A Quick Fly Around Washington – Bridges, Halls and History

With just a spare hour or so this afternoon, I grabbed the drone and headed out towards Washington for a quick explore. The weather was a bit grey and breezy, but still good enough for flying - especially when you know exactly what you want to capture. The focus today was on a few standout spots I’ve had on my list for a while: Victoria Viaduct, Penshaw Bridge, and the historic Washington Old Hall.

Washington Viaduct

Penshaw Bridge

Washington Old Hall

Even with limited time, the trip was well worth it. Each location brought something different - industrial elegance, simple structure, and deep heritage - and flying in these conditions gave the photos a more moody, dramatic feel. Sometimes it’s the quick, spontaneous outings that surprise you most, and this one definitely delivered a strong trio of sights from both past and present.

Victoria Viaduct – A Grand Archway Over the Wear

Victoria Viaduct is an impressive piece of 19th-century engineering that spans the River Wear near Washington. Completed in 1838, it was built for the Durham Junction Railway and was modelled on the famous Alcántara Bridgein Spain. With its sweeping stone arches and elegant design, it once carried rail traffic across the valley and was considered a marvel of its time. Though the line has long since closed, the viaduct remains a striking reminder of the region’s railway heritage.

From above, the viaduct really comes to life. The drone captured its perfect symmetry and graceful curve, rising proudly over the river and surrounding woodland. Even in today’s muted light, the contrast of warm stone against the greens and greys of the landscape made for a powerful image. It may be disused, but it still commands attention - a monument to the ambition and craftsmanship of a very different era.

Penshaw Bridge – A Quiet Crossing Beneath the Monument’s Gaze

Penshaw Bridge, also known as Fatfield Bridge, crosses the River Wear just downstream from the iconic Penshaw Monument. Built in 1890, the bridge is a simple but sturdy structure of iron and stone, linking the villages of Fatfieldand Penshaw. While not as grand as the nearby viaduct, it’s a vital local crossing and forms part of the scenic riverside route that winds beneath the famous hilltop landmark.

From above, the bridge offers a calm and composed view - its arches stretching across the Wear with Penshaw Monument visible on the skyline behind it. The drone captured the scene beautifully, showing the bridge nestled between the riverbanks and framed by trees just beginning to shift into seasonal colour. It’s a location full of everyday charm and gentle history, made even better when viewed from the air.

Washington Old Hall – The Ancestral Home of a President

Washington Old Hall is a charming manor house tucked into the heart of modern Washington, and is best known as the ancestral home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. The current building dates mainly from the 17th century, though parts of it go back to medieval times. Carefully restored and now managed by the National Trust, it tells the story of the Washington family's English roots and how their legacy stretched all the way across the Atlantic.

From the air, Washington Old Hall is a beautiful contrast to its surroundings - a patch of history nestled within the modern housing estates. The drone revealed its tidy gardens, stone courtyard, and steep gables, giving a sense of just how well preserved and carefully maintained it is. It’s not a grand palace, but it has a quiet dignity, and capturing it from above really shows how it has stood the test of time, right at the heart of its community.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was a quick outing, but proof that even a short window of time can deliver some brilliant results. With a bit of grey sky and a breezy chill, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but the chance to capture three very different slices of history around Washington made it more than worthwhile. From railway grandeur to riverside charm and a Presidential connection, it packed plenty into a single afternoon.

The Victoria Viaduct was the standout - imposing and elegant even in the muted light—while Penshaw Bridge offered a gentler contrast below the monument’s watchful gaze. And then Washington Old Hall, with all its understated historical importance, felt like the perfect way to round things off. A short trip, but full of character—and a reminder that you don’t need a full day or perfect weather to enjoy capturing the stories that sit quietly in our landscapes.