Welcome to the world of Urban Exploration!
We hope that these FAQ articles will be of use to you, as we cover some of the common questions
Always wanted to start urban exploring but unsure where to start? Check out our frequently asked urbex questions below. If your question is still unanswered, then please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Urbex is an abbreviation of the term urban exploration. It can be defined as the exploration of derelict and forgotten about buildings, locations, or structures that is rarely seen by the everyday public.
“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”
“Take nothing” We am vocally against taking anything from a location, ever. It isn’t mine, so this is theft.
“Leave nothing” We should endeavour to leave these places as we found them. This includes no graffiti/tags, as well as causing no damage.
Yes, Urban Exploration often involves entering land and property that does not belong to you. This is indeed trespassing.
The exact laws on trespassing, as well as the associated punishments, vary widely between countries. Always be aware of the laws, wherever you explore. If you engage in unlawful activity, be prepared for the possible consequences of your actions.
No. Even if the place has been abandoned for years, removing, or taking items from an urbex location is still theft.
There are many dangers in an abandoned building. You should never enter a location that you do not feel comfortable exploring. This depends on your definition of what you deem “safe to enter”. Always take your time to assess the building from the outside before you venture inside. Often, but not always, you will be able to get a rough idea of the hazards inside by taking a moment to pause and reflect.
Never Explore Alone
Never urbex alone and always buddy up and go with at least one other person. It is also wise to inform someone else where you are going for safety in case something happens – sharing your live location on WhatsApp while at an urbex location works well here.
Abandoned buildings are also attractive to people other than urban explorers. It is only a matter of time before you will bump into homeless people, squatters, drug users, scrap metal thieves etc. Safety in numbers is paramount here.
If you hear or visual people when you arrive, just leave, and come back another time. It is not worth the hassle and potential confrontation.
Be mindful of the structure
Always pay attention to your surroundings. Specifically, the condition of the floor and ceiling/roof if they are likely to collapse. Move slowly and plan your route, and look/listen for any subtle signs that things are on the move. If in doubt, find another route or even exit the location if you feel unsafe.
Asbestos Exposure
Be on the lookout for asbestos as older buildings usually contain it. Bring a mask and know how to identify asbestos.
Whilst asbestos is usually only harmful if you have been exposed to it for an extended period – it is better to be safe than sorry.
Park safely
If exploring by car, always park out the way. Parking right in front of the location usually means the police are swiftly on scene. Be discrete!
Wear old but robust clothing
It is inevitable you will end up ripping or tearing your clothes, but it is better to rip old, robust clothes than your skin. It is advisable to wear long sleeved clothing and trousers / jeans to mitigate some risk of cuts from abandoned locations.
Stay away from stray dogs.
If you hear or visual dogs in a building or see them on site, then leave. Stray dogs can be dangerous, scary, and very unpredictable. They are faster and stronger than you and not worth the risk.
When out urban exploring we recommend the following equipment:
First Aid Kit
Accidents can and do happen when exploring. A compact and waterproof first aid kit will not break the bank and could potentially end up being a lifesaving purchase. Remember to replace any items that have been used and to check the expiry dates of items within the kit when packing for an explore.
Flashlight or headlight.
Once the electricity goes off for the final time, most locations become quite dark. Always bring a torch or headlight to ensure you can safety manoeuvre around an abandoned location. Additional batteries are always recommended as you never know how long you will be exploring for!
Even though you may have one torch, We advise always take a second. Secondly, always take a third! You can never have too many torches, you don’t want to be trapped in the dark without one
Wear old clothing
It is inevitable you will end up ripping or tearing your clothes, but it is better to rip old, robust clothes than your skin. It is advisable to wear long sleeved clothing and trousers / jeans to mitigate some risk of cuts from abandoned locations
Safety shoes
Beware of sharp objects on the floor such as nails or glass you may step on. A good sturdy pair of shoes are a great investment. Anti-Puncture might save you from an upturned nail. Covered ankles might save you from a nasty slash from some sharp metal.
Protective Gloves
When you are climbing make sure you can see where you are putting your hands. There may be tiny glass shards left in that window frame you are pulling yourself though. It is a good idea to keep a pair of gloves in your bag, We prefer ones with tick rubberized grips as they protect from minor scratches.
Mask
Older buildings usually contain asbestos and, in some cases, lead based paints. Research an appropriate mask to protect yourself, and take this with you.
Waterproof bag
A waterproof bag is necessary for protecting your camera equipment and gear.
Water and snacks
It can get hot in abandoned locations once the air conditioning is no longer turned on. Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and to keep the hunger pains away.
Surface and baby wipes
It is inevitable your equipment and hands will get dirty when urban exploring. Pack these to clean your gear and yourself when at an urbex location.
When going out to urbex locations please remember to ensure you have not packed any of the following:
– Spray Paint / Markers
– Knives / Screw drivers etc
– Plies / Crowbars / Hammers etc
– Lock Picks
This is where civil trespass becomes criminal trespass as the police will assume you are “going equipped” or “with intent” to burgle or vandalise a location.
Always check your bags before you set off exploring!
By driving / cycling / walking around
Our best finds have been from simply just driving around. Keep your eyes peeled for abandoned buildings when out in public. You will be surprised at how many there are!
Google and Bing Maps
Scrolling Google or Bing maps on satellite is a terrific way to find locations. Bing also has a handy feature called “Birds eye view” which is a closer shot of an area taken by a low altitude plane. This feature is more common for large cities than rural locations though, so this feature is not always an option.
When scouting for industrial urbex locations, a great tip is to follow the railway tracks or rivers as that is where commerce took place historically. Satellite view allows you to cover vast areas in a small period.
When scrolling Google or Bing maps keep your eyes peeled of the following:
– Holes in roofs
– Missing tiles or shingles on roofing
– Collapsed walls
– Overgrown vegetation
– Fallen trees
– Burnt out structures or vehicles
– General wasteland or underdeveloped areas
When using Google or Bing maps, remember that the satellite view may be outdated. We have been to a few urbex locations that on arrival have been a pile of rubble but are still structurally intact on satellite view!
Google Searches
Simply searching for “abandoned building city name” can yield results.
Some recommended Google searches include:
“abandoned” + “city name”
“abandoned warehouse” + “city name”
“abandoned house” + “city name”
“city name” + “urbex”
“city name” + “urban exploration”
“abandoned building” and “city name”
Local paper websites
Use their search facility to search for ‘abandoned’, ‘derelict’, ‘decaying’ building(s).
Estate agent (realtor) or property auction websites
Check out both commercial and residential estate agent websites or auction houses for “properties in need of renovation.”
If the asking price is not in keeping with other buildings in the area, then there is a good chance it has been abandoned.
Facebook Groups
Join local urbex groups or historical groups on Facebook to see abandoned locations near you.
If you have an idea of where the urbex location is, you can use Google or Bing maps to find it.
Only with fellow urban explorers who we have been on adventures with or know. If we are unsure of who you are, we will not swap any locations with you.
HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT URBAN EXPLORATION? ASK US!
If you have more questions that have not been answered, contact us. We will do my best to answer all questions!
Have we missed out some useful urbex tips for beginners? Let us know, and we will also add them.