How to Find Abandoned Places for Urban Exploration (Urbex)

So, you’re intrigued by urban exploration but not sure how to start finding those elusive abandoned sites? You’re not alone! The excitement of stepping into a forgotten building – a place frozen in time – is a huge part of the appeal of urbex. But before you can experience that excitement, you have to find the locations first.

Fear not: this friendly guide will walk you through a variety of methods to safely and easily discover abandoned places for your next adventure. We’ll cover everything from good old Google searches to networking with fellow explorers, all with an emphasis on safety, respect, and the joy of discovery.

Online Research

In today’s digital age, the internet is your best friend when hunting for abandoned places. A bit of clever online sleuthing can reveal hidden gems from the comfort of your home. Below are some of the top online tools and platforms to kick-start your search.

Google

These days, almost everything starts with a Google search – and urbex is no exception! Google’s powerful search engine is a natural starting point for finding abandoned buildings. The key to success is using the right keywords and search tricks:

• Try variations of terms like “abandoned,” “derelict,” “disused,” “decay,” or “urbex” combined with the location you’re interested in. For example, you might search for “abandoned hospital Dublin” or “urbex Manchester”.
• Use quotation marks to search exact phrases. For instance, searching “abandoned factory” (with quotes) will show results containing that exact phrase.
• Use the minus sign – to exclude terms you don’t want. For example, abandoned railway -museum will find abandoned railway sites while filtering out any modern railway museums.
• Limit your results to specific sites or content by using modifiers. site:news followed by your keywords will show only news articles. This is handy for finding local news stories on abandoned properties.
• Filter results by date to get the latest information. After searching, click “Tools” under the Google search bar, then choose a time range (e.g. past year). This can help you find recent updates on a location’s condition.
  

Some example searches to get you started include:

• “abandoned [your city]”
• “derelict house [your county]”
• “[city name] urbex” or “[city name] urban exploration”
• “abandoned building [region]”
  

Don’t stop at the first page of results, either. Dig deeper into pages 2, 3, and beyond – we’ve found some of our best hidden treasures by venturing past the most popular results. Patience and curiosity go a long way when Googling for urbex spots.

Google Maps

Google Maps is another fantastic tool for discovering abandoned locations from above. By using Satellite view and a keen eye, you can spot tell-tale signs of neglect that might indicate a place is abandoned.

Start by entering the general area you’d like to explore, then switch to “Satellite” view (click the Layers icon and select Satellite). Now zoom in and scan the landscape for clues. Some signs that a site might be abandoned include:

• Collapsed roofs or walls: Buildings with caved-in roofs or crumbling walls stand out from above.
• Missing roofing tiles or shingles: Patchy or half-missing roofs are a red flag.
• Holes in roofs: Dark holes or gaps where a roof should be often indicate long-term disrepair.
• Overgrown vegetation: Look for lots completely overtaken by trees, vines, or weeds. Nature reclaiming a structure is a good indicator no one’s maintaining it.
• Fallen trees or debris: A fallen tree on a building, or rubble strewn about, suggests no one has cleared it.
• Burnt-out structures or vehicles: Scorch marks or burnt frames visible from the sky are a sign of an abandoned, fire-damaged site.
• General wasteland areas: Empty, underdeveloped lots in otherwise built-up areas might be former building sites left to decay.
  

A handy tip is to follow railway lines or rivers on the map. Historically, industry and commerce clustered along railways and waterways, so those routes often lead you to old factories, mills, or warehouses. We’ve discovered quite a few abandoned industrial sites just by tracing old train tracks and spotting large, disused buildings nearby.

If you find a promising location on the map, drop into Street View for a closer look. Drag the little Pegman (the yellow Street View figure) onto the nearest road and see how the place looks from ground level. This lets you confirm if a building truly looks abandoned up close, check for any “No Trespassing” signs, and even scout potential entry points without leaving your house. It’s like a virtual reconnaissance mission!

Lastly, use Google Maps’ Save feature to mark places you want to check out later. You can save a pin and even create a list (for example, “Potential Urbex Sites”) to organise all the locations you’ve spotted. That way, you’ll have a personal map of targets ready for your next road trip.

