London’s Waterloo station is more than a vital part of the UK capital’s transport infrastructure. It’s also one of the busiest train stations in the whole of the UK.
Waterloo is one of the major gateways to London for millions of travelers from across the UK and beyond every year. If you’re one of them, you’ll quickly realize that this huge station is also located close to the center of London, with plenty to do in the area.
If you find yourself with some time to kill between trains, you don’t have to cool your heels in this busy station. Drop off your bags at a Waterloo station luggage storage and bring a camera or just your cellphone to capture some great shots of this part of London. That way, you’ll be able to head home with some great memories preserved on your memory card.
Southbank Center
Just a short walk from Waterloo station is the Southbank Center. This world-famous arts center is home to three iconic buildings, all of which make great subjects for your photos.
The Royal Festival Hall is probably the most well-known building in the Southbank Center complex. It’s an impressive piece of architecture with a sweeping curved facade. Inside, the hall hosts hundreds of events throughout the year, including live music, dance, theater, and more.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a bite to eat or drink while you’re in the area, there are plenty of options available at the Southbank Center. There are several cafés and restaurants located inside the complex, as well as a food market with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to international cuisine.
The Southbank Center is also a great place to people-watch. You’ll find Londoners of all ages and from all walks of life enjoying the arts and the views of the River Thames.
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Few sites are more evocative of London than the Houses of Parliament and the famous clock tower Big Ben. The Palace of Westminster, as it is officially known, has been the seat of the British government for centuries, and whether you see it by day or by night when the Gothic building is beautifully lit up on the side of the River Thames, it’s a sight you won’t easily forget.
Capturing the perfect shot of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben can easily eat up some time while you wait for a train, and the south bank of the river where Waterloo Station is, provides the best possible place to see this famous landmark from. Spend some time photographing this famous building while you’re in the area.
London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Europe, and it’s easy to see why. This enormous Ferris wheel offers unparalleled views over the city of London, and on a clear day, you can even see for miles in every direction.
Taking a ride on the London Eye is an experience in itself, but if you’re looking to get some great photos while you’re in the area, it’s worth considering buying a ticket just to ride in one of the clear glass pods. That way, you’ll be able to take some unforgettable snapshots while enjoying the views.
If you don’t want to fork out for a ticket, though, there’s still plenty of opportunity to get some good shots of the London Eye from the ground. The area around the wheel is always busy with tourists, so there’s plenty of opportunity to get some interesting shots with people in them.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
If you’re a fan of architecture, then a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral is a must while you’re in London. This world-famous cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, and once you see it both inside and out, you’ll understand what all the fuss is about.
The cathedral sits on top of Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the City of London, making it an ideal spot for photography. If you can time your visit right, you may even be able to get a shot with the sunset behind the cathedral, which would make for a truly stunning photo.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in architecture, St. Paul’s Cathedral is worth a visit for the sheer scale of the building. It’s an awe-inspiring sight and one that you won’t see anywhere else in London.
St Paul’s from Millennium Bridge
You don’t need to make it all the way to St. Paul’s to get some good photos of this iconic church. In fact, some of the best shots can be taken from across the River Thames on Millennium Bridge.
This pedestrian bridge provides some of the best views of St. Paul’s, and it’s a great spot for photography. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to get a shot with the London Eye in the background.
Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel
For something a little bit different, head to Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel. This tunnel, located just a short walk from Waterloo Station and is covered in graffiti and street art, making it a great place to get some unique photos.
The tunnel is constantly changing as new artists leave their mark on the walls, so you’ll never quite know what you’re going to find when you visit. It’s definitely worth taking your camera down here and seeing what you can find.
You may even be able to find some street art that you can use as a backdrop for a selfie or two. Just be careful not to get too close to the artwork, as it’s all protected by glass.
Conclusion
As you can see from this list, there are tons of great spots for some photography within a short walk of Waterloo Station. So next time you find yourself with time to kill, don’t waste it staring at the departures board. Instead, grab your camera and capture some of these iconic locations for yourself.