Exploring Heritage and Coastal Views Across North Yorkshire and County Durham

Today’s weather was ideal - clear skies, low winds, and a soft autumn light that highlighted every detail. With winter drawing near, it felt like the perfect time to make the most of these conditions and capture some extraordinary sites along the North Yorkshire coast and into County Durham. This journey offered a fascinating mix of history, scenic coastal landmarks, and local heritage, each stop telling its own unique story.

Kirkleatham Museum: A Glimpse into the Region’s Past

Starting my day in Redcar, I spotted the striking Kirkleatham Museum and knew I had to make it my first stop. Originally built in 1709 by Sir William Turner, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, Kirkleatham Hall was initially established as a free school for local children. Today, it serves as a museum, housing exhibits on local history, including artefacts from the industrial age and displays of regional fine art. The vibrant autumn colours surrounding the building, paired with views stretching out to the sea, created a perfect backdrop. Capturing aerial photos and drone video here really brought out the details of the historic architecture and the beauty of the surrounding grounds.

Sir William Turner’s Hospital: A Piece of 17th-Century Philanthropy

Just a short distance from the museum, I kept the drone up to capture the Sir William Turner’s Hospital, founded in 1676. Turner, a prominent merchant and former Lord Mayor of London, established this almshouse as a charitable institution for retired gentlemen who had fallen on hard times. The grand stone buildings of the hospital, with their unique architecture, offer a window into 17th-century charity and social care. Seeing the site from above, with its stately courtyards and intricate facades, highlighted the scale and elegance of the complex. I captured some fantastic aerial photos and drone video to show the layout of this remarkable historic site.

Turner Mausoleum, Church of St Cuthbert: A Striking Memorial

Around the corner from the hospital, I visited the Church of St Cuthbert, home to the Turner Mausoleum. Built as a resting place for Sir William Turner, the mausoleum is an impressive structure in its own right. The church itself dates back to the 12th century, and the addition of the mausoleum makes it one of the most notable ecclesiastical buildings in the area. From the drone, I captured the scale of the mausoleum and the peaceful surrounding churchyard. The aerial photos and drone video added depth to the grandeur of this historical landmark, showing the fine detail of its design.

Redcar Beacon: A Modern Landmark with Mixed Reviews

My next stop was the Redcar Beacon, a contemporary addition to the seafront built in 2013 as part of a major redevelopment. This spiralling structure, designed to provide panoramic views of the coastline, has sparked mixed opinions among locals. Some see it as an innovative viewpoint, while others feel it’s a missed opportunity. The Beacon’s modern design stands out along the shore, and my drone photos and aerial video captured the contrast between its contemporary lines and the natural beauty of the coastline.

Cliff House, Marske: A Coastal Retreat with History

Heading toward Saltburn, I spotted Cliff House in Marske-by-the-Sea and couldn’t resist stopping. Built in the 19th century, Cliff House is one of the historic properties that add charm to the area’s coastline. Originally a private residence, it has also served as a hotel and café over the years. Located right by the beach, the house provides a unique blend of architectural beauty and seaside charm. I captured aerial photos and drone video that showcase the house’s proximity to the beach and its striking presence against the sea.

Saltburn Cliff Tramway and Pier: A Classic Seaside Landmark

The main reason for my journey today was to capture Saltburn’s Cliff Tramway and Pier. The Saltburn Cliff Tramway, built in 1884, is the oldest operating water-balance funicular in the UK, offering a journey down to Saltburn Pier. The pier, first opened in 1869, is a beloved coastal feature and the last remaining pleasure pier on the North East coast. Both structures reflect Saltburn’s rich Victorian heritage, once a booming holiday destination. With the drone, I captured the full sweep of the pier, the tramway descending the cliffs, and panoramic shots from above that show the pier reaching into the North Sea. This was a dream spot to capture, and I took my time gathering aerial photos and drone video from multiple angles, including some sweeping panoramas.

Burton Woods, Spennymoor: A Growing Community

After heading inland, I made a quick stop at Burton Woods in Spennymoor. This newly developed housing estate is part of a growing community, blending modern housing with green spaces. I arrived a bit early for my afternoon appointment nearby, so I took the opportunity to capture some aerial shots of this area, showing its layout and how it fits into the surrounding landscape.

Auckland Castle at Dusk: A Beautiful Finale to the Day

As the day came to a close, I headed to Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland to capture it at dusk. This Grade I listedcastle, originally built in the 12th century, served as the residence for the Bishops of Durham for more than 800 years. The castle has recently been restored and transformed into a heritage site, with events that bring the grounds to life. Tonight, it was decorated with a Halloween-themed pumpkin trail, adding a festive touch to the evening. Capturing the castle from above as dusk settled provided a beautiful mix of historical grandeur and seasonal charm. I managed to capture some incredible aerial photos and drone video of the castle and its surroundings, lit up against the darkening sky.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was an extraordinary day for capturing a range of landscapes, architecture, and history. From Victorian elegance to medieval splendour and modern developments, each location offered something unique. I’m looking forward to editing and sharing these moments with you all—stay tuned!