Perfect Skies, Historic Treasures: Capturing Durham’s Landmarks from Above

This afternoon was one of those picture-perfect days: brilliant blue skies, no breeze, and ideal conditions for flying the drone. Although the day started with a bit of a false start searching for an elusive location, I quickly recovered, and it turned into one of the most productive outings in recent memory. Here’s a look at some of the fascinating sites I visited, with a dive into their history.

Eden Arms Hotel: Capturing a Fading Landmark

The Eden Arms Hotel, located near Rushyford in County Durham, has long been a part of the area’s heritage. Built in the early 19th century, this hotel was once a prestigious location for travellers passing through the region. In its heyday, it was a popular stop along the Great North Road, offering comfort and rest for those journeying between York and Edinburgh. Today, the hotel’s future is uncertain, making it all the more important to capture its present state before any changes occur.

I was able to capture some aerial photos and drone video of the building in the afternoon light. The once-grand architecture still retains much of its charm, even though it now faces an uncertain fate. Capturing this piece of local history felt like an important moment of documentation.

Walworth Castle: A Medieval Gem

Next, I revisited Walworth Castle, a stunning fortified manor house dating back to 1603. Built for Thomas Jennison, Auditor of Ireland, the castle boasts a rich history as a private residence. Its construction occurred during a time of tension between England and Scotland, and while it was never a true fortress, its castle-like appearance was designed to convey power and prestige. The Vane family, who later acquired the estate, played a prominent role in the political and military history of the region.

Although my previous attempts to capture Walworth Castle were met with obstacles, today the conditions were perfect. I managed to capture some wonderful drone video and aerial photos, showing the symmetry of its architecture and the beautiful surrounding countryside. The castle’s stone walls glowed in the sunshine, making for a truly spectacular shot.

St Mary’s Church, Gainford: History by the Tees

St Mary’s Church in Gainford is an ancient church with roots going back over 1,000 years. Originally built on the site of a former Anglo-Saxon church, the current structure dates from the 12th century and was heavily restored in the 19th century. Its beautiful setting beside the River Tees only adds to its charm, and it has long been a spiritual hub for the village of Gainford.

Capturing aerial photos and drone video here was a little tricky due to the angle of the sun, but I worked around it to showcase the church’s historical architecture. The medieval tower and beautiful stonework looked particularly striking from above, especially against the backdrop of the peaceful countryside.

Gainford Hall: A Tudor Masterpiece

A short distance from the church lies Gainford Hall, a superb example of 17th-century architecture. Built in 1603 by Reverend John Cradock, this Tudor manor house is renowned for its symmetry and period details. Gainford Hall is one of the finest remaining examples of its kind in the region, and it was constructed using high-quality materials, which has contributed to its impressive state of preservation.

The drone gave me a perfect vantage point to capture aerial photos and video, highlighting the manor’s design and its beautifully kept grounds. Seeing such a historic building from above adds a whole new dimension to its appreciation, and I was thrilled with the results.

West Tees Railway Viaduct: A Hidden Engineering Marvel

While in Gainford, a local pointed me towards the West Tees Railway Viaduct, and I’m so glad they did. This beautiful Victorian-era viaduct was built to carry the Barnard Castle branch line over the River Tees. Opened in 1861, the viaduct has a series of graceful arches that span the river, creating a striking silhouette against the landscape. Although the railway line closed in the 1960s, the viaduct remains a stunning piece of engineering.

The perfect blue skies and calm river beneath allowed me to capture some truly breathtaking drone photos and aerial video. The viaduct’s arches were mirrored perfectly in the water, creating a beautiful, symmetrical image.

Raby Castle: The Crown Jewel of the Day

Saving the best for last, I ended the day at Raby Castle, one of the most impressive and well-preserved medieval castles in England. Built in the late 14th century by John Neville, 3rd Baron Neville de Raby, the castle has been the seat of the powerful Neville family for centuries. The Nevilles were one of the most influential noble families during the Wars of the Roses, and Raby Castle played a significant role in English history. Today, the castle is still owned by the descendants of the Vane family, who acquired it in 1626.

The timing was perfect—capturing aerial photos and drone video during sunset added a magical golden glow to the castle and its surrounding parkland. Raby Castle is awe-inspiring at any time of day, but there’s something truly special about seeing it as the sun sets. It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable day.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was one of those rare days where everything came together perfectly. From the unexpected find of the West Tees Railway Viaduct to the grandeur of Raby Castle, each location offered its own unique charm, and the weather couldn’t have been better for drone photography. I can’t wait to start editing the footage and sharing these incredible places with everyone.

Stay tuned for more content—I’m excited to show you the results of today’s adventure!