Castles, Coast & Clear Skies – A Calm Afternoon Between Two Historic Icons

The weather today was too good to ignore — clear blue skies, barely a breeze, and ideal conditions for flying. After a morning run, I headed out with the drone and made a quick stop in Bishop Auckland to get things started. From there, I made my way to the North Tyneside coast for an afternoon exploring the shoreline and a few familiar spots with fresh perspective.

On the way home, I stopped off in Morpeth, rounding off the day nicely. It wasn’t a big adventure, just a relaxed outing with the drone - a bit of coast, a couple of castles, and a decent stretch of sky. Just the kind of day that comes together without trying too hard.

Auckland Castle and Park – Morning Light Over a Landscape of History

Auckland Castle, standing proudly in the heart of Bishop Auckland, has been a centre of power and prestige for centuries. Once the official residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham, the castle dates back to the 12th century and has evolved over time into a remarkable blend of medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture. Surrounding the castle is the expansive Deer Park, which spans over 150 acres and was originally laid out as hunting grounds for the bishops. Today, it’s a peaceful space open to the public, offering a unique combination of formal gardens, woodland, open fields, and riverside walks, all tied into the rich ecclesiastical and political history of the area.

With the early morning sun lighting the scene perfectly, I took the opportunity to capture wide aerial views of both the castle complex and its surrounding parkland. The crisp light brought out the textures in the stonework and cast soft shadows across the park, highlighting the sheer scale of the grounds. From above, you can really appreciate how the castle is nestled within its landscape, with the park stretching out around it like a natural frame. It’s a place I’ve visited many times, but seeing it from this perspective in such ideal conditions made it feel fresh all over again.

Tynemouth Pier and Lighthouse – A Classic Landmark at the Edge of the North Sea

Stretching out into the mouth of the River Tyne, the Tynemouth Pier and Lighthouse is one of the most recognisable coastal landmarks in the North East. Built in the late 19th century, the North Pier was designed to protect the river entrance and shipping lanes, particularly during stormy seas. The elegant lighthouse at its tip has been guiding vessels safely into the Tyne for well over a century. It’s a spot steeped in nautical history, with Tynemouth Priory keeping watch from the cliff above and the ever-changing sea rolling in from the horizon beyond.

From the air, the pier reveals its full sweeping curve, arching out confidently into the water with the lighthouse gleaming at its end. With today’s clear skies and calm sea, the view was picture perfect - waves gently lapping the walls, while gulls drifted across the waterline. The drone captured the symmetry of the structure, the sharp contrast between sea and stone, and the sheer scale of the pier as it reaches out into open water. It’s a spot that never disappoints, but in these conditions, it felt especially dramatic and peaceful all at once.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle – Clifftop Majesty Overlooking the North Sea

Perched high on the cliffs where the River Tyne meets the sea, Tynemouth Priory and Castle is one of the most iconic historic sites on the North East coast. The site has seen over a thousand years of history, from its origins as an Anglo-Saxon monastery, through its Norman priory and medieval fortifications, to its later use as a coastal defence during both World Wars. The ruined church arches, defensive walls, and the commanding gatehouse all stand as reminders of its layered past. Its dramatic clifftop setting makes it as visually striking as it is historically rich.

From above, Tynemouth Priory and Castle looks absolutely spectacular. The drone captured the way the stone ruins hug the cliff edge, with the crashing waves of the North Sea just metres below. The contrast between the crumbling remains and the wide-open sea beyond gives the whole site an incredible sense of drama and space. The sunlight lit up the site beautifully, casting shadows through the old arches and outlining the fortress walls. Whether you’re into history, coastlines or just jaw-dropping views, this place never fails to impress - especially from the air.

St Mary’s Lighthouse & Island – A Coastal Icon Cut Off by the Tide

Located just north of Whitley Bay, St Mary’s Lighthouse sits proudly on its own little island, only accessible by a causeway when the tide is out. Built in 1898, the lighthouse served as a beacon for ships navigating the rugged Northumberland coast until it was decommissioned in 1984. Now preserved as a visitor attraction, the lighthouse and island remain a much-loved local landmark. The small island once housed the lighthouse keeper’s cottages, and today it offers visitors stunning views, seabird sightings, and a rare sense of isolation - just moments from the mainland but feeling a world apart.

From the air, St Mary’s Island is a perfect subject. The drone captured the tidal causeway, the curve of the rocky shore, and the towering white lighthouse rising at the heart of it all. With the calm sea shimmering under the afternoon sun and the island framed by surf and shadow, it felt like the perfect moment to photograph it. Seeing the island from above really shows its shape and separation from the coast, and the stillness of the day made it all the more peaceful. A stunning contrast of nature, history, and light—this little island always delivers.

Morpeth Castle – A Gatehouse with a View

Morpeth Castle might not be the towering fortress you’d expect from the name, but this 13th-century gatehouse, perched on a hill above the River Wansbeck, has its own unique charm. Originally part of a much larger defensive complex, the castle’s remaining structure served as the main entrance to the medieval stronghold, once guarding the town from above. Though the rest of the castle has long since disappeared, the gatehouse was restored in the 19th century and is now preserved as a holiday let by the Landmark Trust. It’s a compact but characterful building with thick stone walls, turrets, and arched windows - a small piece of history that’s stood the test of time.

From above, Morpeth Castle stands out beautifully against the surrounding town. The drone captured the way it sits above the river, with views stretching out over rooftops, trees, and the winding lanes below. Its elevated position and stone structure contrast with the more modern surroundings, making it an eye-catching feature in the landscape. The light picked out the texture in the walls, and the angle of the drone shots gave a strong sense of how it once dominated this part of Morpeth. A small castle with a big presence.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today had all the right ingredients for a brilliant outing - clear skies, calm conditions, and plenty of variety along the way. What started as a quick flight over Auckland Castle and Park turned into a full afternoon exploring the North Tyneside coast, with some classic locations looking their absolute best from above. From the dramatic curve of Tynemouth Pier, to the clifftop grandeur of Tynemouth Priory, and the peaceful separation of St Mary’s Island, it was the kind of day that makes you appreciate just how much beauty is packed into this stretch of coastline.

The surprise stop at Morpeth Castle on the way home rounded things off nicely—small in scale, but packed with character and perched in the perfect spot. Sometimes it’s the unplanned days with no set route that turn out the best, and this one was no exception. Castles, coast, and calm skies - can’t ask for much more than that.