charming streets of Chelsea offer a quieter side of London, perfect for people who don’t want lots of people around. Cheyne Walk along the banks of the Thames for idyllic riverside views, especially during dusk when the street lamps line the water and bridge! If you’re a fan of Georgian architecture and street photography, I highly recommend Chelsea.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDxJC1RG86ZTqpd56
Nearest tube: Sloane Square
Recommended season: Any
Recommended time of day: Sunset, any day
Permit required? No
Chelsea at sunset
4. Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is not only one of central London’s largest parks but also super pretty and popular. In spring and summer there are colourful rose gardens, a great choice if you’re a fan of an english garden. The Boating Lake and its surrounding areas offer a sense of calm, with water reflections providing beautiful natural framing for portraits. Regent’s park is one of the more busier locations, but in early morning you can often find it quiet.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SPLa9bdVykScEvaV8
Nearest tube: Regent's Park, Great Portland Street, Baker Street
Recommended season: Summer and autumn
Recommended time of day: Early morning, weekdays
Permit required? Yes (£120), learn more here.
Regent's Park & Marylebone summer sunrise
5. Little Venice
Tucked away in Maida Vale, Little Venice feels like a quaint escape from the city. The peaceful canals, adorned with colourful houseboats, offer a whimsical yet quiet spot for photography. The tree-lined paths and waterside cafes provide a romantic backdrop, ideal for couples shoot. Warwick Avenue tube station looks great in photos as well.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ywQBbTHxZpWV68Gk9
Nearest tube: Warwick Avenue
Recommended season: Spring, summer and autumn
Recommended time of day: Early morning, any day
Permit required? No
Summer sunrise by Regent's Canal
6. Marylebone and Fitzrovia
This area is full of cute town squares, side streets and shops but still in a central location and is one of my favourite places to photograph at! If you love a London townhouse I recommend this area wholeheartedly and it's usually fairly quiet on a weekday morning. You could even combine your street session with photos at Regents Park for the ultimate London shoot!
Google Maps: https://g.co/kgs/hK1Rpb1
Nearest tube: Great Portland Street, Warren Street
Recommended season: Any
Recommended time of day: Sunset, weekdays
Permit required? No
Marylebone High Street on a rainy afternoon
7. Hampstead
The rolling hills and wild nature of Hampstead Heath give you plenty of varied backdrops, from woodlands to grassy meadows and you can always find a quiet spot. My favourite session starts by walking through the charming streets of Hampstead and then exploring the famous Pergola at sunrise. The streets of Hampstead is another one of my favourite locations.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wBcMkEQESVrJS1KU8
Nearest tube: Hampstead
Recommended season: Summer and autumn, winter (streets only)
Recommended time of day: Early morning or sunset, weekdays
Permit required? Not in the streets, but the Pergola and Heath does does (around £234) (learn more).
8. St. James' Park
St. James's Park offers a beautifully relaxed setting that’s perfect for couples and families alike. With its tree-lined paths, open lawns, and views of iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace - providing a natural yet distinctly London backdrop. There's seasonal flowers, cute bridges, and ponds that add softness and variety to photographs, making it ideal for candid moments and gentle, intimate portraits.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JsUEVMQtyAxQd68BA
Nearest tube: St. James' Park, Charing Cross, Westminster
Recommended season: Spring, summer, autumn
Recommended time of day: Before 8am, weekday
Permit required? Yes (£120), learn more here.
St. James' Park on a winter morning
9. V&A Museum
If you're an art lover, you can't beat the painted galleries and sculptures within these walls. The V&A is usually busy, so I'd recommend being comfortable photographed around others! Read more on V&A rules for photography here and see if they align with what you're looking for.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SygK4SaRwCKrWkJQ7
Nearest tube: South Kensington
Recommended season: Any
Recommended time of day: 10am, weekdays
Permit required? Permission required, learn more here.
Gallery room at the V&A
10. South Kensington
South Kensington streets are full of beautiful Georgian and Victorian houses that make impressive backdrops. I recommend booking a session here early morning to avoid tourists and have the gorgeous streets almost to yourself! You'll love this area if you're looking for traditional London without any landmarks.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8kfPUWpsgcDC3AC38
Nearest tube: Gloucester Road
Recommended season: Spring, autumn and winter
Recommended time of day: Sunrise or before 10am any day, or weekday sunsets
Permit required? No
South Kensington in winter morning
11. Richmond
Richmond is also a perfect area of London to photograph in, especially for a winter sunset. Combine the park, terrace views and riverside walks for the ultimate quaint London vibe. In the summer Richmond can be very busy - I recommend a Sunday morning or weekday sunset - it makes a great winter photoshoot!
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UKHeiJfibVfcr2Dc9
Nearest tube: Richmond
Recommended season: Any
Recommended time of day: Sunset, any day
Permit required? Not in the streets. Richmond Park does (£120), learn more here.
12. Westminster Bridge
The classic option. Your can't say LONDON more than an iconic photoshoot by Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. This is by far the busiest and most touristy option out of all of those mentioned above so I only photograph here on early mornings. But it's worth the early rise! Great option when combined with St. James' Park!
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mKd9Pws4iR3mMS2e9
Nearest tube: Westminster
Recommended season: Autumn, winter
Recommended time of day: Before 8am, week day
Permit required? No
Winter sunrise in the rain at Westminster
13. City of London
For couples who love a bit more of an urban vibe, the City of London backdrop blends centuries-old charm with sleek modern architecture. From grand stone facades and historic alleyways to striking glass towers and contemporary lines, the area creates a beautifully dynamic setting for photos.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CNTkzifw7AHUVkyr8
Nearest tube: Bank (Exit 2)
Recommended season: Any
Recommended time of day: Before 9am, weekends
Permit required? Yes, roughly £100, learn more.
Threadneedle Street on a rainy Sunday morning
14. Tower Bridge
Another iconic London space that makes a great early morning option. With streets full of historic warehouses that are now luxury apartments and views of Tower Bridge and the Thames. It's a great option for enjoying a coffee along the Queen's Walk before heading in Borough Market and watching all the vendors set up!
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/22xufNcRWCkusCD86
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Recommended season: Any
Recommended time of day: Before 8am, weekday
Permit required? Not for the area around the bridge. On the bridge requires a permit depending on the shoot (learn more).
Winter sunrise at Tower Bridge
15. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square brings a classic but energetic atmosphere to any photoshoot, perfect for those wanting something more iconic and urban. Surrounded by historic architecture and centred around Nelson’s Column and its famous fountains, it offers a striking backdrop that captures the spirit of London. I love combining Trafalgar Square with St. James' Park for an ultimate London shoot.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EEBNq8hLs76V9u9D9
Nearest tube: Charing Cross
Recommended season: Any
Recommended time of day: Before 8am, weekday
Permit required? The north terrace does not. The square itself does, around £1000 (learn more).
Winter sunrise at Trafalgar Square
16. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is lovely park often forgotten about by visitors to London, it's perfect for relaxed photoshoots with a mix of open green spaces, tree-lined paths, and scenic features like the lake and pagoda. Its size makes it easy to find quieter spots, while still offering plenty of variety in one place, especially during spring and autumn when the colours are at their best.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XNAksC6PYKfTAaip9
Nearest tube: Hackney Wick, London Fields, Mile End
Recommended season: Spring and Autumn
Recommended time of day: Before 9am, weekday
Permit required? No
Spring maternity shoot at Victoria Park
