If you’re planning a trip to London and only planning to visit the major attractions like the Tower of London and Big Ben, then you are missing out. Instead, venture outside of zone 1 and discover some of the city’s most picturesque streets, from the colorful Neal’s Yard to the secluded cobbled lanes of the historic Shad Thames.
đź’ˇ I’ve lived in London for over 20 years and love sharing my local tips and insights with you! These are by far the best photo spots!
As a Londoner, wandering through the pretty streets of London is a great way to spend the day, enjoying a coffee and taking a moment to enjoy the city’s atmosphere. There are plenty of beautiful streets around London, from quiet, hidden spots to bustling market streets.
đź’ˇ Please note that the Google Maps links will be added later!
London Guide Books | Tips
In this post, I share with you the 15 most beautiful streets in London. Believe me, they are truly worth adding to your itinerary.
Kynance Mews – W8
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Autumn
- Rating: *****
Kynance Mews is famous not only for its quaint little houses but also for its impressive autumn leaf displays. The entrance is marked by a leafy arch that turns bright red during the peak season, making it one of the most photographed spots in Kensington.
The cobblestone path and historic feel create the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or seasonal photo session. If you’re visiting in October, time your stop for late afternoon to catch the golden light on the leaves.
This part of West London is very photogenic, and I enjoy coming to this area for a relaxed day out. Kynance Mews is a beautiful, hidden spot in London filled with plants and exposed brick walls. It is a great place for taking photos in London.
Neal’s Yard – WC2H
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Year-round
- Rating: ****
Neal’s Yard is a colorful little courtyard tucked behind Covent Garden. With its bright facades, indie cafes, and relaxed vibe, it feels like a cheerful escape right in the middle of London’s bustle.
It’s great any time of year, but especially lively in spring and summer when people gather outside with coffee or fresh juice. The walls are so vibrant that almost every angle makes for a great photo.
I love visiting Neal’s Yard when I am in central London. It feels like a mini oasis in contrast to the bustling streets nearby. It also has some great places to grab snacks on the go. It is especially pretty at Christmas, decorated with strings of fairy lights.
Notting Hill’s Lancaster Road – W11
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Spring and Summer
- Rating: *****
Lancaster Road stands out with its rainbow-colored Victorian townhouses that line a gentle curve through Notting Hill. Each building is painted a different hue, from bold blues to soft yellows.
Spring and summer are ideal when the windows bloom with fresh flowers and blue skies contrast against the bold facades. The whole street feels curated for photos, yet still lived-in and real.
Notting Hill is a great place for a wander, and I love coming to this area of London for its laid-back atmosphere and boutique stores. Lancaster Road is a great place to see some of the pastel-painted houses, which Notting Hill is known for. If you do stop to take a photo, be mindful that these houses are lived in and respect the owners’ privacy by only taking photos from the street.
Bywater Street – SW3
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Year-round
- Rating: ****
Bywater Street in Chelsea offers a row of pastel-colored terraced houses that always catch the eye. It’s short, quiet, and charming—perfect for a quick detour during your London walk.
The peaceful setting and consistent palette make it easy to photograph. You might even recognize it from a few film scenes or fashion shoots.
This quaint little street is so pretty. I love walking past the pastel colored townhouses whenever I visit Chelsea, and there are some great coffee shops and grocery stores nearby.
Chalcot Crescent – NW1
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Spring
- Rating: *****
Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill has a lovely curve, lined with painted terrace homes in soft blues, pinks, and creams. It’s especially pretty in spring when magnolia trees bloom along the sidewalks.
Fans of the *Paddington* movies will recognize this as the bear’s fictional home. It’s a relaxing place to stroll, and just steps away from one of the city’s best park views.
Chalcot Crescent has a very British feel to it. I like walking down this street on the way to Primrose Hill park, taking in its attractive historic town houses.
Shad Thames – SE1
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Year-round
- Rating: ****
Shad Thames is a historic cobbled lane beneath a series of old warehouse bridges, once part of London’s shipping past. Today, it’s home to apartments and restaurants, but the character remains.
You’ll walk just steps from the Thames, with views of Tower Bridge always nearby. Try going early in the morning when the light catches the bricks and everything feels still.
Shad Thames is a great place to explore. Here you can see how the historic buildings of the wharf have been restored and transformed. You can walk under the picturesque iron bridges and take photos where tea and spices were once traded.
Regent’s Park’s Chester Terrace
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Late Spring
- Rating: ****
Chester Terrace is a long row of white stucco townhouses bordering Regent’s Park. Its classical columns and repeating architecture give it a grand, almost palace-like look.
