The most photogenic spots in London to take your mum this Mother’s Day

Beyond the landmarks and skyscrapers crowding its skyline, London is an ever-changing tapestry of timeless architecture and unexpected backdrops. Wander off the beaten path and you’ll quickly stumble upon quiet streets lined with rainbow-hued townhouses, secluded gardens in bloom throughout the year and architecture that spans several millennia – all just begging to be photographed. There are plenty of spots to capture the city at its most beautiful, but the trick is knowing where to look. This Mother’s Day, take your mum on a whistle-stop whirl around the city, following our pick of the most photo-worthy spots. Born-and-bred Londoner Gina Jackson shares her favourite Instagrammable corners that are guaranteed to put a smile on both your faces.

Primrose Hill

This affluent neighbourhood in North West London is easily one of the most photogenic in the city – and shares its name with the leafy park that crowns it. From the top of this grassy rise, you’ll capture one of the most famous vistas of the city skyline: a wide sweep of London’s rooftops and spires that’s especially striking at sunset, when golden hour sets everything aglow. Make sure to explore the neighbourhood for plenty of other photo moments. Wander along picturesque Chalcot Crescent, where pretty, pastel-painted townhouses curve like a film set, and stroll along the Regent’s Canal, which winds its way peacefully past houseboats and tree-lined banks.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Arguably London’s most famous gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens (otherwise known as Kew Gardens) sprawls across 300 acres in South West London, a paradise that houses some of the world’s most remarkable – and beautiful – plants. Wander beneath soaring Victorian glasshouses, spying tropical palms and rare orchids, and photographing them along the way. In early spring, expect tulips and magnolias flowering across the gardens; and if you’re lucky, you might catch the candyfloss-like cherry blossoms blooming over Cherry Walk and Asano Avenue.

Westminster Bridge

Tucked beneath Westminster Bridge is a hidden archway that offers unobstructed views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament – easily one of London’s most famous photo spots, yet something of a well-kept secret. Finding it takes a little effort: on the South Bank of the Thames, follow the flight of steps that leads down from Westminster Bridge to the passageway directly beneath the bridge road. Here, the curved arches of the passageway frame Big Ben perfectly. For the clearest view and the fewest crowds, visit early on a weekday, when the light hits just right to capture timeless, vintage-style shots.

Kyoto Garden, Holland Park

Nestled within the walled confines of leafy Holland Park, you’ll stumble upon the tranquil Kyoto Garden, designed by renowned Japanese gardener Shoji Nakahara, and modelled after the traditional gardens typically found across Kyoto. This compact enclosure features a tiered waterfall and stone lanterns framed around a central, koi-filled pond. And if the garden’s cherry blossoms bloom early this year, you might just be lucky enough to spy their delicate pink petals beginning to flower around Mother’s Day. This serene pocket of greenery provides space to briefly pause and disconnect from the pace of the city, along with the picture-perfect backdrop for your Instagram shots.

Bywater Street, Chelsea

If chasing pastel-coloured hues is top of the agenda, skip the crowds that swarm towards Notting Hill, and make your way to this quiet residential street in Chelsea instead. Here, a row of handsome townhouses painted in soft pinks and lilacs lines the street, offering a charming, quiet backdrop for snapping away. Early afternoon is best for visiting, when the sunlight hits the pastel facades just right.

St Dunstan in the East

Hidden in the heart of the City, St Dunstan in the East is a whisper-quiet sanctuary that acts as somewhat of a time capsule amid the city’s ever-changing landscape. After bomb damage during The Blitz destroyed all but the shell and arches of the medieval church that once stood here, its ruins were transformed into a public garden. Today, ivy and wisteria spill over its ancient stone walls, and lush greenery fills the nave. It’s quietest here on a weekday morning: find a bench beneath the Gothic windows, and take a portrait or two of your mum.

Hampstead Heath

Sprawling Hampstead Heath offers a wilder, rugged slice of London that’s a little less manicured than the city’s royal parks, yet all the more charming for it. Climb to the top of Parliament Hill for one of the most panoramic views of the city skyline (aim for sunrise, when a soft golden light illuminates London’s landmarks), or head for the Heath’s famed swimming ponds, where hardy locals take brisk dips year-round. Make sure to visit Kenwood House while you’re here – especially if your mum is an architecture or history buff. This neoclassical villa is framed by tranquil gardens, features an impressive collection of sculptures and artworks, and wouldn’t look amiss on the set of Bridgerton. Nearby Hampstead village is worth pottering around, too: you’ll discover plenty of ivy-covered pubs, plus pretty lanes for wandering (Flask Walk and Holly Mount are particularly picturesque).