Top 7 Photography Spots in London (& Giveaway!)

Tower of London

Go City x MPB Giveaway! Go City is teaming up with MPB, the world’s largest platform for used photo and video kit, to giveaway a chance to make your photography trip dreams come true.

One lucky winner will win an attraction pass to any Go City destination, plus £500 worth of used camera gear from MPB! Two runners-up will also receive a Go City attraction pass and £250 credit to spend at MPB.

The giveaway opens for entries from December 1st, 2022 to December 31st, 2022, so don't miss your chance to enter! Simply fill out your details and keep your eyes peeled on your inbox on the 10th January 2023, when the winners will be picked at random.

We've put together a list of the top 7 photography locations in London to get you started on your photography adventure:

1. The Shard

This one's a no-brainer. Standing at a whopping 309.6 meters, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom so it's no surprise that the pictures you'll capture from the observation deck will be top-notch.

We recommend heading up to the top at golden hour for some pretty spectacular sunset shots of the city, or if you're willing to play around with long exposure shots, visiting at night will provide you with amazing images capturing the buzz from above.

You can also get creative from the street level. Wander through the narrow lanes of Southwark to capture the giant structure from below and lit up in all its glory.

2. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, the most iconic bridge in the city, is another of our fave photo ops. Not only are you able to get some pretty impressive snaps from the riverbanks on either side, but taking a visit inside will provide you with some even more spectacular content.

Capture stunning panoramic views of the city from the walkways between the towers and take a daring walk over the glass floor to snap a fleeting moment of London life.

The best time to photograph the bridge is early in the morning, as you'll capture the sun casting its silhouette as it rises. It doesn't get much better than that.

3. Tower of London

Just over from Tower Bridge on the north bank, you'll stumble across the Tower of London. Officially His Majesty's Royal Palace and home to the Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warders, a visit to this attraction is a history lovers' dream.

Besides this, there's also some great content for photographers. The striking historical architecture appears great on camera, so take your time on your visit to snap some interesting shots of the grounds as you're sure to get something wonderfully unique!

4. London Eye

A shot of the London Eye can't be missed as it's Europe's tallest observation wheel.

Get the perfect snap of the most popular London attraction from across the river on Victoria Embankment. You'll be away from the chaos of tourists which will allow you to get creative with angles and lighting.

5. Chinatown

Contemporary art statues, ornate gold lions, bright and bold dragons, glistening lanterns, and glowing neon lights, you won't be short of things to capture as you stroll through the streets of this East Asian enclave in central London. Don't miss the famous gate at Wardour Street.

This location provides you with the perfect opportunity to gain an insight into Chinese culture and religion, right in the heart of the city. Why not stop for a bite to eat whilst you're here? It would be rude not to.

6. Southbank

The riverbanks of the Thames are a brilliant photography location as you can see so much in one go!

Take a stroll along Southbank on a sunny Sunday afternoon and you'll capture the hustle and bustle of the city at the weekend. Whether it's the stunning historical building of St Paul's Cathedral, the modern engineering of Millenium Bridge, skaters in action at the famous undercroft of Southbank Centre, or people simply enjoying their London vacation, you're guaranteed to find multiple interesting shots along Southbank.

7. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Fancy capturing something a little bit different on your vacation to London? Kew Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 50,000 different species of flora.

A trip to the gardens gives you the opportunity to take photos of the best nature has to offer. Among the variety of plants and trees, you'll find all sorts of wildlife and some spectacular structures such as the Great Pagoda in the Japanese Gardens or the Temperate House, a beautiful Victorian glasshouse housing over 10,000 endangered species.

Anyway, enough from us. We've given you the locations, the pass and all the gear so now it's your turn to get out there and see what you can do.

All images in this blog were taken by MPB using the London Pass to gain entry to London's top attractions!

Happy snapping!

Cara Merren
London Travel Expert

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Buckingham Palace, London on sunny morning
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Fascinating Buckingham Palace facts

