Have you ever found yourself wandering through an abandoned building or exploring hidden corners of your city that few people even know about? If so, you might just be an urban explorer without even knowing it!
Urban exploring, or urbex for short, is a growing trend among adventurous individuals who enjoy discovering and documenting the forgotten, overlooked, and abandoned parts of urban environments. Whether you’re interested in history, photography, or simply love the thrill of exploration, urbex can be a fascinating and rewarding experience.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of urban exploring, discussing what it is, how it works, and some tips for getting started. Plus, we share our urban exploring checklist to help you get prepared.
Let’s begin!
What Is Urban Exploring?
At its core, urban exploring is the act of exploring abandoned or off-limits urban areas, often with the goal of uncovering hidden history, architecture, and other unique features. This can include exploring abandoned buildings, tunnels, rooftops, and other areas that are typically inaccessible to the public.
Urban explorers often have a passion for photography, documenting the unique features and history of the places they explore. Many urbex enthusiasts also enjoy the sense of adventure and discovery that comes with exploring unknown and often dangerous areas.
How Does Urban Exploring Work?
Urban exploring can take many forms, from solo expeditions to group adventures with other urbex enthusiasts. Some urban explorers rely on maps and online resources to find abandoned buildings and other hidden areas to explore, while others prefer to discover places on their own.
Once an urban explorer has identified a location they want to explore, they typically plan their visit carefully, taking into account factors such as safety, accessibility, and potential legal issues. Many urban explorers use specialised equipment, such as climbing gear or flashlights, to help them navigate through dark and dangerous spaces.
Urban explorers must also be aware of potential risks and hazards, such as collapsing buildings, rusty nails, and other physical dangers. Some locations may also be off-limits due to legal restrictions or other issues, so it’s important for urbex enthusiasts to research the legal status of any locations they plan to explore.
Tips for Getting Started in Urban Exploring
If you’re interested in trying out urban exploring for yourself, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start small: If you’re new to urbex, it’s a good idea to start with smaller, less dangerous locations. This can help you get a feel for the activity and build your skills and confidence.
- Do your research: Before exploring any location, be sure to research it thoroughly to understand any legal or safety issues. Look for online forums or other resources where other urban explorers share tips and advice.
- Be prepared: Bring appropriate gear and equipment, such as flashlights, sturdy shoes, and first aid supplies. Make sure to dress appropriately for the location and weather conditions. (See the next section for more information)
- Respect the location: When exploring, be sure to leave the location as you found it. Avoid damaging or removing any items and take care to avoid disturbing wildlife or other natural elements.
- Stay safe: Always prioritize your safety when exploring. Avoid taking unnecessary risks or entering areas that are clearly dangerous or off-limits.
What do I need in my Urbex kit?
While specialised equipment such as flashlights, climbing gear, and sturdy shoes can be helpful for exploring certain locations, they are not always necessary. As a beginner, it’s important to start with smaller and less dangerous locations before investing in specialised gear.
Here is our basic urban explorer checklist …
- Half mask respirator
- Gerber multi-tool (for barbed wire thick thorns etc)
- Armoured gloves – motorcycle gloves
- Portable charger
- Two torches – olight torches are compact but have phenomenal range
- Headlamp
- Helmet for narrower underground exploring
- First aid kit
- Folding walking stick
- Compass
- Telescopic ladder (in case stairs have been taken away)
FAQs about Urban Exploring
Q: Is urban exploring in the UK legal?
A: The legality of urban exploring can vary depending on the location and other factors. Many abandoned buildings and other urban areas are off-limits due to safety concerns or legal restrictions.
Q: Is urban exploring dangerous?
A: Urban exploring can be dangerous, as urbex enthusiasts often venture into dark, abandoned, and structurally unsound locations. It’s important for urbex enthusiasts to prioritize their safety and take necessary precautions to avoid physical harm.
Q: Can I urban explore with a group?
A: Many urbex enthusiasts prefer to explore in groups for safety reasons, as well as to share knowledge and resources. Joining an urbex group or finding other enthusiasts online can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals.
Q: Is urbex only for photographers?
A: While many urbex enthusiasts are passionate about photography, urbex can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in history, architecture, or adventure. Exploring abandoned buildings and other hidden areas can be a thrilling and rewarding experience regardless of whether or not you have a camera in hand.
Urban exploring is a fascinating activity that allows adventurers to explore and discover the hidden, forgotten, and off-limits parts of urban environments. Whether you’re interested in history, photography, or simply love the thrill of adventure, urbex can be a rewarding experience.
While urban exploring can be dangerous and illegal in certain situations, with proper research, preparation, and caution, urbex enthusiasts can enjoy the activity safely and responsibly. So why not give it a try and see what hidden gems you can discover in your own city? Just remember to prioritize your safety and respect the locations you explore. Happy exploring!
