An Adventure Through North Yorkshire and Beyond

The clear skies set the perfect scene for a day of exploration in North Yorkshire. From ancient churches and intriguing ruins to mysterious follies and serene riverside views, the journey offered a rich mix of history and natural beauty. It was a day to embrace winter’s charm while capturing these incredible locations from both above and ground level.

St Andrew's Church, Winston

St Andrew’s Church is a stunning Norman structure dating back to the 12th century. Its Romanesque design features intricate stone carvings, particularly around the arched doorways. The square tower has stood as a beacon for centuries, guiding parishioners and travellers alike. The churchyard holds gravestones worn by time, each with its own story. Inside, the church boasts a beautiful ancient font and stained-glass windows that reflect its long history.

Arriving at sunrise, the church was illuminated by the golden morning light, with frost sparkling across the grounds. Aerial photos showcased the building in its serene rural setting, while the drone captured sweeping shots of the church and its surroundings.

Holgate, near Helwith

Holgate is an abandoned cluster of farm and mine buildings, a testament to the region’s rural and industrial heritage. These structures, now crumbling, were once home to families and miners who worked the surrounding land and underground. The dry-stone walls and rugged terrain are iconic of the Yorkshire Dales. The area’s isolation adds to its haunting charm, making it a compelling site for photography and exploration.

Using the drone, I captured the full scope of the abandoned site, with its decaying stone buildings standing amidst the rolling hills. The frost-covered ground highlighted the textures of the landscape, adding drama to the footage.

Marrick Smelt Mill

Marrick Smelt Mill played a vital role in Swaledale’s lead-mining boom during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its chimney remains a striking landmark, symbolising the mill’s industrial past. The complex processed ore extracted from nearby mines, employing many local workers. Today, the ruins stand as a preserved reminder of the area’s mining legacy, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Swaledale.

The drone provided dramatic views of the mill’s chimney rising against the backdrop of snow-dusted hills. Close-up shots highlighted the intricate stonework of the remaining structures, while aerial footage revealed the mill’s connection to the surrounding landscape.

Ellerton Abbey Priory

Ellerton Abbey Priory was established in the 13th century for Augustinian nuns. The priory later transitioned into private ownership before falling into ruin. Its riverside location near the River Swale enhances its tranquillity and allure. The priory’s remaining walls and arches are beautifully framed by the surrounding countryside, making it a favourite spot for visitors seeking a blend of history and nature.

The fields and riverbanks added an ethereal quality to the drone footage. Sweeping aerial shots captured the priory’s ruins in their entirety, offering a sense of the site’s original grandeur and its harmony with the natural surroundings.

Olliver’s Ducket

Olliver’s Ducket is an 18th or 19th-century folly, thought to have been built for decorative purposes. Its unique design and elevated position suggest it may have been used as a viewpoint or even a hunting lodge. The structure stands alone in the Richmondshire countryside, its mystery adding to its charm. Locals and visitors alike are drawn to its enigmatic presence.

From above, the drone captured the Ducket’s distinctive silhouette against the frost-covered landscape. The winter light accentuated the textures of the stonework, creating striking visuals of this peculiar and captivating tower.

St Thomas’s Church, Stanley Crook

St Thomas’s Church, built in the late 19th century, served as a spiritual hub for Stanley Crook’s mining community. Its modest design reflects the practical needs of the era, providing a simple yet peaceful place for worship. The churchyard features gravestones commemorating generations of local families. Though unassuming, the church remains an important landmark in the area.

Arriving at sunset, the church was bathed in warm, golden light, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding snow. Aerial photos captured the building’s charming simplicity, while the drone footage showcased its position within the rural landscape.

Reflections on the Day

From sunrise to sunset, the journey offered a perfect mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Each location revealed its own unique story, from the industrial past of Marrick Smelt Mill to the tranquil ruins of Ellerton Abbey. Capturing these sites in the frost and golden light of winter was a photographer’s dream and a reminder of the timelessness of the Yorkshire Dales.