From Steam Power to Sunset Magic – A Day of Unexpected Captures

Time was short today, and the wind made flying conditions tricky, but I still managed to capture some interesting locations. From a site of Victorian engineering to a forgotten farmstead and a breathtaking medieval castle glowing in the last light of day, it was a mix of industry, history, and sheer beauty.

Ryhope Engines Museum

Ryhope Engines Museum is a fascinating relic of Sunderland’s industrial past. Built in 1868, this former water pumping station was designed to supply clean water to the city, using enormous beam engines to pump from underground reservoirs. These engines, built by R & W Hawthorn, operated on steam power and remained in service for almost 100 years before being decommissioned in 1967.

Rather than being scrapped, the pumping station was preserved and today operates as a museum of steam power, housing two Watt-type beam engines, both of which are still in working condition. It remains one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in the UK, allowing visitors to step back into the Victorian era and witness these incredible machines in action on selected steam days.

Aerial photography at Ryhope Engines Museum was limited due to the strong winds, making it difficult to get precise shots. However, the overcast conditions created a moody, industrial atmosphere, perfectly suiting the history of the site. The towering chimney and red-brick buildings stood out starkly against the grey sky, a lasting reminder of a time when steam power was at the heart of everyday life.

Spring Gardens, Near Kinninvie

Spring Gardens is a forgotten abandoned farmstead, sitting in the rural landscape near Kinninvie. Once a working farm, it now stands silent and derelict, its stone walls slowly being reclaimed by nature. It lies alongside the route of a former railway line, part of the old Barnard Castle to Bishop Auckland railway, which once played a crucial role in transporting goods and livestock from the region’s farms.

The abandonment of rural farmsteads like Spring Gardens is a familiar story across the North Pennines. As agricultural practices modernised, smaller farms became less viable, and many were left behind as families moved on. Over time, these buildings have become haunting reminders of a way of life that has all but disappeared.

Aerial views of Spring Gardens reveal its isolation, surrounded by rolling fields and framed by the remnants of the railway embankment. The crumbling stonework and roofless buildings contrast sharply with the lush green landscape, telling a story of change and abandonment. Despite the windy conditions, the shots captured the rugged beauty of the location, where history and nature now exist side by side.

Raby Castle at Sunset

One of England’s most spectacular medieval castles, Raby Castle has stood for over 700 years. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it was once the stronghold of the Earl of Westmorland, a key figure in the Wars of the Roses. The castle played a major role in England’s medieval conflicts and was also central to the Rising of the North in 1569, a failed rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I. Following the rebellion, the castle was seized by the crown and later sold to Sir Henry Vane, whose descendants still own and maintain it today.

Unlike many castles of its age, Raby remains remarkably well-preserved, with its imposing towers, grand hall, and fortified walls still standing strong. The surrounding deer park and landscaped gardens add to its beauty, making it one of the most picturesque castles in the North of England.

Capturing Raby Castle at sunset was the highlight of the day. The low sun bathed the castle in warm, golden light, creating stunning reflections on the lake in front of the castle. The aerial perspective showcased the contrast between the ancient stone walls and the glowing sky, while the still water mirrored the colours perfectly. The wind had finally settled by this point, allowing for some spectacular shots to close the day.

Wrapping Up the Day

Though time and weather were against me, today’s locations delivered something special. Ryhope Engines Museum offered a glimpse into the power of the Victorian age, Spring Gardens told a story of rural abandonment, and Raby Castle at sunset was simply breathtaking. Some days don’t go exactly to plan, but they still offer moments worth capturing.

Which shot is your favourite—Victorian engineering, rural decay, or sunset magic? Let me know in the comments.

Credit: DJ Aerial Photography

#DJAerialPhotography #RyhopeEnginesMuseum #SpringGardens #AbandonedFarm #RabyCastle #SunsetPhotography #AerialPhotography