Last Updated: 18 March 2026

London is one of the best cities in the UK for film photography. The architecture, the street life, and the grey skies make black-and-white film sing. In this post I’m sharing my 48-hour film photography London itinerary across East London, Bloomsbury, Soho, and South Kensington, including the best record shops, free museums, and hidden spots worth shooting.

I shot on the Edixa-Reflex Mat B-L using Fomapan 400 and Rollei Retro 400S, developed by Gulabi Film Lab.

Day 1: East London, Haircuts, and Hidden Museums

The trip started with a fresh trim at Thy Barber. Since I had some time to kill before my 11:15 appointment, I popped into Flashback Records on Bethnal Green Road.

If you are a vinyl head, this place is dangerous. The sheer quantity of stock they have is amazing. I didn’t buy anything this time, but I highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area.

Coffee, Skulls, and Disappointments

Post-haircut, I needed caffeine. I headed to Dark Arts Coffee (inside The Great Frog) and picked up a bag of Mask of the Mire.

I had planned to visit the UCL Pathology Museum at the Royal Free Hospital; I’ve always been fascinated by the macabre side of science. Unfortunately, I learnt the hard way that you have to book in advance.

Travel Tip: If you plan to visit niche museums in London, always check the booking requirements first!

Not wanting to waste the afternoon, I pivoted to the Grant Museum of Zoology. It was a fantastic alternative and completely free. It’s packed with skeletons and specimens that look incredible through a viewfinder.

Skate Shops and Streetwear

After grabbing a bagel (a London essential) and browsing Bookmarks Bookshop, I made my way to Rough Trade East. I was hunting for new Hardcore Punk records, but the selection was a bit thin this time. Still, it’s an iconic spot that I hadn’t visited since I lived here.

My shopping luck turned around at Slam City Skates, where I grabbed a fire t-shirt from Former. I also realised I was carrying my camera like a novice, so I popped next door to Topologie to pick up a proper strap.

I ended the retail therapy at Son of a Stag. This shop is a temple for salvaged Japanese denim and rugged brands like Filson. Even if you aren’t buying, the quality of the gear there is inspiring.

We closed the day with dinner and drinks at The Bike Shed, catching up with my girlfriend and her colleagues.

Day 2: Galleries and Soho Vinyl Hunting

Friday was dedicated to the masters. I had booked an 11:00 slot to see the Boris Mikhailov “Ukrainian Diary” exhibition at The Photographers’ Gallery.

I first discovered Mikhailov at university through his photobook Case History, which I adored. Seeing his work in person was a highlight of the trip. The gallery was also showing:

• Zofia Rydet: Sociological Record
• Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth
• Martin Parr: A Fair Day (Beautiful black and white prints)

I couldn’t resist the gift shop and picked up a couple of books and some extra rolls of film to keep me going.

The V&A and Soho Rain

With no set plans, I headed to the V&A Museum. It is one of those places that never disappoints. The photography section, in particular, was amazing, a perfect well of inspiration for anyone planning film photography London trips.

From South Ken, I headed into the belly of the beast: Soho.

I did the rounds of the legendary record shops:

• Sister Ray: Scored four 7” records for £1 each (result!).
• Reckless Records & Sounds of the Universe: Great browsing, even if I didn’t buy.
• Supreme: Always worth a look.

By late afternoon, the London weather lived up to its reputation. The rain started coming down hard, making film photography in London difficult but atmospheric. I packed the Edixa away and headed to the tube to meet my partner for the train home.

Final Thoughts: Is Film Photography London Worth It?

Absolutely, and I’ll keep going back. London rewards the patient shooter. The streets are endlessly varied, the light changes fast, and there’s always something unexpected around the corner. Over two days I shot two full rolls, visited three galleries, dug through thousands of records, and barely scratched the surface.

A few things I’d do differently next time:

• Book the UCL Pathology Museum in advance — they don’t take walk-ins
• Arrive at Flashback Records early — the good stuff goes fast
• Bring a lens cloth — London rain and film cameras are a messy combination
• Fomapan 400 in low light is unforgiving — next time I’d bring Ilford HP5 as a backup

If you’re planning a film photography London trip and want to know where to shoot, where to buy film, or which galleries are worth your time, drop a question in the comments below; I’m happy to help.