London is full of iconic landmarks where tourists flock for a 'selfie', but here are some more unique locations for your guests' Instagram hit lists!
1. Hampstead Pergola and Hill Garden
Nestled inside Hampstead Heath, this garden exudes a fairytale vibe and mysterious allure. The pergola, mixed with beautiful vines, wisteria and blossoming flowers, particularly in spring, provide the perfect backdrop for anyone's photos.
Where: Inverforth Close, North End Way, NW3 7EX.
Nearest Tube: Golders Green.
Admission: Free.
2. Westminster Cathedral
This beautiful building is surprisingly unknown to many tourists, despite its proximity to popular attractions. Just a 10-minute walk from the famous Westminster Abbey, it is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales and features stunning architecture. In addition to a charming interior, this cathedral boasts an Insta-worthy interior,with Neo-Byzantine mosaics.
Where: Victoria St, Westminster, SW1P 1LT.
Nearest Tubes: Victoria, St James’s Park.
Admission: Free.
3, Shoreditch Street Art
Renowned across Europe for its murals, graffiti and art, it's no surprise this creative district has huge social media engagement. Visitors should head to the secluded spots such as Rivington Street, Great Easter Street and Seven Stars Yard for that head-turning snapshot.
Where: Shoreditch, E2.
Nearest Tubes: Old Street, Liverpool Street.
4. Belgravia & Chelsea
Filled with chic cafes and boutique shops with stunning facades, this area is an Instagrammer's dream. With flowers and floral decorations, it's easy to get a pretty picture here. Antique shops, chic furniture stores, and trendy galleries cluster on Pimlico Road, with designer fashion and jewellery boutiques on cobbled Motcomb Street. Add fine dining, posh delis, and cosmopolitan cafes and it's the perfect destination for visitors seeking sophistication.
Where: SW1.
Nearest Tubes: Knightsbridge, Sloane Square, Victoria.
5. Notting Hill
Home to some of London's most colorful houses and cutest brunch spots, Notting Hill offers a wealth of picture-perfect backdrops. Snap a shot in front of the pastel-colored homes of St. Luke’s Mew and Lancaster Road or 'smile' while holding a rose latte at the health-conscious Farm Girl Cafe.
Where: Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11.
Nearest Tube: Ladbroke Grove Station.
6. Leadenhill Market
Harry Potter fans will recognise this grand and airy covered market as it has featured in not one, but two Potter films. Dating back to the 14th century, it's cobbled floors and swooping glass roof are just waiting to be photographed. Visitors will also find a great range of boutique shops, bars, and restaurants in this historic space.
Where: Gracechurch St, Langbourn, EC3V 1LT. Closest Tubes: Bank Station, Monument Station.
7. Barbican
The place where artists are celebrated for seeing things differently, the Barbican is an artwork in itself. Currently, the Conservatory space is home to a spectacular new site-specific commission by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar. Cloud Songs on the Horizon is the artist’s first major institutional show in Europe and features five new, large-scale suspended sculptures across the entirety of the Conservatory space.
Shettar’s sculptures are each handcrafted by the artist and draw inspiration from the complexity of nature – using a range of materials including wood, stainless steel, muslin, lacquer and techniques that have been adapted from traditional Indian crafts.
Where: Silk St, EC2Y 8DS.
Nearest Tube: Barbican..
Admission: Admission is free, but you’ll need to book your ticket in advance.
8. Holland Park
Situated west of Kensington Gardens, this park is particularly stunning in the spring, when tulips are in full bloom, and in summer when performances are staged at the open-air theater. Experience the sweet serenity of Japanese zen at Kyoto Garden, a magical, tranquil plot featuring serene, tiered waterfalls, ponds full of giant koi carp, wandering peacocks, and stone features – the ideal backdrop for your Instagram grid.
Where: Ilchester Place, W8 6LU.
Nearest Tube: Holland Park.
Admission: Free.
9.The Royal Courts of Justice
Featuring Victorian Gothic architecture and being a less than obvious place for photography makes this building a top spot for selfies and snapshots.
Built in the 1870s, the Royal Courts of Justice houses the High Court and Court of Appeal of England and Wales. It’s also one of the largest courts in Europe. It’s located right on the Strand, which is a great place to take a relaxing stroll.
Where: Strand, Holborn, WC2A 2LL.
Nearest Tube: Temple Station..
10. St. Dunstan in the East
Another top Instagram spot that’s not very known by tourists is St. Dunstan in the East. Originally a church, which was unfortunately destroyed during WWII, its ruins were turned into a public garden. This tranquil garden isn’t just photogenic, it’s also a great place to relax and soak in the quiet atmosphere.
Where: St. Dunstan's Hill, EC3R 5DD.
Nearest Tubes: Tower Hill and Monument.
Admission: Free.