Bing Bird’s Eye View

Bing Maps might not be as widely used as Google, but it has a unique feature called Bird’s Eye View that urban explorers will love. Bird’s Eye View gives you high-resolution, 45-degree angled aerial images (taken by low-flying planes) which can reveal details a straight-down satellite shot might miss. This perspective can make it easier to identify abandoned cars in a lot, boarded windows, or other subtle signs of abandonment.

To use it, go to Bing Maps, search for your area of interest, and then select Bird’s Eye from the map view options (usually found in a dropdown that might say “Road” or “Aerial”). Navigate around in Bird’s Eye mode and look for the same kinds of clues you’d watch for on Google Maps. The angled view sometimes penetrates tree cover or shadows better, giving more context to structures.

Keep in mind that Bird’s Eye View primarily covers urban and suburban areas. The more rural your target, the less likely Bird’s Eye imagery is available. When it is available, though, it’s a quick way to scan an area for derelict sites, often faster than combing through flat satellite images.

Bing also lets you save locations by creating a personal collection (you’ll need to log in with a Microsoft account). This is useful if you want to bookmark spots just like you would on Google Maps.

Note: Whether you’re using Google Maps or Bing, remember that any aerial imagery could be a few years out of date. We’ve had cases where a building looked intact online but turned out to be reduced to rubble when we arrived in person.

Manage your expectations and be prepared for the possibility that an abandoned site might have been renovated, demolished, or made inaccessible since the images were taken.

YouTube

Believe it or not, YouTube is an incredible resource for finding abandoned places. Many urban explorers love to film their adventures and upload them for others to watch. You can tap into this treasure trove of videos to discover new locations and get a sneak peek at what they’re like.

Start by searching YouTube with keywords similar to your Google searches: for example “abandoned factory Belfast” or “urbex Glasgow”. You can use the same tricks – quotes for exact phrases, minus signs to exclude terms – to narrow things down. Once you have results, use the filters (click the “Filters” button on YouTube’s search) to sort by Upload Date. This will show you the most recent videos, which is helpful for checking the current condition and accessibility of a place. A video from last month is more reassuring than one from 5 years ago, as things change quickly in the urbex world.

While watching urbex videos, keep your eyes peeled for visual clues. Often, YouTubers won’t disclose the exact location (to protect it), but the footage might show signposts, shop names, distinctive graffiti, or unique architectural features. Pause the video, look at backgrounds, and you might catch a street name or a landmark that you can later plug into Google to pinpoint the spot.

Don’t forget to read the video description and comments. Sometimes the explorer will hint at the location’s history or general area there. Viewers might also drop clues or even blatantly name the location in the comments (though this is frowned upon in the community). You might learn, for example, that an “abandoned mansion in Sussex” in a video’s title is actually the old so-and-so estate that closed down in 1995 – enough info to lead you on the right path.

Some YouTube channels organise their urbex videos into playlists by region or theme. If you find an explorer who has done a lot in your country or state, check if they have a playlist – it’s an easy way to binge-watch and note down several locations in one go.

Finally, consider reaching out to the content creators. Leave a friendly comment or send a polite message asking for a bit more info or tips about the location. Not everyone will reply or share (many prefer not to give out exact locations to strangers, which is understandable), but occasionally you’ll find someone happy to help a fellow explorer. It never hurts to ask nicely, and the worst that can happen is you get no answer. The urbex community is generally friendly and passionate, so you might even make a new contact.

TikTok

We’ll admit, TikTok isn’t our favourite platform for urbex content (that text-to-speech voice can be a bit much!), but there’s no denying it has tons of short videos showcasing abandoned places. TikTok’s fast, bite-sized clips can actually be a great starting point to find new locations, especially popular or visually striking ones.

A simple search on TikTok like “urban exploration [your area]” or “abandoned [city name]” will surface loads of quick videos. You might see someone walking through an old house or panning across a derelict factory in 30 seconds or less. The format is different – you’ll often get a rapid montage rather than an in-depth tour – but even a short clip can reveal a location you hadn’t heard of.

