Guardian Readers Showcase Stunning Photography from Around the World
In a vibrant display of creativity and observation, Guardian readers have submitted a remarkable collection of photographs capturing moments of beauty, drama, and everyday life. This online gallery highlights the diverse talents of contributors from various locations, offering a visual feast that spans from festive displays to natural wonders.
Festive and Seasonal Highlights from the UK
The collection opens with a festive touch from Leicestershire, where a visit to the Lanterns of the Wild display at Twycross Zoo brought Christmas cheer despite cold and rainy conditions. The giant succulents illuminated in the display won admiration, showcasing how holiday spirit can shine through even in inclement weather.
In London, a ring-necked parakeet was spotted sunbathing in Regent's Park on a frosty January morning, with temperatures dipping below zero. This image captures a rare moment of warmth and colour in the winter chill, highlighting the resilience of urban wildlife.
Other UK scenes include a stag sighting during a freezing sunrise walk in Bristol, a serene view of Walton-on-the-Naze in Essex on New Year's Eve, and a dramatic shot of a glider against the blue sky and white cliffs at Birling Gap in Eastbourne. Additionally, a cold January walk in the Falkland Estate woods in Fife and ducks surprised by otters on a frozen pond in Edinburgh's Figgate Park add to the seasonal tapestry.
International Vistas and Natural Wonders
Beyond the UK, readers have shared breathtaking images from around the globe. In Vienna, Austria, snowy weather graced the gardens at Belvedere Palace, creating a picturesque winter scene. Patagonia in South America offered a majestic view of an Andean condor alongside the ice wall of the Perito Moreno glacier, combining wildlife and geological splendour.
From Saint-Malo in France, a contemplative shot of a runner at dawn captures the serene beauty of northern European seasons. In Lustrafjord, Norway, autumn provided dramatic pictures with great light, emphasising the country's natural allure. Torrile, Italy, contributed a portrait of two adult dragonflies, serving as a reminder of their role as indicators of ecosystem health in wetlands.
Urban and Stormy Scenes
The collection also delves into urban environments and weather events. In London, a stormy night in Piccadilly Circus allowed for a striking photograph of reflections from illuminated advertising displays, with a shopper hurrying through a splash of colour during a wet evening in late 2025.
In East Sussex, the aftermath of Storm Goretti in Seaford is documented, showing how chunks of beach were swept away and the landscape transformed, making it barely recognisable. This image underscores the power of natural forces and their impact on coastal areas.
Sports and Action Shots
Adding a dynamic element, a photograph from South Shields captures a rider during a recce for the 2026 national cyclo-cross championships. Taken in awful weather conditions with high winds and freezing temperatures, this shot highlights the dedication and challenge of outdoor sports photography.
Overall, this gallery not only celebrates the artistic eye of Guardian readers but also tells stories of place, season, and human experience through the lens of photography.
