Strolling in London: Seek Out Less-Touristed Spots to Find Hidden Travel Photography Gems in the Foggy City

In London, every brick and tile seems built from history. Walking along the bustling streets, ignoring the passersby, it feels like traveling through a temporal tunnel. On the occasion of Charles III becoming King of the United Kingdom, I picked up my camera and embarked on a walking photography journey. I went to places less frequented by tourists to explore the hidden gems of this ancient city, and through the lens of a medium-format camera, I appreciated a different London.

Covent Garden Garden: a hidden oasis amid the busy streets of Covent Garden. This community garden, managed by volunteers, is an unexpected green sanctuary in London's bustling West End. With well-tended flowerbeds, winding paths, and rustic wooden benches, it offers a mysterious little corner for leisurely walks.

Regent's Canal: Wandering along the picturesque canal. This charming waterway, far from the usual tourist hotspots often overlooked by visitors, is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle. Walk along the canal and keep an eye out for beautiful street art, historic houseboats, and the occasional lazy cat sunbathing on the path. The tree-lined towpaths and colorful narrowboats create captivating compositions that never fail to excite photography enthusiasts.

Located at the northwest end of central London, Regent's Park was originally a monastery estate before it was seized by the royal family and turned into a royal park. It is the second-largest park in London but the largest for outdoor activities. Shaded by trees and remarkably quiet amid the city bustle, it attracts few tourists, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll. The highlight is Queen Mary's Garden, where over 30,000 rare roses of more than 400 varieties are free for you to enjoy.

A stone's throw from the canal lies an unassuming bookshop—Word on the Water. This floating bookstore, housed in a 1920s Dutch barge, is a paradise for bibliophiles. With a carefully curated selection of new and secondhand books, you are likely to find the rare treasure you've been searching for. Spend some time browsing; you can immerse yourself in a good book while gently swaying with the boat.

Head to a lesser-known relic of London's past: the abandoned Highgate Station. Part of the defunct Northern Heights railway project, Highgate Station is a fine example of 19th-century railway architecture. Surrounded by trees and overgrown vegetation, it feels like a time capsule, transporting visitors back to a bygone era. Even though the station is not open to the public, you can still take atmospheric photos from the nearby pavement.

The trendy district of Shoreditch is a hub of street art, vintage shops, and independent galleries. Get lost in the vibrant backstreets and alleys adorned with colorful murals, quirky sculptures, and thought-provoking designs. Shoreditch's ever-changing street art scene offers unforgettable photo opportunities, taking you into the creative heart of London.

Historic Charterhouse Square, with origins dating back to the 14th century, offers a glimpse into London's medieval history. Formerly a monastery and later a museum, the Charterhouse is best known as a famous public school in Britain. If you learn about the rich history of this site, take a moment to sit on one of the benches, relax, admire the beautiful architecture, and soak in the centuries-old atmosphere.

London is an ancient city that must be felt on foot. Over two thousand years of dynastic changes have not erased many traces of the past, leaving a wealth of world cultural heritage for future generations. People can stroll through this old metropolis and have the opportunity to experience the foggy city described in classical literature.

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