When using TikTok for research, be ready to pause and replay videos, since everything flashes by quickly. Check the text overlays or captions for clues (sometimes creators will mention the city or region). Read the comments, too – TikTok viewers frequently ask “Where is this?” and occasionally the original poster or others might answer with hints.

As with YouTube, don’t expect everyone to disclose exact addresses on a public platform. Many TikTok urbexers are cautious about sharing details broadly. However, if you find a user who posts a lot of local explores, you could try following them or even reaching out via Instagram or other linked socials to strike up a conversation. Just remember to be polite and understanding if they choose not to share specifics.

Facebook Groups

Facebook is home to countless groups and communities, and urban explorers have definitely made a space for themselves there. Searching Facebook for terms like “urban exploration [Your Country/City]”, “abandoned buildings UK”, or “derelict places” will reveal various Facebook Groups dedicated to urbex. These groups can be goldmines for finding locations and also connecting with like-minded explorers.

Once you join a few urbex groups that are active in your region, take some time to browse their posts. People often share photos from their recent explorations (sometimes with a hint about where it is), news about buildings set to be demolished, or general questions and stories. Old posts in the group might already mention the kinds of locations you’re looking for. Use the group’s search function to look up keywords like “abandoned” or the name of a town – you might uncover a discussion from last year about an abandoned school, for example.

Engaging with the community can also help you gain trust and information. Introduce yourself, like and comment on others’ photos, and maybe share a bit about why you’re interested in urbex. Once you’ve participated for a while, you could post asking if anyone has recommendations for beginner-friendly locations in a certain area. Often, members will be more willing to help someone who’s shown genuine interest and respect.

Another approach is to connect with individuals one-on-one. If you notice a particular member often shares amazing finds in your area, you could send them a polite private message. Something along the lines of appreciating their posts and asking if they might be willing to point you towards any spots would be appropriate. Just be prepared that some people may politely decline – many explorers guard location info to prevent vandalism or overcrowding. Always respect those boundaries. Over time, as you build friendships in these groups, sharing locations tends to become a bit easier.

Flickr

It may not be as buzzworthy as newer social media, but Flickr remains a fantastic platform for urbex enthusiasts, especially photographers. Flickr is essentially an image-sharing site, and many urban explorers use it to showcase high-quality photos of the abandoned places they’ve visited. This makes it another useful tool for finding potential exploration sites.

To get started, go to Flickr’s search bar and type keywords related to what you want to find. For example: “abandoned school Scotland” or “urbex Ireland”. You can also simply search broad terms like “urban exploration” and then refine by adding a location in the search filters. Flickr will return photos (and sometimes albums or groups) that match those terms.

Pay attention to photo titles, descriptions, and tags. Often, an image will be titled with the name of the location (or a code name, depending on how secretive the photographer is). Descriptions might include a bit of history or context. Tags could list the city or region. All of these can give you hints to identify where the place is.

Flickr also has many urbex groups you can join. These are communities where members share photos to a common pool and discuss them. Groups might be general (e.g. “Abandoned Buildings”) or very specific (e.g. “Urbex Yorkshire” for abandoned places in Yorkshire). Joining a relevant group lets you browse a curated collection of urbex shots in your area of interest. Some groups even have a map feature that shows where photos were taken (if the photographer allowed the location to be public). Seeing a cluster of pins on a map for “abandoned places around Manchester,” for instance, can directly point you to several sites to investigate.

One particularly useful aspect of Flickr is the date info on photos. When someone uploads a picture, it often retains the original date it was taken. If you find a photo of an old warehouse from two months ago, chances are the building is still standing and explore-able now. On the other hand, if the only photos of a site are 10 years old, you might need to do more digging to ensure it hasn’t been renovated or demolished since then.

Lastly, just like on other platforms, consider reaching out. Leave a comment on photos you love, or politely message the photographer. Compliment their work and ask if they’re willing to share the location or any tips. Many users won’t mind telling you the general area or giving a clue, especially if you come across as an appreciative fan rather than someone looking to vandalise. Remember, urbex folks are usually proud of preserving these locations through photography, so if you express a shared respect, they may be inclined to help you out.

Get in Your Car and Drive Around!

