About
Welcome. I’m Dan — though most people know me as GRONK.
My journey into urban exploration began in 2013, with a spontaneous descent into the long-abandoned tunnels beneath Crewe Railway Station. Beneath the rumble of passing trains and the glow of platform lights, I discovered a hidden world — silent, forgotten, and slowly being reclaimed by time. That first exploration revealed something I never knew I was searching for, and from that moment on, I was hooked.
Like many explorers, I started with almost nothing. A second-hand Canon EOS 30D. A torch from a pound shop. Very little understanding of photography, and even less idea of how to light spaces that hadn’t seen electricity in decades. I made mistakes, missed shots, and learned everything the hard way — through trial, error, and countless late nights processing photos and planning the next trip.
Not long after, my search for new locations led me to one of the UK’s most iconic abandoned sites: Camelot Theme Park. I never had the chance to visit while it was alive, but stepping through its decaying gates felt like walking into a dream that had been left behind. The silence of the rides, the peeling paint, the echoes of laughter that once filled the park — it was haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable. In that moment, I realised this wasn’t just about exploring places. It was about preserving fragments of time before they disappeared forever.
Over the years, curiosity turned into commitment. I’ve travelled across the UK and Europe in search of forgotten buildings, sealed tunnels, hidden factories, empty hospitals, and fading landmarks. I’ve slowly upgraded my kit, refined my craft, and poured more and more of myself into every shoot. I’ve learned how to read light, shape shadow, and capture the atmosphere of spaces that exist somewhere between history and ruin.
One of the few truly consistent things in my life has been this hobby. Friends, relationships, and jobs have come and gone over the years, but urban exploration has always been the constant. It has been there through every chapter — the highs, the lows, the uncertainty, and the change. Along the way, I’ve met some incredible people, and a few not-so-incredible ones too. I’ve built strong friendships, shared unforgettable experiences, and picked up more than a few scars in the process.
This website began simply as a place to share a few photographs and stories. I never expected the response it would receive. I’ve been genuinely blown away by the interest — especially from people who’ve never been part of the urban exploration world before. It’s been incredible to see these forgotten places spark curiosity, nostalgia, and wonder in others.
Urban exploration is more than a hobby to me. It’s a journey through time, silence, and decay. It’s about stepping beyond the surface of the world we think we know and finding beauty in what remains. I hope this site gives you a glimpse into that world — and into my journey through it.
Thanks for being here.