It rarely feels busy, which makes it a calm and elegant place to wander. With the park just steps away, it’s a great combo for photos and a break from city crowds.
There are some great places to take photos here with Regents Park as the backdrop. The impressive architectural columns on Chester Terrace are stunning and look great in pictures.
Godfrey Street – SW3
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Summer
- Rating: ****
Godfrey Street in Chelsea is one of London’s most colorful streets. Homes are painted in every shade—from turquoise and coral to soft lavender.
Many windows are framed by climbing plants or flower boxes, which pop even more in the summer months. It’s a quiet gem that feels far removed from central London.
I love exploring all the hidden colorful streets around Chelsea. Godfrey Street is very close to the King’s Road, so I often stop off there for a bite to eat after taking photos.
St Luke’s Mews – W11
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Spring and Autumn
- Rating: ****
St Luke’s Mews is most famous for its pink house featured in *Love Actually*, but the whole street is worth a visit. Cobblestones, pastel doors, and flowering balconies give it real charm.
The mews has that tucked-away feeling that makes London’s residential corners so inviting. Go on a weekday for a quieter experience.
St Luke’s Mews is right next to Lancaster Rd, which was mentioned earlier, so make sure to add it to your list when visiting Notting Hill.
The Churchill Arms Pub (on Kensington Church Street) – W8
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Summer and December
- Rating: ****
The Churchill Arms isn’t just a pub—it’s a year-round display of London eccentricity. In summer, it explodes with over 100 flower baskets on its facade.
Come December, it transforms again with dozens of lit-up Christmas trees. You don’t even have to go inside to enjoy it—the exterior alone draws photographers from around the world.
This pub is iconic in London for its dramatic exterior; it’s also a great place to grab a drink and experience British pub culture.
Hampstead’s Flask Walk- NW3
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Autumn
- Rating: *****
Flask Walk is a narrow, atmospheric lane in Hampstead with cobblestones, old signs, and a timeless feel. It winds gently into the heart of the village, past vintage shops and tiny cafes.
Autumn is especially pretty here, with leaves gathering underfoot and ivy climbing the walls. You’ll want to slow down and take it all in.
I love walking around Hampstead, it’s the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon walk. If you visit during autumn, make sure to stop off at The Flask pub for a hearty Sunday roast.
Redcliffe Road – SW10
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Spring
- Rating: ****
Redcliffe Road is known for its white terraces and seasonal cherry blossoms. Each spring, pink flowers frame the street in a way that feels almost unreal.
The blossoms peak in late March to early April and last only a short while. It’s quiet and elegant, perfect for early morning walks or a relaxed photo stop.
If you are coming here for the cherry blossoms in spring, make sure you get here early so you can take an uninterrupted photo on this picturesque street.
South Audley Street (Mayfair) – W1K
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: December
- Rating: ***
South Audley Street becomes a holiday showpiece each December. Storefronts compete with elaborate window displays and festive lighting, giving the street a luxe seasonal feel.
It’s popular and polished, especially around dusk when the lights come on. Take your time walking up from Grosvenor Square for the full effect.
I adore the buildings on South Audley Street, which are stunning with their grand red brick exteriors. Known for its high-end boutiques, this upmarket London area offers excellent window-shopping and beautiful architecture
Portobello Road (Upper Section) – W11
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Saturdays
- Rating: ****
The upper stretch of Portobello Road—just past the market madness—is full of colorful homes and less crowded sidewalks. The colors here are softer, more pastel, and easier to photograph without interruptions.
It’s a great spot for a Saturday morning walk before the market gets too packed. Grab a coffee and walk toward the main stalls once you’ve had your fill of quiet charm.
I don’t come to Portabello Road often as it can get very busy, especially at the weekend. However, I love the energetic vibe that Portabello has, which is very different to the relaxed feeling of the surrounding Notting Hill. It’s a great place to grab a coffee and take a walk through London.
The Hill Garden and Pergola (Hampstead) – NW3
- Location: Google Maps
- Best Time: Late Spring and Early Summer
- Rating: *****
The Hill Garden and Pergola isn’t a street in the traditional sense, but it earns its place on any list of beautiful walks. Raised stone paths lined with vines and crumbling walls create a mood that’s both peaceful and dramatic.
It’s especially pretty in May and June when the flowers are at their peak. You can stroll, sit, or simply take in the atmosphere—it feels like stepping into another time.
Located in Golders Hill Park, the Hill Garden is a hidden gem in London. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon, and I enjoy coming here to take in the views across London and take in the peaceful atmosphere.