London Summer Aesthetic: The Best London Photo Spots in summer
London in the summer is a photographer’s paradise, with its pretty streets, lush parks, and picturesque canals. Whether you’re a local looking to explore new corners of the city or a visitor seeking the perfect instagram shot, here are some of the best London photo spots for you to visit in summer.
9 of the best London photo spots in summer
1. Primrose Hill
Just a short walk from Camden, Primrose Hill is a gorgeous North London neighbourhood with pastel streets and a hilltop park.
Primrose Hill park offers panoramic views of the London skyline. During summer the park is a perfect spot for a pinterest-worthy picnic, as well as a backdrop for both sunrise and sunset shots. The surrounding neighbourhood is equally charming, with its pretty pastel streets like Chalcot Crescent and Chalcot Square.
2. Notting Hill
Famous for its vibrant streets and pastel-coloured houses, Notting Hill is a favourite with photographers & instagrammers for good reason. Stroll along Portobello Road Market for lively street scenes and head to the quiet residential streets for cute pics of colourful houses.
Are few of my favourite colourful streets to explore and photograph in Notting Hill are – Colville Houses, Elgin Crescent, Lansdowne Road and St Luke’s Mews. I also have a guide to all of Notting Hill’s best instagram spots here.
3. Elizabeth Street
Elizabeth Street is a very instagrammable little street in Belgravia with cute cafes and decorated shopfronts. It’s pavement cafes and floral decorations make it a perfect photo spot in London in summer. Two of my favourite spots include the perfectly pink Peggy Porschen cupcake cafe and Tomtom Coffee House.
4. Hampstead Pergola
A hidden gem in Hampstead Heath, the Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens offer a really lovely peaceful escape from busy city life. This Victorian-era pergola draped with climbing vines and surrounded by lush greenery creates a fairytale-like setting ideal for dreamy summer photos. If you’re looking for secret photograph spots in London, don’t miss Hampstead Pergola.
5. Spitalfields
Located in East London, Spitalfields is known for its vibrant street life and historic streets. The neighbourhood has a mix of stunning Victorian and Georgian architecture, fun markets, and colourful street art. It’s a perfect location for capturing London life.
Streets not to miss are Brick Lane – for its street art and great buzzing atmosphere, and Elder Street, Princelet Street, Crispin Street, Fournier Street & Brushfield Street for their perfect vintage vibes.
6. Little Venice
In contrast to the super vibrant East London, Little Venice is a lovely little calm oasis. This canal-side neighbourhood is home to waterside cafes, willow trees, and colourful narrowboats. It’s a really love spot for taking summery photos in London.
For one of the best instagram spots in London, don’t miss Cafe Laville – arrive early to this cute cafe (it opens at 10am) to get a table overlooking the water.
7. The South Bank
For iconic views of London landmarks such as the London Eye, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, visit the South Bank (the south side of the River Thames.) Stroll along the riverside walkways, to capture Londoners and visitors enjoying the sunshine and the lively atmosphere of the South Bank in summer.
8. Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
Two of London’s most famous green spaces – Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – are always super pretty summer London photography spots. The gardens, which are seamlessly connected have expansive green lawns, a rose garden and the lovely Serpentine Lake. Some of the best photo spots in the park in summer are The Serpentine + its cafe overlooking the lake, the rose garden and the Italian Gardens with their ornate fountains.
9. Chelsea
Like Primrose Hill & Notting Hill, Chelsea is another London neighbourhood with picturesque streets that make a perfect backdrop for summer photos. Bywater Street, Godfrey Street, Smith Terrace and Upper Cheyne Walk are a few of my faves – all are lined with colourful houses and are usually pretty quiet, so great for photographing.
Fun experiences in London for photography lovers
If you’d like to book a tour and have an expert show you some of London’s best photo spots, there are some really nice ones you can join. Secret Gardens of London full day tour takes you round London’s best kept secret gardens and includes an English high tea. Or this London historic city walking tour includes iconic historic landmarks and a visit to a rooftop garden with panoramic views.
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More London photo spot guides –
10 of the best London instagram spots