From Ancient Ruins to Industrial Icons – A Day of Exploration Across the North East

Another action-packed day exploring and capturing the rich heritage of the North East. The weather was near-perfect—clear blue skies, no wind, making it ideal for drone flying. However, while bright conditions are great for visibility, they don’t always create the most dynamic images. Today featured a mix of historic ruins, impressive bridges, maritime landmarks, and a return to Durham for some night photography.

St Thomas a Becket Church Ruins, Grindon

The ruins of St Thomas a Becket Church in Grindon are one of the region’s hidden gems. Few people know of its existence, and that’s what makes it such a fascinating location to visit and document. The church dates back to at least the 12th century and was once the religious centre for a small medieval settlement. Over time, as populations moved and shifted, the village declined, leaving the church abandoned by the 18th century. Today, only fragments of its walls and gravestones remain, a ghostly reminder of the past.

Aerial photography captured the full extent of the ruins, highlighting how nature has begun to reclaim the structure. The surrounding landscape, untouched and remote, adds to the atmosphere, making it feel like stepping back in time. Capturing this site is always a privilege, shining a light on a piece of history that few get to see.

Tees Newport Bridge

Tees Newport Bridge stands as one of Teesside’s most striking pieces of engineering. Completed in 1934, it was designed as a vertical lift bridge, allowing large vessels to pass beneath it as they travelled along the River Tees. The bridge played a crucial role in the region’s industrial growth, helping to transport materials and goods at a time when Teesside was a booming centre for steel and shipbuilding.

Although the lifting mechanism was decommissioned in 1990, the bridge remains a vital road crossing and a landmark of Middlesbrough and Stockton. Its bold steel framework, painted red and green, is an unmistakable feature of the skyline.

Aerial photography revealed its scale and structural details, with the reflection in the river adding symmetry to the images. The surrounding industrial landscape contrasted against the still waters, reinforcing the bridge’s historical importance.

Infinity Bridge

Just upriver from Newport Bridge, the Infinity Bridge is one of the most modern structures in the Tees Valley. Opened in 2009, it was designed for pedestrians and cyclists, with twin arches that, when reflected in the water, create the illusion of an infinity symbol.

This bridge represents the regeneration of the region, built to connect the newly developed North Shore area with Stockton town centre. The elegant, sweeping design stands in stark contrast to the more industrial bridges along the river.

The aerial shots captured its perfect symmetry, with the still river providing a near-flawless reflection. The contrast between this modern design and the surrounding area made for some fascinating compositions.

Seaton High Light Lighthouse, Hartlepool Marina

Originally built in 1839, Seaton High Light Lighthouse once stood on the Seaton Carew coastline, guiding ships safely into the River Tees. As navigation needs changed and the coastline shifted, the lighthouse was later moved to Hartlepool Marina, where it remains today as a preserved historical landmark.

Though no longer operational, the lighthouse still stands as a reminder of Hartlepool’s rich maritime heritage. It has a simple yet striking design, with its white-painted tower standing out against the sky.

Aerial photography captured its unique position within the marina, showing how it sits among modern developments while still holding onto its historical importance.

HMS Trincomalee

One of Hartlepool’s greatest historical assets, HMS Trincomalee is the oldest British warship still afloat. Launched in 1817, it was constructed in India from teak wood, making it far more durable than most other ships of its era. Over its long service, it played various roles in the Royal Navy before eventually being retired and restored as a museum ship.

Now permanently moored at Hartlepool’s Historic Quay, HMS Trincomalee is a fascinating window into Britain’s naval past. Visitors can walk its decks, see the cannons and rigging up close, and get a real sense of what life was like aboard a 19th-century warship.

The drone shots captured the full scale of the ship, showcasing its masts towering above the quay. The contrast between the historic vessel and the modern marina made for an interesting perspective.

Hart Windmill

Hart Windmill is a rare surviving example of a traditional 19th-century windmill in County Durham. Once vital for grinding grain for the local community, it gradually became obsolete as industrial mills took over. While many windmills from this period were demolished or left to ruin, Hart Windmill has been preserved, standing as a reminder of a bygone era.

The aerial perspective captured its isolation in the landscape, with open fields stretching out around it. The way the light hit the curved structure made for a visually interesting contrast between shadows and highlights.

Hart Reservoir

Hart Reservoir was originally built to serve Hartlepool’s water supply but has since become disused. Over time, it has turned into a local wildlife habitat, attracting birds and other species. However, recent proposals have suggested repurposing the site for housing developments, leading to discussions about its future.

Aerial photography showed the still waters of the reservoir reflecting the blue sky, making for some peaceful and atmospheric images. With the possibility of redevelopment, it felt like capturing a moment in time before the landscape potentially changes forever.

The River Wear in Durham City – Long Exposure Photography

The River Wear snakes its way through Durham City, looping around the historic peninsula where Durham Cathedral and Castle stand. It has been a defining feature of the city for centuries, shaping its geography and providing both a natural barrier and a source of trade.

Long exposure photography helped smooth the movement of the river, creating mirror-like reflections of the surrounding trees and architecture. The historic bridges and ancient buildings provided the perfect contrast to the soft, flowing water, making for some beautiful images despite the bright skies.

Durham Cathedral – Still Chasing the Perfect Shot

Durham Cathedral is one of the most breathtaking buildings in England, with a history stretching back nearly a thousand years. Built in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, it remains a masterpiece of Norman architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Capturing the perfect shot of Durham Cathedral is an ongoing challenge. The way the light interacts with the stonework changes throughout the day, and every angle offers something different.

Today’s aerial captures focused on its commanding position above the city, highlighting its immense scale and intricate detailing. While each visit brings improvements, the ultimate shot is still waiting for the perfect moment.

St Andrew’s Church and Hopper Mausoleum, Kiln Pit Hill – Under the Stars

St Andrew’s Church at Kiln Pit Hill has stood for centuries, its origins dating back to the medieval period. The current structure was rebuilt in the 18th century and is accompanied by the Hopper Mausoleum, an ornate memorial built in 1752. The mausoleum, with its decorative carvings and statues, stands in contrast to the simplicity of the church itself.

Photographing this location under the stars was a highlight of the day. With no artificial light nearby, the night sky was incredibly clear, making long exposure photography particularly rewarding. The church and mausoleum stood silhouetted against the vastness of the cosmos, creating a dramatic and peaceful end to the day’s exploration.

Wrapping Up the Day

From medieval ruins and industrial icons to coastal landmarks and nighttime photography, today’s shoot covered a huge variety of locations. Each site had its own unique atmosphere and challenges, but all contributed to an incredible day of capturing the North East’s rich heritage.

Which of today’s locations stood out to you the most? Let me know in the comments.