Exploring the Past from Above: Capturing Tanfield Railway and Historic Ruins

This afternoon’s weather was bright but breezy—enough to make me double-check conditions for flying, but still safe to get the drone up and running. Today’s focus was all about capturing the industrial heritage and historical ruins around Tanfield and Marley Hill. Despite the wind, I managed to cover some fantastic locations and got to meet some amazing people along the way.

Tanfield Railway at Marley Hill: Steam Engines from Above

My first stop was the Tanfield Railway at Marley Hill, part of the oldest existing railway in the world, dating back to 1725. This historic railway was originally built for transporting coal and now operates as a heritage line with steam and diesel engines running on weekends. The Marley Hill Engine Shed is a gem for railway enthusiasts, housing working locomotives and carriages that still carry passengers through beautiful Northumberland landscapes.

The staff at Tanfield Railway were fantastic, giving me the green light to fly the drone as long as we kept a safe distance from any moving engines. Safety first, of course! The bright skies helped me capture some stunning aerial photos and drone video of the station, the sheds, and even a few engine movements. Seeing the historical engines from above added an entirely new perspective, especially with the scenic backdrop of the surrounding countryside. The drone shots also highlighted the layout of the railway yard, with its historic features framed by the lush landscape.

Andrews House Ruins: Capturing a Once-Grand Manor

Not far from Marley Hill lies the ruins of Andrews House, once a grand manor, now just a shadow of its former self. The house has long since fallen into disrepair, with only fragments of its walls and foundation still visible. From what remains, you can imagine the grandeur of the estate in its heyday.

Although not much is left, the location still has an air of mystery and history. I captured aerial photos and drone videothat show the ruins set against the green fields, providing an intriguing glimpse into what was once a prominent home. It’s always fascinating to see how time and nature reclaim these old structures, and the drone allowed me to capture the full scale of what remains. The aerial shots really emphasised the isolated beauty of the site.

Low Friarside Chapel: A Hidden Gem in the Countryside

My final stop was Low Friarside Chapel, a hidden gem nestled in the countryside. This small chapel, now in ruins, is believed to date back to the 14th century. Despite its decayed state, the chapel has a haunting beauty, standing silently amongst the trees. It’s a quiet, almost forgotten part of local history, making it a perfect subject for drone photography.

The landowners were incredibly kind, giving me permission to fly over the site and capture the ruins from above. The aerial photos and drone video highlighted the chapel’s location, surrounded by nature, with the stone walls slowly being overtaken by the greenery. The drone footage offers a peaceful yet striking view, capturing both the isolation and the quiet charm of this old chapel in the middle of the countryside.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s drone adventure was all about exploring local heritage and discovering hidden historical gems. From the industrial heart of the Tanfield Railway to the quiet ruins of Low Friarside Chapel, it was a day filled with history, both grand and forgotten. I can’t wait to start editing and sharing the photos and videos with you all!