One of the simplest (and most fun) ways to find abandoned places is to hit the road and go exploring in real life. Yes, just get in your car (or on a bike, or even on foot) and drive around with your eyes open. You might be surprised by how many abandoned buildings are hiding in plain sight in your local area once you start actively looking for them.

We recommend taking the path less travelled. Instead of sticking to busy motorways or highways, try the back roads and country lanes. Slower, out-of-the-way routes give you a chance to actually notice that old farmhouse peeking through the overgrowth or that boarded-up shop by the roadside. Cruise through rural villages, industrial estates on the edge of town, or older parts of the city. Look out for tell-tale signs like boarded windows, sagging roofs, yards overrun by weeds, or faded signs that haven’t been updated in decades.

When you do spot something intriguing, pull over safely and have a closer look (from a public road or footpath). Often you can get a good sense of a place just from the perimeter – for example, you might notice an open gate or a path that suggests others have been entering. Important: Use common sense and respect private property – don’t trespass if it’s clearly not allowed, and never break locks or pry boards to get inside. Many great finds can be observed from a distance first, and you can figure out access later if it seems feasible and safe.

Another huge advantage of roaming around is the opportunity to talk to locals. If you stop in a small town for a cup of tea or petrol, strike up a friendly chat. You can mention you’re interested in old buildings or local history, and ask if they know of any “old abandoned places around that might have an interesting story.” You’ll be amazed how much info people are willing to share. Long-time residents often know all about the creepy house at the end of the lane that’s been empty for 20 years, or the factory that shut down a decade ago. They might tell you exactly how to find it and what the history is. Just remember to be polite and respectful: frame your curiosity as an appreciation for history and architecture. Locals will be more receptive if you don’t come across as having mischievous intentions. A little genuine interest and kindness can open doors – figuratively, and sometimes literally!

Historical Records and Local Archives

For a more research-oriented approach, dig into historical records and archives. This method is especially useful if you’re interested in the backstory of places or looking for something off the beaten path that might not be obvious from a simple search.

Start local: many towns have a local history library or archive, often within the main public library. There you can find old maps, city directories, property records, and history books that might list buildings which no longer exist or are now abandoned. For example, a 50-year-old map might show a factory or school that’s not around today – time to investigate if the building still stands, possibly in ruins! Librarians and archivists are usually very knowledgeable and enthusiastic to help. Tell them you’re researching old buildings or local history; they might pull out files and newspapers or point you toward resources you didn’t know about.

If you can’t visit in person or want to broaden your scope, look for online archives. A lot of historical material has been digitised. In the UK, for instance, the National Archives and many county record offices have online databases where you can search for things like historical building plans, abandoned mine records, or old property registers. These can tip you off about places that were active long ago and could be abandoned now.

Don’t overlook planning office records and council databases as well. Local councils often have planning application archives. If a developer applied to demolish an old pub but it never got rebuilt, that pub building might still be standing empty. Some councils let you search planning applications online; others might require a visit or an email request. There might be a small fee for certain information, but it could be worth it if you’re after something specific (like verifying if a site is officially disused).

All this might sound a bit academic, but it can directly lead you to real locations. For example, an archive newspaper clipping from the 1980s about the closure of St. Mary’s Hospital could put that name on your radar. You then search for St. Mary’s Hospital today and find out it’s a well-known abandoned site that’s partially collapsed – perfect for a future urbex trip (with due caution of course).

Local Newspaper Websites

Local news is often a goldmine of information on abandoned places. Journalists love a story about a derelict old building getting a new plan, a historic site falling into decay, or community concerns about an “eyesore” property. Such stories typically mention the location and often a bit of history, which is exactly what you need.

If you have a particular town or county in mind, find out the major newspapers or news websites for that area. Then use their search function (usually a little magnifying glass icon on their site) to look up keywords like “abandoned”, “derelict”, “vacant”, or “eyesore”. You can also search for specific building types: “old mill”, “former hospital”, “disused school”, etc. The results will show relevant news articles.

