steampunk photo shoot near London Tower Bridge
5 UK Portrait Destinations to Make You feel Like Royalty
Everyone is looking for a great photo opportunity when they travel, and the UK has a plethora of places you can choose from. For example, London is a great place to take steampunk photos as it is the perfect backdrop for anything Victorian and gothic. But the UK is also photo-famous for other iconic parts of their culture, such as Big Ben, its beautiful countryside, and the royal family.
Big Ben
Everyone loves taking lots of pictures when they travel, but if you can also hire a professional photographer to do a fun photo shoot with you that just enhances the experience and the memories. At some point during your visit to England, you will want at least one photo with the country’s royal attractions. Here are five portrait destinations to complete your royal experience. I’ve included my own pictures of all the places below I’ve been to myself and links to those I need to make sure to visit next time. I would also love to take more travel portraits at these places next time I’m in London!
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace
You can’t get any more iconic than Buckingham Palace in London. CNN details that the palace was originally owned by the Duke of Buckingham before it was bought by King George III for his wife, Queen Charlotte, in 1761. It has been the main residence for all succeeding monarchs, and was even opened to the public 25 years ago through guided tours. If you do go on a tour, take plenty of photos of its grand staircase, the ballrooms, and with the royal throne itself (though you can’t sit on it). I doubt they allow professional photography inside, but even taking a few portraits outside their iconic black and gold gates would give you that regal look.
Buckingham Palace Gates
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is another London location closely linked to the royal family. Not only did 16 royal couples get married here (including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip), every coronation has also been held here since 1066. Being a place of worship, photos aren’t allowed in the main parts of the church, but you can still take some in the royal tombs (this is also the burial place of many monarchs), next to the coronation chair, and in the outside cloisters. The church is located along River Thames, near Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. You can’t miss it!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
For those who want to travel a bit further than London and the surrounding area, the royal family has strong ties with Scotland. The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is the Queen’s official residence in Scotland, and was once the home of the Scottish royal family. You can’t take a picture inside the palace, but there are plenty of photo opportunities in the Holyrood Abbey, the royal gardens, and next to the grand architecture of the outer walls of the palace.
The Royal Family are some of the most photographed people in the world. While the chances of getting a photo with them is next to impossible, you can visit many of these other places listed for your own royal photo-shoot.
Madame Tussauds
There is a Madame Tussauds in 21 different locations across the globe, but the one in London is the best place to take selfies with wax sculptures of the royal family. Stand next to the Queen, Prince William, Princess Diana and the recently wedded couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. It is a worthwhile experience to catch on camera and your only chance to get a photo with the royals. These wax figures are so realistic I bet you could fool some people back home into thinking you really had your picture taken with them!
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
The Royal family has been dominating the news recently with the birth of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s baby. And while you can’t get a picture with them, you can visit where they got married. A feature by Ladbrokes on everything you need to know about the royal baby reports that the famous couple got married at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The castle dates back to the 14th century and was established by King Edward III. It also has plenty of places to take some great royal photos, especially in the museum. W Magazine explains how the castle and chapel is only 22 miles from central London, which makes it not only a perfect portrait op, but also a great day trip out of the city. With its rich history, the castle and chapel remains one of the most iconic examples of gothic architecture in the country. Below is my husband about to enter through the stone walkway. He’s not a big fan of having his picture taken, but if you are let’s chat about doing a travel portrait session for your next big trip!
Windsor Castle in England