Seeing Buckingham Palace is a must for anybody visiting London. Whether you're a massive fan of the Royal Family, or you simply want to see one of Britain's biggest historical landmarks, you'll find something to love inside its large, lavish walls. Buckingham Palace is located in Westminster, in the heart of central London, and with St. James's Park and Green Park as its backyards. It serves as the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. The palace has a long and colorful history - it wouldn't be British without one. So, without further ado, here are some fascinating facts about Buckingham Palace you may not have known. With The London sightseeing Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price - and enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual tickets to London attractions.  ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️ When was Buckingham Palace built? Buckingham Palace was originally known as Buckingham House, and was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham. King George III then bought it in 1761. Construction of the 775-room palace we see today began in 1825, and it's been the official London residence for all reigning monarchs since Queen Victoria took up residence in 1837. The Palace went way over budget The original Buckingham House was transformed by the esteemed architect John Nash into what it is today. However, he accidentally went over budget and was fired for overspending. Take a look at the gilded detailing and it's no surprise. Nash transformed Buckingham House - as it used to be known - into the grandest possible version of itself, rebuilding the two east wings and adding in the triumphal arch, originally for ceremonial processions into the palace. That arch now lives at Marble Arch - yes, that's the Marble Arch. After Nash, a new architect called Edward Blore completed the work on the palace. Which British Royal was the first to live in Buckingham Palace? Before the palace as we know it was built, the history of the site goes as far back as the Middle Ages, when the site formed part of the Manor of Ebury. (We haven't heard of it either.) It was used for different buildings by different people, including Henry VIII back in the 16th Century. However, once King George IV's planned work was completed, he never even had the chance to call it home. Queen Victoria moved in in 1837, and was the first British Royal to live in Buckingham Palace, followed by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Throughout WW2, the royals refused to leave the palace London was bombed heavily throughout World War Two. And, with Buckingham Palace being the cultural landmark it is, it became a massive target. Despite being advised to leave for their own safety, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth kept calm and carried on, refusing to leave - even though the palace was hit nine times over the course of the war.  There are over 700 rooms in the palace Buckingham Palace has hosted thousands of visitors throughout the years. And with a whopping 775 rooms, it's not hard to see how.  Among the 775 rooms are 19 grand State Rooms for events, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 78 bathrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, and 92 offices for the King, Royal Family, and staff. Of the State Rooms, the Throne Room is for ceremonial and official events - and the Prince and Princess of Wales took their wedding photos there. Most opulent is the White Room, where the King receives guests. When are the State Rooms open? The State Rooms are only open to the public in the summer. Since Buckingham Palace is very much still a functioning royal residence, throwing its doors open to the public isn't always practical. That's why they only open up during August and September when Queen Elizabeth heads off to Scotland for the summer holidays. Of course, that means you won't catch a glimpse of the Queen at any point of your visit. What kind of art can be found in Buckingham Palace? Buckingham Palace is home to a vast collection of masterworks, including paintings, sculptures, and other beautiful objects. Some of the most widely recognizable pieces include works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Canaletto. The Royal Collection Trust, which manages the art collection, offers tours of the palace where visitors can view many of these masterpieces One of the highlights is the massive painting of Queen Victoria's coronation, which has to be seen to be believed. A massive fan of the royals managed to break in three times As a kid, little Edward Jones was pretty fascinated by the Royal Family. So much so that he managed to sneak into the residence three times. Well, at the very least he was caught three times. He managed to steal Queen Victoria's underwear (!), as well as food from the kitchens. He even boasted to the press that he'd sat on her throne. Without breaking in, it's possible to visit the Throne Room and see the three gilded royal seats for yourself.  Does King Charles III live in Buckingham Palace? As head of 'The Firm', King Charles III prefers to be based at Clarence House (also in London), but doesn't live at Buckingham Palace. He does carry out official engagements there, however. Tradition tends to dictate that the monarch lives at Buckingham Palace. Queen Elizabeth II and the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh lived in the private apartments on the north side of the Palace. Other members of the Royal Family have lived in rooms on the upper floors of the north and east sides. Royal Family members, such Princess Anne, and Prince Edward and Sophie Countess of Wessex, hold private apartments at the palace but don't live there full-time. So it's unlikely you'll bump into any of them making a cup of tea in the kitchen while you're visiting! Over 800 people work for the Royal Household, and a lucky few do live in suitably posh apartments (which are said to be lovely, but obviously not as grand as their royal bosses'). There are also staff quarters for a range of household workers, some of whom might live there too.    There's a way to tell if the King is there If you're passing by and wonder whether the King is in, well, you're in luck. Want to know what to look out for? It's all to do with a flag. If the Union Flag is flying over the palace, then you're out of luck - he's not there. However, if the Royal Standard flag is flying, then he is in the building, or at least making a visit.  Buckingham Palace is like an opulent mini-village  Besides the Throne Room and the sprawling grounds, there's a lot going on, inside and outside of the main building. The Royal Mews, built in 1824-1825, are home to luxurious vehicles, and horses that work during special events. The garden alone, filled with beautiful plants and trees, covers 42 acres, making it the largest private garden in London. You'll be able to see some of it, but most of it is closed to the public. There's also a cinema and a swimming pool, a Post Office and police station, a clinic and even an ATM. See London's magnificent palaces and everything it has to offer With The London Pass®, you can enjoy a tour not just of Buckingham Palace, but three other royal residences and the Houses of Parliament with Top Sights Tours.  Planning your London trip? With The London Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  ✈️ Buy The London Pass® ✈️
Dom Bewley
The London Eye
Tower of London

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