From Racing Tracks to Historic Towers – A Day of Contrasts

After yesterday’s epic journey through Weardale and Teesdale, today felt like a more relaxed exploration. That being said, it was still a great day for capturing new locations, from modern sporting arenas to centuries-old churches and even a glimpse of Durham Cathedral bathed in the late afternoon sun. Here’s where today’s adventure took me:

Darlington Arena

The Darlington Arena, now known as the Northern Echo Arena, was originally built in 2003 as the home of Darlington Football Club. With a capacity of 25,000, it was one of the largest stadiums in the lower tiers of English football, but it ultimately proved too ambitious for the club, whose average attendances rarely filled even a fraction of the seats. In 2012, Darlington FC left the stadium due to financial difficulties, and it was later repurposed for rugby and community events. The venue now serves as the home of Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club and is also used for concerts and large-scale sporting events.

Aerial shots of the Darlington Arena capture its vast structure and the surrounding landscape. From above, the scale of the stadium is even more apparent, its curved stands standing in contrast to the nearby residential areas and open fields. With a few clouds scattered in the sky, the setting made for some striking visuals.

St Peter’s Church, Croft-on-Tees

St Peter’s Church in Croft-on-Tees, North Yorkshire, is a historic parish church with roots tracing back to the 12th century. The church is most famously associated with Lewis Carroll, author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, who was born in the nearby parsonage. His father was the rector of St Peter’s, and it is said that Carroll found inspiration for his famous stories in the surrounding village. The church itself is a fascinating blend of Norman and later medieval architecture, featuring a striking tower and beautiful stained glass windows. Inside, memorials and historical artefacts provide a glimpse into the village’s long history.

The drone’s aerial view of St Peter’s Church highlights its picturesque setting beside the River Tees. The church’s stonework stands out against the autumnal landscape, with the surrounding trees and riverside adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The shots capture the timeless beauty of this historic site, a place where literature and history intertwine.

Croft Road Bridge

Croft Road Bridge, also known as Croft Bridge, spans the River Tees, connecting the villages of Croft-on-Tees and Hurworth-on-Tees. This historic stone bridge dates back to the 17th century and has played a key role in local transport for centuries. The bridge is a Grade I listed structure, reflecting its architectural and historical significance. It has been a crucial crossing point over the Tees and has survived numerous floods and changes in transportation.

Aerial views capture the elegant design of Croft Bridge, with its stone arches gracefully stretching across the river. The soft afternoon light cast beautiful reflections on the water, enhancing the symmetry of the bridge’s structure. The surrounding countryside provides a perfect frame for this historic landmark, making for some truly scenic shots.

Croft Motor Racing Circuit

Croft Circuit is one of the UK’s most popular motorsport venues, located near Darlington. Originally a World War II airfield, the site was converted into a racing circuit in the 1960s. Since then, it has hosted major events, including rounds of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), British Rallycross, and various club racing events. The circuit is known for its mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, making it a favourite among drivers and motorsport fans alike.

Aerial footage of Croft Circuit showcases the sweeping curves of the track, with the surrounding countryside providing a stark contrast to the tarmac. The drone captures the circuit’s layout in its entirety, offering a bird’s-eye view of the grandstands, paddocks, and racing infrastructure. Even on a quiet day, the circuit’s history and adrenaline-fuelled past are evident from the air.

Lovesome Hill Water Tower

Lovesome Hill Water Tower, located near Northallerton, is a prominent structure serving as a key part of the region’s water supply system. Built to regulate water pressure, it ensures a steady flow to homes and businesses across the surrounding rural landscape. Its cylindrical design and elevated position make it a noticeable landmark, standing in contrast to the flat farmland around it. While purely functional in purpose, the tower has an almost industrial elegance, adding a modern touch to the traditional countryside scenery.

Aerial views of the tower highlight its solitary presence in the landscape. The drone captures its bold shape against the backdrop of sprawling fields, with long afternoon shadows adding depth to the scene. The contrast between the tower’s clean lines and the natural landscape creates a striking composition, making it an unexpectedly captivating subject.

Greyfriars Tower, Richmond

Greyfriars Tower is one of the lesser-known historic ruins in Richmond, North Yorkshire. It was originally part of a Franciscan friary, founded in the 13th century. The Franciscan Greyfriars were known for their commitment to poverty and preaching, and their friary in Richmond was an important religious site during the medieval period. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, much of the friary was lost, but the tower survived and remains an impressive reminder of Richmond’s monastic past.

Aerial shots of Greyfriars Tower capture its standing ruins surrounded by trees and modern Richmond. The mix of historic stonework and the vibrant town in the background creates a fascinating contrast. The changing light throughout the day provided different moods to the photos, from soft morning glow to the rich tones of the afternoon.

Durham Cathedral in the Late Afternoon Sun

One of the most magnificent landmarks in England, Durham Cathedral needs little introduction. Founded in 1093, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has stood for nearly a thousand years as a centre of faith, learning, and history. Its breathtaking Norman architecture, towering columns, and intricate details make it one of the finest examples of medieval construction in Europe. The cathedral is home to the shrine of St Cuthbert, one of the most revered figures in Northern Christianity, and also houses the tomb of the Venerable Bede, the great Anglo-Saxon historian.

Capturing Durham Cathedral in the late afternoon light was a perfect way to end the day. The golden glow illuminated the intricate stonework, highlighting every detail of this remarkable building. The drone’s perspective brought out the full scale of the cathedral, showing its commanding position above the River Wear. The surrounding cityscape, with its historic rooftops and bridges, added depth to the scene, making for a stunning conclusion to today’s captures.

Wrapping Up the Day

While today felt calmer compared to the adventure-filled previous day, it still had its share of remarkable locations. From the speed and excitement of Croft Circuit to the ancient ruins of Greyfriars Tower and the grandeur of Durham Cathedral, each place had its own unique story to tell.

Which location caught your interest the most? Let me know below! 👇

Credit: DJ Aerial Photography

#DJAerialPhotography #DarlingtonArena #StPetersCroft #CroftBridge #CroftCircuit #LovesomeHill #GreyfriarsTower #DurhamCathedral #AerialPhotography #NortheastEngland