I keep thinking this year I've done a lot less exploring than last, but in reality that's not really true even if its had some quieter spells. Quality over quantity maybe, but there's been a lot of decent stuff to choose from now I look back. Honourable mentions include RAF Kirton in Lindsey and Bentwaters bomb stores with
@dansgas1000, and some small but original finds including Bradwell Springs pumping station and a mortuary I'd had my eye on for a while with
@mockney reject and
@KPUrban_ , but I've limited it to a top 5. Most of these are in NP so I don't even know why I'm doing this, although I suppose those are going to be the best. So I'll ommitt the specific names of them and hopefully it still provides a teaser without revealing much.
No. 5 - Barking Power Station Switchhouse
Ended up going here twice this year. Had my eye on it for ages after thinking it was demolished but never pulled my finger out to check it till
@KPUrban_ mentioned it was good. I love a bit of early century power station stuff especially if there's control panels involved. Not to mention it felt like a true time capsule of East London history, some of the little tucked away rooms in this place feel like a step back in time. Stuff still left from the Blitz in here was awesome.
No. 4 - Massive Chemical Works
This one turned out to be my biggest and most impressive explore of the year. It didn't dissappoint after not knowing what we'd find, it had all sorts here from industry to offices, as well as a lovely dated medical room, and I'm pleased
@KPUrban_ got to see some of the nicest labs going. The reason why it doesn't rank higher is because it lacked many details of architectural and historical interest, although that wasn't really what this explore was about. Only the medical room felt like going back in time, but gotta love a pristine one though with the lights still humming.
No. 3 - Southern Asylum
Have wanted to get in here for ages and see some more recent photos of it. That all changed later this year and it was wicked to have finally conquered a good chunk of a legendary place. It had one of the longest asylum dayrooms I've seen. Why it only reaches 3rd place is because there were other nice sections I didn't get to see, and the live nature of it made it feel a bit less 'oldly worldy' until within the less modernised wards. Otherwise a cracking bucket list explore.
No. 2 - Mid-Century Hospital
This one I will specify no further because
@Bugsuperstar has been sitting on this for ages, gradually photographing different sections until he's ready to make a report. He was kind enough to show it to me and
@KismetJ when we were on our Irish asylums roadtrip in the summer - St. Brigid's asylum also deserves an honourable mention, especially due to its grim utility tunnel access which as another bucket list acitivity done albiet quite unpleasant. For this, the access was as humourous as it was pleasing and took a little effort whilst being fairly hassle-free. This hospital was probably the nicest I've ever seen, an explore of the finest order you just don't get these days. Nearly everything was still left inside, and the decor was period as fuck. Truly felt like a little time capsule hidden away on an active site and perfectly preserved. Plus the colours, decay and sunshine was extremely photogenic.
No.1 - Northern Asylum Ward
This one might be a surprising first place choice, because it was only one ward block of a largely demolished asylum. However, it really took me by surprise when I came across some footage revealing its existence, and I simply had to get in it. I spent the next two weeks until
@KismetJ and I were heading up norf just absolutely itching. The access was a ridiculously tight squeeze through a single pane of missing sash window glass putting Harry Houdini to shame. But it was one of those where you see your opportunity and just execute as planned. It was a very tasty asylum inside, with a lot of original character mixed with some dated late 20thC decor. It wasn't a very big place but I was so pleased to do it and bring something new to the table that was a genuine discovery.
