A Mixed Day of Exploration: Finding Hidden Gems in North Yorkshire

Today was a bit of a mixed bag, but it turned out to be rewarding in the end. I started the day with a run to get back into my fitness routine, which has been slipping lately. That delayed my start, so I wasn’t able to get out until a bit later than planned.

I set off towards Darlington, intending to explore the villages near Northallerton. Now, you might think I carefully plan and research each trip, but truth be told, that’s not always the case. Often, I simply head out with a vague idea of where to go and see what I stumble upon. Today was one of those spontaneous outings with no particular plan in mind.

I love rural locations, so I breezed through Darlington and into the surrounding villages. At first, I struggled to find anything interesting, and I thought I might be losing my touch! I’d hoped to photograph a beautiful church I spotted, but a funeral was in progress, so it didn’t feel appropriate to send the drone up. That’s a location I’ll have to revisit another day.

Eventually, by ignoring a few "keep out" signs and trusting my instincts, I did manage to sniff out some fascinating spots. Here’s where my explorations took me today:

The Church of Saint Michael and All Angels, Middleton Tyas

My first stop was this beautiful church nestled in peaceful surroundings. The Church of Saint Michael and All Angels is a Grade I listed building with origins dating back to the 12th century. It boasts a blend of Norman and Early English Gothic architecture, with some significant restoration work done in the 19th century. Inside, it has stunning stained-glass windows and a 13th-century knight effigy, believed to be a member of the De Aton family. The peaceful village setting adds to the charm of the place, making it an ideal subject for both drone video and camera photography. I captured the building’s serene beauty and rich history from multiple angles.

Moulton Hall

Next, I followed a narrow track with no real expectations and stumbled upon Moulton Hall, a stunning 17th-century manor house near Richmond, North Yorkshire. Built in 1650 for the Smithson family, this Grade I listed building is now owned by the National Trust. Though it's renowned for its cantilevered staircase inside, I didn’t venture in today. Instead, I focused on capturing the hall’s symmetrical, classic design from the outside. It felt like the place was completely abandoned, so I took advantage of the peace and quiet, grabbing both camera shots and drone footage. National Trust properties often have a "no drone" policy, but I was able to get some beautiful aerial footage without interruption!

Pepper Arden Hall

Another gem I discovered today was Pepper Arden Hall, an 18th-century country house near Northallerton. This elegant Georgian mansion was built for Sir Mark Milbank and remains a Grade II* listed building. The hall sits in extensive grounds, with parkland and woodlands surrounding it, making it a scenic location for photography. The house has changed ownership several times and has seen a variety of uses over the years. Today, there wasn’t a single person around, so I had the place to myself to capture some stunning shots. I’m especially excited to edit the drone footage, as the hall looked particularly regal from above.

Pepper Arden Water Tower

While exploring the grounds of Pepper Arden Hall, I noticed an unusual structure that caught my eye – Pepper Arden Water Tower. Water towers like this were often built during the Victorian era to serve large estates, supplying water to the house and surrounding buildings. While I couldn’t find much detailed information about this specific tower, it likely played a critical role in maintaining the estate’s water supply before modern infrastructure was introduced. I got some great aerial footage of this forgotten structure and look forward to uncovering more of its history.

Pepper Arden Stables and Mill

Just beside Pepper Arden Hall are some dilapidated buildings that piqued my interest, including what appears to be a mill and an old stables building, which features a small clock tower. These structures, now falling into disrepair, were once integral to the functioning of the estate. The stables would have housed the estate's horses, used for both transport and work, while the mill likely processed grain grown on the estate’s farmland. Over time, the area has become cluttered, with parts of it resembling a junkyard, but the charm of these old buildings still shines through. I captured some drone footage and camera shots, though I’m not sure how they will turn out given the condition of the area. I’ll need to do more research to piece together the full story of these buildings.

While I didn’t capture as much as I’d originally planned, the places I visited were full of character and charm. The day might have started off slowly, but in the end, I came across some fascinating locations rich with history. Now, it’s back to the editing table—there’s always more to learn and discover!

Stay tuned for updates once I’ve had a chance to sift through the footage and photos.