Top Timelapse Locations in London: Capturing the City's Motion

London’s skyline is full of movement: ferris wheels turning, boats gliding on the Thames, people crossing bridges, and clouds streaking above the city’s distinctive architecture. Timelapse photography compresses hours of motion into just a few seconds, transforming this dynamic metropolis into a cinematic flow of light and colour. Below is a guide to some of the most rewarding locations for timelapse work in the capital, drawn from my experience as London's best timelapse photographer.

London Eye from the Golden Jubilee Bridge

The London Eye is perhaps the easiest landmark to identify in the city's panorama and one of the best subjects for timelapse work. The wheel adds motion and interest to the sky, and you can capture it from various angles, but my favourite place is the Golden Jubilee Bridge on the south side of the Thames. The nearest tube station is Embankment; from there it's a short walk under Hungerford Bridge and up the stairs to the bridge. Be sure to check opening times for the London Eye so the wheel is turning during your shot. For warm evening colours, plan your shoot during golden hour or sunset, and avoid the months between September and March when the sun rises behind the wheel making exposure tricky.

Westminster from Waterloo Bridge

Looking west from Waterloo Bridge takes in the Houses of Parliament, Elizabeth Tower and the curved cables of the Golden Jubilee Bridge. During the day this scene can be chaotic, but a timelapse or long exposure smooths the river, blurs the crowds and draws attention to the architecture. Waterloo station on the Jubilee line or Embankment and Temple stations on the Circle and District lines are nearby. For sunrise, winter months provide pleasant side light; for evening timelapses, summer sunsets work well when the sun sets to the right of the scene and traffic on the bridge has thinned.

St Paul's Cathedral and the Millennium Bridge

Walk further east along the river and you'll find the Millennium Bridge pointing straight at the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. The bridge forms strong leading lines that draw the eye to the cathedral, and a timelapse or long exposure removes the crowds to simplify the composition. I usually set up outside the Tate Modern on the south bank. Access is easy from London Bridge station or Mansion House on the Circle or District lines. Late spring and early summer provide the best light when the sun rises in the north‑east and sets in the north‑west; early mornings are ideal if you want the bridge to yourself.

City Hall and The Shard from Tower Bridge

From the east side of Tower Bridge you can frame City Hall, More London and The Shard. The contrast between the curved glass of City Hall and the sharp lines of The Shard is striking, and a long exposure smooths the water and softens the clouds while the buildings remain crisp. Travel to London Bridge or Tower Hill, then walk onto Tower Bridge. The bridge can be busy, and your tripod may get bumped; I sometimes retract the legs and rest it on the deep stone walls to keep the camera steady.

Planning your shoot

For all these locations, planning is key. Check sunrise and sunset times and think about the orientation of the sun relative to your subject. Tools like The Photographer's Ephemeris let you see the position of the sun and moon at any time. Bring sufficient gear: water, warm clothing or sun protection, a charged phone and of course your camera and tripod. A sturdy tripod is essential because even slight vibrations can ruin a timelapse; hang your bag on the tripod or use stones to stabilise it. When you arrive, explore the area on foot to refine your composition before setting up. Use manual settings and shoot in RAW to maintain control over exposure and colour during postproduction. By combining good planning with these prime London locations, you'll create stunning timelapse sequences that showcase the energy and beauty of the city. Whether you're experimenting for fun or producing professional work, these spots provide a solid foundation for your timelapse journey.