so many great photo opportunities!

One of the reasons I do it, I look for the good shots and occasionally get one!

there some sort of information hub with a list of abandoned buildings?

No, it's quite a secretive hobby with people reluctant to give away locations, due to the amount of wankers who like to burn places, spray them or vandalize them. It still happens frequently and is a great source of annoyance to the likes of me who go for the adventure and photography.

I had a massive collection of those as a kid.

Me too, all the Secret Seven and Famous Five and all the others bits and bobs she wrote.

Have a read of this.. will give you some ideas about how to find places.

@slobberchops/a-shortish-guide-to-urban-exploring-in-the-united-kingdom