For example, a local paper might have a piece titled “Old Mill to be Transformed into Apartments”. In that article, they’ll likely describe where this old mill is and maybe how long it’s been closed. That’s a clue for you – if it hasn’t been transformed yet, it’s probably still standing there abandoned. Or you might find an article like “Residents Urge Council to Secure Abandoned Building After Break-Ins” – which not only tells you a location (abandoned building) but also warns it might be accessible (if people have been breaking in).

The great thing about local news articles is they often include quotes from officials or locals about the site’s past, giving you context and helping confirm you’ve got the right place when you go looking for it. They might even have photos. Just be mindful that if an article is very recent and about a location becoming popular or problematic, security might have increased.

Estate Agents & Property Auction Websites

It might sound counterintuitive, but estate agent listings and property auction sites can be a handy way to find abandoned or nearly-abandoned buildings. When a property is in disrepair or totally derelict, it sometimes ends up being sold as a “doer-upper” or gets listed for auction at a bargain price. These listings are often public and can tip you off to places worth exploring (once you’re sure nobody’s actively caring for them).

Start by visiting the websites of estate agents (realtors) in the area you’re interested in, or national sites like Rightmove and Zoopla (for the UK). Use search terms like “renovation project”, “needs TLC” (tender loving care), “vacant”, or “derelict”. You might find entries like “Cottage in need of renovation, no owner living on site” – which is a sign it’s basically abandoned, at least for now. Estate agents often use polite terms to say a place is abandoned, such as “vacant possession” or “property has been unoccupied for X years”.

Property auction sites are even more blunt. Browse auction catalogues for phrases like “fire-damaged” or “structurally unsound” – these are usually abandoned houses being sold off cheaply as unmortgageable. An auction listing might specify if a building has been empty a long time (“unoccupied since 2010”). If the price looks way lower than expected for that size/property in the area, that’s a clue something is wrong with it (which, for us, is oh-so-right!). Note the address or area mentioned, and you’ve got a lead on a potential explore.

One thing to keep in mind: if an abandoned property is listed for sale, there’s a chance it might not stay abandoned for long (if it sells and the new owner fixes it up). So if you discover a location this way, you might want to check it out sooner rather than later. Of course, never interfere with a sale or do any damage – we’re only there to look and photograph, not ruin someone’s future property. And if you arrive and see signs that renovation has started or someone’s around, best to skip it.

Urbex Websites

Sometimes the easiest way to find new urbex locations is to let other explorers guide you. There are many urbex websites and forums out there where people document their adventures. These often include photos, write-ups, and sometimes even coordinates or maps for the places they’ve explored.

Right here at Urbex Hub, for example, we’ve written about numerous locations we’ve visited. Many of our articles include the location or GPS coordinates of the site (especially if it’s a well-known spot). We even have an interactive map feature on our site where we pin all the places in our database, so fellow explorers can find them.

Aside from our own site, you could check other urbex community sites or personal blogs. Some explorers love to share, others keep things vague – it varies. A good strategy is to search online for something like “abandoned places in [Region] blog” or “urbex locations [Country]”. Often, you’ll find forum threads or listicles from exploration websites that name a few classic locations (e.g. “Top 10 Abandoned Places in Scotland”). Those can be great starting points, and you can research each name further on your own.

Keep in mind, when using urbex websites, you should still exercise a bit of caution and respect. If a website is openly sharing an address or coordinates, it’s usually because the place is already semi-known or in danger (or permission-access only). If it’s a more sensitive spot, you might just get hints and have to do the final sleuthing yourself. And just because something was on a website doesn’t guarantee it’s still accessible – always check the date of the post and look for any updates.

The urbex community thrives on a mix of sharing and secrecy. Websites are the sharing part – a way to inspire each other and document these forgotten places. Use that information wisely and responsibly, and maybe one day you’ll contribute your own finds to help the next generation of explorers!

Networking with Other Urban Explorers

Urban exploration might seem like a solitary hobby, but there’s a whole community out there, and networking with other explorers can be one of the most rewarding (and efficient) ways to discover new locations. Fellow urbex enthusiasts often share tips and even invite each other on outings once they’ve built up trust. Plus, exploring with a buddy is generally safer and more fun.

