Embracing Autumn Colours in County Durham: A Day of Heritage and Aerial Views

As the autumn colours reached their peak, today was a perfect opportunity to capture some familiar spots with a fresh seasonal perspective. There’s something magical about how autumn transforms the landscape in County Durham—historical buildings framed by vibrant orange and gold, crisp skies, and the play of light that only this season can bring. With a packed itinerary, I divided my day in two: a morning of capturing local spots I’ve visited before and an afternoon exploring new territory. From quaint village churches to grand halls, historical railway sites, and Halloween magic at a centuries-old castle, today offered a mix of history and seasonal charm. The drone allowed me to bring out the unique perspectives and capture scenes that highlighted each location’s character against the backdrop of autumn.

St. Phillip and St. James Church, Witton Le Wear: A Quaint Church in an Idyllic Setting

Nestled in the picturesque village of Witton Le Wear, St. Phillip and St. James Church has stood since the 13th century. This small, quaint church is known for its ivy-clad stone walls, tall spire, and beautiful churchyard—a classic example of English village charm. Today, the autumn colours brought an extra level of beauty to the setting, with the foliage adding rich, warm tones that highlighted the church’s stonework.

Using the drone, I was able to capture aerial photos and drone video that showcased the church from angles you can’t see from the ground. The perspective from above allowed me to show the church’s layout, with its spire reaching up through the trees, surrounded by the burst of autumnal hues. The bird’s-eye view of the churchyard, with its historic gravestones among the fallen leaves, created a timeless scene.

Witton Hall: A Hidden Historic Gem Next Door

Just next to the church stands Witton Hall, a Georgian-era mansion that adds a touch of grandeur to the village. Originally built as a private residence in the 18th century, the hall has seen many uses over the years, from aristocratic family home to a venue for community events. Though less renowned than other historical estates, Witton Hall is a stunning architectural piece with its stone façade, grand windows, and ivy-covered walls.

Since the drone was already up, I took the opportunity to capture aerial photos and drone video of the hall. From above, the hall’s architecture stood out beautifully, especially against the colours of the season. The drone allowed me to capture the hall’s position in the village and its relationship to the church, framed by the surrounding countryside in a way that adds context to its historical presence.

Witton Castle: Capturing a Historic Fortress from a Distance

My next stop was Witton Castle, a striking 15th-century fortress with a turbulent past. Originally built as a fortified manor, the castle was later transformed into a stately home and, more recently, a leisure park. I’d hoped for permission to capture it up close, but the management turned down my request, so I took to the nearby public land to get the shots I wanted.

Using the drone from a respectful distance, I was able to capture aerial photos and drone video that highlight the castle’s imposing structure, surrounded by landscaped grounds and autumn foliage. The drone perspective provided an expansive view of the castle’s layout, showing its integration with the surrounding landscape. Despite the restriction, the distant shots actually enhanced the castle’s grandeur and seclusion, capturing it as a true fortress standing proudly against time.

Clemmy Bank Bridge: Autumn Colours and Reflections on the River Wear

After capturing Witton Castle, I made my way to Clemmy Bank Bridge, a spot I had previously visited but couldn’t resist returning to, given the stunning autumn colours. This quaint bridge, crossing the River Wear, offers a peaceful scene that’s only enhanced by the seasonal changes. The bright blue sky today was perfectly reflected in the calm waters below, adding to the sense of tranquillity.

Using the drone, I captured aerial photos and drone video that showcased the bridge surrounded by autumn foliage, with the river mirroring both the bridge and sky. From above, the bridge appears like a pathway into nature, with the rich orange and yellow leaves creating a frame around it. The reflections on the water added a unique depth to the images, making it a perfect seasonal capture.

Etherley Incline: Documenting the World’s First Steam-Powered Railway Track

As part of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway—the world’s first public railway, opened in 1825—the Etherley Incline holds a significant place in industrial history. This incline was one of the earliest experiments in steam-powered rail transport, used to haul coal over the hills from the collieries. Today, it’s a quiet, unassuming path, but its historical importance cannot be overstated. While I was there, I had the good fortune of meeting a documentary team working on the Stockton and Darlington Railway bicentennial, with whom I may collaborate for future aerial footage.

