Exploring North of the River Tyne: An Adventure of History by the Coast

After a few days of bad weather, I finally had the chance to head out this afternoon as the winds died down and the sun began to shine. For the first time, I ventured north of the River Tyne, and it was well worth it. Today was full of stunning locations, each rich in history, and perfect for drone photography and videography. Here’s a look at the day’s journey.

Tynemouth Lighthouse: Battling the Winds

My first stop was Tynemouth Lighthouse, standing proudly on the end of the North Pier. This lighthouse, constructed between 1854 and 1895, has long guided ships safely into the River Tyne. In the mid-afternoon sun, the lighthouse looked incredible, but the winds were still stronger than I anticipated. Since it was an onshore wind, bringing the drone back in was a challenge—by the time I landed it, I had just 8% battery left, which was closer to the wire than I’d usually like.

Despite the winds, I managed to capture some fabulous aerial photos and drone video. The lighthouse’s position on the pier, surrounded by crashing waves, made for some dramatic shots. The sunlight created beautiful contrasts, highlighting the lighthouse’s striking silhouette against the sea and sky.

Collingwood Monument: History and Stunning Backdrops

Not far from the lighthouse stands the Collingwood Monument, a grand tribute to Admiral Lord Collingwood, a key figure in British naval history and second-in-command to Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. Built in 1845, this monument is as imposing as it is intricate, featuring a statue of Collingwood atop a pedestal, flanked by four cannons taken from his flagship, HMS Royal Sovereign.

The location was perfect for some impressive aerial photography. From above, the drone captured not only the monument itself but also the stunning backdrop of Tynemouth Castle, Tynemouth Priory, the pier, and the lighthouse. Looking in the other direction, I could see out towards South Shields, creating a wide panoramic view that highlights the monument’s prominent position overlooking the River Tyne. The combination of historical architecture and natural scenery made for some fantastic drone video.

Tynemouth Priory and Castle: Overcoming Weather Damage

Next, I flew the drone over the ancient ruins of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. This site has a long and storied past, dating back to the 7th century when it was first established as an Anglo-Saxon monastery. It later became a Benedictine priory and a fortified castle during the Middle Ages. The priory, which overlooks the North Sea, has seen centuries of conflict and change, including sieges during the English Civil War.

Unfortunately, the recent bad weather had forced the site to close due to building damage. But this is where the drone really comes into its own. Despite the closure, I captured some fantastic drone photos and aerial video of the priory and castle from above. The shots showed the intricate layout of the ruins, with the vast North Sea as a dramatic backdrop. The aerial perspective really helps highlight the priory’s commanding position on the cliffs, offering a new way to appreciate this historic site.

Seaton Delaval Obelisk: A Hidden Gem

On my way to Seaton Delaval Hall, I noticed the Seaton Delaval Obelisk from the road and decided to make a quick stop. This towering monument, built in the early 18th century as part of the grand landscaping around Seaton Delaval Hall, was once a key part of the estate's design. Though no longer accessible on foot, it stands tall and solitary on the landscape, and it was the perfect subject for drone videography.

The drone captured aerial photos and video that showed the monument in its full glory, isolated amidst the surrounding fields. Its tall, slender form creates a striking contrast with the wide, open landscape around it. The aerial perspective allowed me to get angles that would be impossible from the ground, showing just how impressive the obelisk remains despite its age.

Seaton Delaval Hall: A Grand Finale

My final stop was Seaton Delaval Hall, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in the early 18th century. The hall, once home to the influential Delaval family, is one of the finest examples of Baroque design in England. Though it was badly damaged by a fire in 1822, the hall has since been partially restored and is now managed by the National Trust.

This site was a joy to capture with the drone. The sprawling gardens, grand architectural features, and open spaces made for some truly stunning drone photography. The aerial video really brought the hall’s beauty to life, showing the intricate design of the building and the symmetry of the gardens from above. The hall’s grandeur, set against the backdrop of the Northumberland countryside, made this a perfect location to wrap up the day.

Wrapping Up the Day

After a day packed with beautiful locations and historical significance, I couldn’t be more excited to start editing the footage. From the windswept Tynemouth Lighthouse to the grandeur of Seaton Delaval Hall, the variety of sites and the stunning visuals they offered made this one of the most rewarding days of drone photography I’ve had in a while.

Stay tuned as I begin editing and sharing these drone videos and aerial photos over the coming days. I can't wait to show you all the incredible angles and unique perspectives I captured!