A Day of Collaboration and Exploration: Old Buildings, Hidden Gems, and New Perspectives

This morning brought something different—an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a fellow local content creator. We met up to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and see how our different perspectives could enhance our work. It was a refreshing change of pace, offering a chance to experiment and incorporate each other’s styles. We also visited some unique locations, capturing them through both drone footage and camera shots. After lunch, I ventured out solo, returning to familiar territory and discovering some fantastic old buildings and landmarks.

Here’s where the day took me:

Former Bluebell Meadows Infant School

Our first stop was the Former Bluebell Meadows Infant School, which recently suffered significant fire damage. While the fire left parts of the building devastated, it still stood as a lovely example of historic architecture. Using the drone, I captured some powerful images and footage showing both the damage and the structure’s former grandeur. Despite its current state, the building remains a striking landmark, and the drone photos offered a new perspective on how much of the school remains intact.

Wheatley Hill Stadium

Next, we headed over to Wheatley Hill Stadium, once a thriving greyhound racing track. Today, there’s little left of the bustling stadium that once attracted crowds of spectators. It was fascinating to explore this almost-forgotten place and document its current state. Using the drone, I captured footage of the empty track, now overgrown and silent, showing the stark contrast between its past and present.

Damaged Building Near Wheatley Hill Stadium

Just near the former stadium, we came across another damaged and condemned building. Its deteriorated state mirrored the stadium’s, giving us another opportunity to capture unique images. With the drone and camera, we documented the building’s downfall, adding another layer to today’s exploration of abandoned spaces.

After lunch, I set off on my own, heading into more familiar surroundings but still eager to discover something new.

Helme Park Hall

One of the highlights of the day was Helme Park Hall, an old and now run-down property that’s recently been put on the market for £750,000. Though it’s definitely seen better days, this grand old building still has a lot of charm. It’s a true 'doer-upper', but the potential is incredible. I captured some fantastic drone photos, showing the extent of the wear and tear while also highlighting the property’s elegant architecture and expansive grounds.

St. Mary's and St. Stephen's Church, Wolsingham

Nestled in the heart of Wolsingham, the Church of St. Mary’s and St. Stephen’s is a beautiful historic building that matches the stunning countryside around it. The church, dating back to the 13th century, has a rich history and still serves the local community. I spent time capturing drone video, aerial photos, and camera shots that truly showcased the church’s beautiful stone architecture and tranquil surroundings.

Demesne Mill Little Waterfall

On my way through Wolsingham, I stopped by Demesne Mill and found a small, charming waterfall. Though it may not officially be classed as a waterfall, the natural beauty of the area made it a fantastic subject for photos and FPV drone footage. The setting was peaceful, with the sound of water running through the small stream—a perfect moment of serenity amid the busier day.

Big House in Hollywood, Near Wolsingham

This large, somewhat unsightly house in Hollywood, near Wolsingham, initially didn’t catch my eye the way some of the other properties did. However, after talking to a local, I found out that this grand house is mostly empty and abandoned. That made it all the more intriguing, and I managed to capture drone photos and aerial footage of this once-luxurious residence. Though it didn’t stand out aesthetically, the history of the home now added another layer of interest.

Water Treatment Works Building at Tunstall Reservoir

Next, I visited a water treatment works building near Tunstall Reservoir. This old brick building, sitting right by the water, was a striking example of functional architecture from another era. The mix of the industrial building set against the natural beauty of the reservoir made for some compelling drone footage and photos. I was able to get close enough to capture detailed shots of the building's design, giving it a unique context against its stunning surroundings.

Old Pump House at Tunstall Reservoir

Finally, I took some time to explore the old pump house located near Tunstall Reservoir. This building, a remnant of the area’s past infrastructure, still stands strong beside the calm waters of the reservoir. I captured some breathtaking drone video and photos, showing the pump house’s structure and the scenic landscape around it. The reservoir itself offered stunning views from above, and the pump house added an element of history to the natural beauty of the scene.

A Day of Learning and Discovery Today was filled with exciting moments, from collaborating with another content creator to exploring both abandoned and historic locations. It was a day where I learned new tricks, discovered new places, and added some great content to the growing pile of footage to edit. Each location offered something unique, whether it was the damage left behind by fire or the quiet charm of an old church. This mix of collaboration and solo exploration was exactly what I needed to keep the creative energy flowing. Now, time to get to editing!