Capturing the incline with the drone allowed me to showcase the length and gentle gradient of the track’s route, which would be difficult to capture from the ground. The aerial photos and drone video bring out the landscape’s contours, allowing viewers to visualize the challenge of moving coal across the terrain two centuries ago. It’s a humble stretch of land but rich in historical significance, and the drone gave it the sweeping perspective it deserves.

Darlington Brick Train Sculpture: A Modern Nod to Railway History

On the outskirts of Darlington, the Brick Train Sculpture pays tribute to the town’s railway heritage. Created by artist David Mach in 1997, this massive sculpture is built from 185,000 bricks and mimics the shape of a speeding steam locomotive, seemingly breaking through a wall. The sculpture celebrates Darlington’s role in the history of the railway, and its scale can only truly be appreciated from the air.

With the drone, I was able to capture aerial photos and drone video that showcase the full length and scale of this unique sculpture. From above, the train’s shape and perspective become clear, with the landscape surrounding it creating the effect of motion. This is a site where the drone’s high-angle shots really brought out the design’s impact and paid homage to the legacy it represents.

Darlington Train Station: A Blend of Historical and Modern Development

The next stop was Darlington Train Station, a beautiful example of Victorian railway architecture, dating back to the 19th century. The original station is an architectural marvel with its ironwork, stone arches, and classic features, but alongside it stands the newly constructed station extension, part of a major redevelopment project. This juxtaposition between the historic and the modern tells the story of Darlington’s continuing role as a railway hub.

Capturing aerial photos and drone video allowed me to showcase both the old and new sections of the station, highlighting the contrast between Victorian design and contemporary architecture. The drone shots framed the station against the broader urban landscape, with the construction work adding a layer of context about the town’s evolution.

St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington: A Sacred Landmark with a Long History

One of the oldest churches in Darlington, St Cuthbert’s Church has roots dating back to the 13th century. It’s dedicated to St Cuthbert, one of the most revered saints of the North East, and has a rich architectural heritage, including medieval stone carvings and stunning stained glass. From above, the church takes on a new grandeur, its layout and architectural lines revealing its age and significance.

The aerial photos and drone video capture the church as it sits amidst the town, a blend of history and community that has remained a constant presence for centuries. The drone’s perspective allowed me to appreciate the scale and symmetry of the structure, giving it the prominence it deserves in the heart of Darlington.

Darlington Market: A Victorian Treasure Still Bustling Today

The Darlington Market Hall, built in the 1860s, is a bustling spot for locals, with Victorian-era ironwork and a clock tower that marks it as a focal point of the town. The market hall stands as a testament to the town’s heritage and community spirit, a place where tradition and daily life intersect.

Using the drone, I was able to capture the structure’s intricate architecture and its place within the town centre. The aerial photos and drone video highlight the market’s unique ironwork, its bustling activity, and its role as a historical yet functional landmark that continues to serve the community.

Tees Cottage Pumping Station: Victorian Engineering at Sunset

Tees Cottage Pumping Station, dating back to the 19th century, houses an impressive steam-powered water pump that once supplied water to the region. Set against the beautiful autumn landscape, I arrived just in time to capture the station in the golden glow of sunset. The drone’s panorama shots framed the station within its surrounding fields, while the aerial photos and drone video highlighted the intricate architecture of the pumping station. The gentle light made the brickwork glow, capturing the essence of this Victorian marvel.

Bishop Auckland and Auckland Castle: Halloween at a Historic Site

On my way home, I couldn’t resist stopping in Bishop Auckland to capture Auckland Castle. This medieval castle has been a residence of the Bishops of Durham since the 12th century and is now a heritage site open to the public. Tonight, the castle grounds were decorated with a Halloween pumpkin trail, adding a fun twist to its historic atmosphere. The aerial photos and drone video captured the castle from above, with the pumpkins creating a trail of orange lights winding through the grounds—a perfect seasonal touch to round off the day.

Wrapping Up the Day

From ancient churches and railway history to Halloween magic at Auckland Castle, today offered a bit of everything, each spot enhanced by the colours of autumn. It’s days like these that remind me of the endless stories hidden in County Durham’s landscapes, ready to be discovered from the air. Can’t wait to share these captures with you all—stay tuned for more!