An Unexpected Day of Exploration in Hartlepool and Castle Eden

Today started as a planned rest day, but things took a turn, allowing me to get out with my drone and camera to explore some incredible places. While the wind created some challenges for drone footage, I still managed to capture stunning aerial photos and camera shots. I ventured towards Hartlepool and Castle Eden, visiting historical sites that truly amazed me.

Castle Eden Castle

Originally built in the mid-18th century, Castle Eden Castle was constructed by Rowland Burdon, a prominent banker, with the help of architect William Newton. This Grade II* listed building stands as a Palladian-style mansion. Although the medieval castle that once stood on the grounds is long gone, the estate is rich with history, surrounded by the scenic Castle Eden Dene. Despite the wind, I managed to get some beautiful drone photos of this architectural gem, though my drone wasn't happy up high due to the gusts.

St James Church, Castle Eden

Built in 1764, St James' Church was commissioned by Rowland Burdon as part of his improvements to the estate. It incorporates some medieval stonework in its design and was further modified in the late 1800s with additions like a new chancel and organ chamber. Sadly, the church is now closed, but I was able to get some incredible shots using both my camera and drone, showcasing its weathered yet beautiful structure.

Denemouth Viaduct, Castle Eden Dene

What a magnificent structure! Denemouth Viaduct spans the lush landscape of Castle Eden Dene, and its sheer size left me in awe. Built to carry the Hartlepool to Sunderland railway line in the late 1800s, the viaduct is an impressive piece of engineering, towering over the natural beauty of the area. Despite the wind and the challenging angle due to sunlight, I captured some great footage and aerial shots of this remarkable structure.

Hartlepool Headland

Next, I headed to the Hartlepool Headland, home to the Heugh Lighthouse and offering stunning views of the coastline. The high winds along the coast made for some tricky drone flights, but I still managed to capture the beauty of the lighthouse and headland. The drone footage highlights the dramatic cliffs and the lighthouse standing strong against the coastal winds.

St Hilda’s Church, Hartlepool

St Hilda’s Church, a stunning 12th-century structure, sits proudly on the Hartlepool Headland. Known for its Romanesque architecture, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the area. After previously capturing some great camera shots, I returned to get aerial footage, though I had to cut it short due to some territorial seagulls! Still, I got some fantastic drone photos showing the grandeur of this historic church from above.

Throston Engine House

On my way home, I spotted the Throston Engine House, a relic of Hartlepool’s industrial past. This building, once part of a colliery, is now almost in ruins. It's a poignant reminder of the area's mining history, and despite its dilapidated state, I captured some beautiful shots of this 19th-century structure with both my camera and drone.

Time to Edit! Today's unexpected outing was filled with historical discoveries and plenty of great footage. Now it's time to tackle the mountain of editing I have waiting for me! And a big thank you to everyone who follows along—our little Facebook page has just reached 500 followers!