Interesting places in London/Glasgow?

B

Biber

Established
Local time
3:20 PM
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
184
I'm going to the UK for a few weeks in April and I'll spend most of the time in London and Glasgow, the idea is to spend as much time as possible out on the streets with my camera. I have been to London before so I have a few ideas of where to go, but Glasgow is completely new to me. Any suggestions about places to visit and generally trying to survive would be greatly appreciated. :)
 
When in Glasgow: go see the statue with the traffic cone on its head :) Try to find Ashton Lane as well for some great pubs. For the rest: I was in Glasgow only for a few days. Just get around using the subway (the smallest and noisiest of subways around the globe).
 
Are you sure you want to go to Glasgow? :rolleyes: Great pictures can be had there but just venture a few miles north and the world is your pyster [or midge if it is August].
As for Londinium, well, there are lots of horseless carraiges to photograph, the wobbling bridge and of course the big council house where the Windsors live. Try Bath, much more sophisticated :)
HAve fun !
 
Do try Brick Lane in London, early on Sunday morning. It's a great street market, plus has some of London's best architecture - early Georgian houses, but in quite a gritty, urban setting. You can take photos at the Beigel Bake (the last one, on Brick Lane itself, you can see them making them in the back). Actually Don McCullin took photos there. It's where every wave of immigrants to London settled - Huguenots, Jews, Bengalis, and is a fascinating mix of culture, with a beautiful church which was built circa 1717 to intimidate the unruly inhabitants, and impress them with the power of the monarchy & the church Of England. I think Jack The Ripper despatched one of his victims in the churchyrad, and several of them drank in the pub opposite called, I think, the Seven Bells. . There's a great flower market, nearby, too, at Columbia Road, and a good covered market in Spitalfields. Look out for a couple of middle-aged men in tweeds, slightly old-fashioned - they're gilbert & George, who were in inspiration to the 'Britart' movement, and inspired many artists to move to the area. If you see someone with a four year old boy, and a CL, that's me, I go there every Sunday when I'm at home.
In Glasgow, look out for buildings by Alexander 'Greek' Thompson. He's Glasgow's unsung architect, late Georgian, some of his buildings are quite neglected, and are starting to look like ancient greek ruins. One of them is on, I think, Caledonia road in the Gorbals, which is also an 'interesting' area! Enjoy your trip!
 
Last edited:
London photos

London photos

Biber

I hope you have an enjoyable trip. As a London resident, it is sometimes difficult to recall what would be memorable to a visitor. I agree with previous suggestions.
My personal chocies, for what they are worth:

Borough market - excellent covered food market, open at weekends, lots of activity but quite small. The architecture is a good backdrop. It is possible to walk to Tate Modern and South Bank from there along a river walk which is quite interesting;

Highgate cemetary - very atmospheric and historic - you may have to book a ticket, I have not visited for a while;

for a total comtrast, try Canary Wharf and Tate Modern/South Bank for modern architecture and lots of street activity; Some of the new Jubilee tube line stations are dramatic;

Portobello Road market - lots of tourists, but also some good street photography opportunities;

Thames river and bridges and London Eye - views of the river and historic buildings;

London parks - if the weather is good, many people head for the park;

Law courts and surrounding area around Temple - I think no photography is allowed in the courts, but the area is again historic and interesting;

Stations - Kings Cross (area is rough), Paddington, Waterloo - all good Victorian architecture;

Once again, I hope your trip goes well and you have lots of photo opportunities.
 
Canary Wharf and City

Canary Wharf and City

Canary Wharf and the City (business district - either Bank/Liverpool St Station) are both excellent choices and have the advantage of being almost deserted at weekends. Both have great architecture both new and old. South Bank walk around the Thames is worth doing (from London Bridge to Westminster is probably the best patch) for people shots. I'm originally from Glasgow and things are almost unrecognisable now with all the investment so you'll have the choice of fancy winebars and shopping malls to tour for shots - as well as some old and modern architecture! However the light will probably be a bit variable up north so take some fast film (and a brolly).
 
If one wishes to see London, Glasgow, plus Paris, Moscow, Versailles, and others on the cheap, come to Kentucky. :p Johne
 
Glasgow City Centre: Buchanan Street on a Saturday is a haven for street photogs. You'll find me there most times. Also on weekends the Barras (a semi-black market, full of locals). Great modern architecture all round, especially the Science Centre.

Glasgow West End: Two lovely parks and a river, the university.

I live in Glasgow, so we could meet up for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Have a drink, talk cameras, give you directions, and send you on your way...

email me at ijonas [at] ijonas.com
 
Depending on the weather, you should be able to do some fun people watching/shooting on Ashton Lane - from what I remember it's a quaint alley/street with a couple pubs, restaurants and a cinema.

I think it's in the West End.
 
Yep Ashton Lane is in the West End. Dead easy to get to. Take the the Tube (underground, metro) to Hillhead station. Once outside you're on Byres Road, turn left, walk passed Iceland supermarket, turn left down alley. Walk down cobbled street till you're facing Jinty McGinty's. You're now in Ashton Lane.
 
London on the South bank of the Thames. there is a lookout from the top of the Oxo Tower and there is also a good view from Monument in theCity.
 
Lots of interesting buildings and scenes in Glasgow, Science Centre, Armadillo concert hall, University building, St Mungo cathedral. Also don't forget Quiggs second hand camera shop, you can get the address from Google, Quiggs has a web site. Also don't forget the Rennie Mackintosh buildings, such as the Art College. Try the Underground (nickname The Clockwork Orange) best funfair ride in the city!! but it is efficient. If you want a spectacular castle, try Stirling, much nearer than Edinburgh, and has lots of beautiful old buildings around the castle.
 
More Glasgow

More Glasgow

The Glasgow Tourist Board site

And remember not to forget Loch (not LOCK !) Lomond less than 30 mins North and the West Highlands within easy reach .....


'Ceud mìle fàilte' (A hundred thousand welcomes)
 
Well remembered, and don't forget afternoon tea in Cranstons Tea room in Sauchiehall Street. You will love the place names i.e. Auchenshuggle (yes really!!!!)
PS I live in one of the other Scottish cities Dundee
 
Yes and interior, the former bakers shop on the ground floor is now a jewellers but the tea room is still in operation. Worth a visit. The interior of the Art college is also worth a visit.
 
Manolo, Ijonas: It sounds like a great idea to meet up somewhere. I'll talk to my friend about it and email you. :)

Thanks again for all your help. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom