Exploring the Coastal Heritage of Seaham and Beyond: Capturing Iconic Landmarks from Above

Today’s coastal adventure took me around Seaham and surrounding areas, capturing historical sites and scenic structures that highlight the charm of County Durham’s coastal towns. Although there was a bit of mist, it added an atmospheric touch to each location, giving the drone captures a unique quality. From seaside viaducts to historic churches and landmarks, the day offered a wonderful mix of history and coastal beauty. Here’s a look at what I captured:

Seaham Hall: A Stately Landmark with a Storied Past

Built in the late 18th century, Seaham Hall is a grand Georgian mansion with a rich history. Known for its connection to Lord Byron, who married Annabella Milbanke here in 1815, the hall has seen transformations over the years and is now a luxurious spa hotel. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and close to the coast, it’s an elegant reminder of Seaham’s historical prestige.

With the drone, I captured aerial photos and video of Seaham Hall set against the misty coastal backdrop. The shots from above offered a sweeping view of the hall’s stately architecture and surrounding greenery, showcasing its grandeur within the coastal landscape. Despite the mist, the building’s silhouette emerged beautifully in the autumn light.

Seaham St Mary the Virgin: One of England’s Oldest Churches

St Mary the Virgin is a Saxon-era church dating back to the 7th or 8th century and is one of the oldest surviving churches in the country. Known for its simplicity and unadorned beauty, it has been a place of worship for over a millennium, withstanding the test of time. Its historic architecture makes it a cherished landmark in Seaham.

From above, the drone captured the compact form of St Mary’s, nestled peacefully in the landscape. The aerial photosand video highlighted the church’s ancient stone walls, the surrounding graveyard, and its proximity to the coast, which gave the images a timeless quality.

Seaham “Tommy” Statue: Honouring the Fallen with a Powerful Memorial

The “Tommy” statue, officially named 1101 to represent the time of the Armistice, is a striking World War I memorial. Created by artist Ray Lonsdale and placed in Seaham in 2014, the statue depicts a contemplative soldier at rest, reflecting on the horrors of war. Standing over 9 feet tall, it has become an iconic and poignant symbol on the Seaham coastline.

With the drone, I captured aerial views of the statue from multiple angles, showing its intricate detail and the surrounding coastal area. The mist added to the statue’s somber, reflective atmosphere, with the video footage capturing the powerful stillness of this well-loved landmark against the vast backdrop of the sea.

Former Londonderry Offices: A Reminder of Seaham’s Industrial Past

The former Londonderry Offices, built in the early 20th century, were once the headquarters of the Londonderry family’s coal business. The Londonderry family played a significant role in Seaham’s industrial development, especially in mining. Although the building no longer serves its original purpose, it stands as a reminder of Seaham’s industrial heritage.

Flying the drone over the building provided a full view of its distinct architecture, now contrasting with the town’s modern landscape. The aerial photos captured its red-brick design and prominent position in Seaham, adding a sense of history to the seaside town’s industrial past.

The Church of Saint Andrew, Dalton-le-Dale: A Tranquil Historic Church

Nestled in the village of Dalton-le-Dale, The Church of Saint Andrew dates back to the 12th century. Known for its medieval architecture and peaceful rural setting, the church has been a spiritual focal point for the village for centuries. Its age-old stone walls and tranquil setting add to its charm.

The drone photos and aerial video offered a unique perspective on the church’s layout, framed by the surrounding trees and countryside. From above, the church’s isolation in the landscape made it stand out beautifully, with the drone capturing its historic structure amidst the autumn foliage.

Crimdon Dene Viaduct: A Scenic Coastal Railway Crossing

The Crimdon Dene Viaduct spans the Crimdon Dene valley near the North Sea coast, carrying trains along the Durham Coast Line. Built in the early 20th century, it offers impressive views of the dene and surrounding coastline, making it both a functional railway bridge and a scenic landmark.

Using the drone, I captured aerial footage that showcased the viaduct’s full span over the valley, with the mist adding depth to the coastal scenery. The drone’s angle provided a clear view of its structural arches, set against the surrounding natural beauty and hinting at its connection to Durham’s railway heritage.

Castle Eden Dene Viaduct: Majestic Views Over a Lush Gorge

The Castle Eden Dene Viaduct is a striking railway viaduct that crosses the dense woodland of Castle Eden Dene. Built in the 1900s, this viaduct was part of the Durham Coast Line and stands as a marvel of early 20th-century engineering. Its arches rise above the treetops, offering expansive views across one of the region’s largest woodland reserves.

With the drone, I was able to capture aerial photos and video that emphasised the viaduct’s height and its position within the dense greenery. From above, the viaduct looked both impressive and harmonious with the forest below, creating a view that highlights the blend of industrial design and natural landscape.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s journey along the coast and nearby villages provided a mix of history, architecture, and scenic landscapes, each location offering something unique. Capturing these sites from above gave a fresh perspective, highlighting the connection between Durham’s industrial past, its architectural heritage, and the natural beauty of the coastline. Stay tuned for the images and videos—I can’t wait to share these glimpses of County Durham with you all!