Here are some tips on building your urbex network and leveraging it to find places:

• Attend Meetups or Events: Look for photography walks, urbex meetups, or explorer gatherings in your area. Sometimes these are organised through social media, Meetup.com, or local photography clubs. Meeting people in person who share your passion is fantastic – you can swap stories and often you’ll end up swapping location ideas too.
• Showcase Your Work: If you’ve already explored a couple of places (even small ones) and have photos, consider sharing them on Instagram, Flickr, or in Facebook groups. By showing that you’re actively exploring and respecting the locations (e.g. your photos don’t show you breaking rules or vandalising), you build credibility. Other explorers are more likely to share info with someone who appears genuine and responsible.
• Collaborate on Explorations: Teaming up can open doors. Maybe you’ve found an abandoned farm and someone else knows of an old church – doing a day trip together means you both get to see two spots. Also, exploring in a group can help if one person has contacts or a car or special equipment (like a drone for scouting). It’s a win-win: more safety, more locations, and more brains to solve access puzzles.
• Join Online Forums and Discussions: Apart from social media groups, there are dedicated urbex forums (sometimes country-specific) where people discuss locations and share reports. Register, introduce yourself, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even if people won’t hand you exact GPS coordinates, they might give hints or advice if you ask something like, “Has anyone explored old hospitals around Bristol? I’m curious if they’re still accessible.” The more you contribute over time – sharing your own little finds or just participating in conversations – the more you’ll get back from others.
  

Remember, networking is about building trust and friendships. At first, folks might be a bit guarded (there have been cases of vandals or thieves posing as explorers to get info, sadly). But as you engage sincerely, you’ll find the genuine explorers who care about the hobby’s ethos will welcome you. Some of the best leads you’ll ever get might come from a casual chat or a message from a fellow explorer who says, “Hey, I saw you’re into abandoned petrol stations – there’s one 5 miles away from me you might like. Let me know if you want details.”

Final Thoughts

Finding abandoned places to explore is a journey in itself – and a big part of the fun! Every successful urbex trip often starts with hours of research, a few dead ends, and then that golden moment when you stumble upon a location that makes all the effort worth it. As you embark on your urban exploration adventures, keep these final tips in mind:

• Safety first, always: Abandoned buildings can be unstable, have hidden hazards like open holes or asbestos, and are often in areas without quick help nearby. Carry the right gear (good shoes, a torch/flashlight, gloves, etc.), and if possible, don’t explore alone. Let someone know where you’re going. Your well-being is far more important than any photograph or adrenaline rush.
• Respect the locations: We can’t stress this enough. Treat every site as if it’s a museum piece. Don’t damage anything, don’t litter, and absolutely no graffiti or theft. The goal is to take only pictures and leave only footprints. By respecting the places you explore, you keep them preserved for others and maintain the good name of urbexers.
• Keep secrets when necessary: If you’re lucky enough to find a truly pristine, unknown spot, consider keeping it to yourself or only sharing with a trusted few. Unfortunately, a small number of people might trash these locations if they find out about them. Here at Urbex Hub, for example, we never share exact addresses of homes or very sensitive sites – it’s our way of protecting them from vandalism and theft. You can still enjoy sharing the pics and stories with your friends, just maybe save the GPS coordinates for those who will respect the place.
• Know the rules (and your limits): Urban exploration often lives in a legal grey area. Trespassing laws vary by country (and in the UK it’s a civil matter unless you cause damage, whereas elsewhere it can be criminal). We’re not lawyers, but it’s good to at least be aware of the risks. If a site has security or “No Entry” signs, evaluate whether it’s worth it. Never break and enter – if a door is locked, it’s locked. Part of urbex is about finding a way in without forcing it or waiting for the right moment. There’s always another location if this one doesn’t pan out.
  

Above all, enjoy the adventure. Urban exploration is about experiencing a piece of history first-hand and the thrill of discovery. Every abandoned place has a story waiting for you to uncover. With the tips in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding those stories. Stay curious, stay safe, and happy exploring!

Further Reading

• Urbex Equipment List
• Is Urbex Illegal?
• The History of Urbex
• Urbex FAQs