Racing Against Winter: Capturing Landmarks and History from Above

With shorter days on the horizon, I’m squeezing in every chance to capture unique locations before the light fades. Today’s journey took me across a blend of historic sites, industrial heritage, and scenic coastlines in the North East. Here’s a look at what I captured.

Haswell Plough Mumbai Indian Restaurant: Capturing a Community’s Loss

The Mumbai Indian Restaurant in Haswell Plough, recently ravaged by fire, was once a beloved dining spot. Originally built as a public house in the 19th century, it served various community roles before becoming the Mumbai restaurant, known for its vibrant atmosphere and cuisine. Seeing it in its current state was heartbreaking, and I wanted to document its remains as a tribute. The aerial photos and drone video provided a respectful overview of the damage, showing the building’s structure from above while capturing the sombre atmosphere surrounding this community loss.

Dalton Old Pump House: Industrial Architecture From a New Perspective

Next up was the Dalton Old Pump House, which I spotted from the road as I headed towards Seaham. Built in the 1870sto supply water to the nearby collieries, this Victorian-era pumping station exemplifies the North East’s industrial roots. The intricate brickwork, archways, and tall chimney stand as a testament to the elegance of Victorian engineering. From the air, the aerial photos highlighted the pump house’s connection to its natural surroundings, while the drone videocaptured its impressive height and detail against the open landscape. The drone’s perspective allowed me to showcase its architectural beauty in a way that ground-level views simply can’t.

Kinley Hill Tower: A Quirky Folly with a Stunning View

On my way to the coast, I came across Kinley Hill Tower, an unusual folly built in the 19th century and now serving as a unique holiday rental. Follies like this were often constructed by landowners as ornamental structures, adding charm and character to estates. With its towered silhouette and scenic location, Kinley Hill Tower is an architectural curiosity that stands out in the landscape. The aerial photos captured the tower’s quirky charm, while the drone video offered a view of the surrounding countryside, giving a sense of how this small structure commands attention in an open field.

Seaham Lighthouse: A Coastal Beacon at Sunset

Built in 1905, Seaham Lighthouse has guided ships safely along the North Sea for over a century, enduring harsh coastal storms and tumultuous waves. Its strategic position on the pier offers a breathtaking scene, especially near sunset when the light casts a warm glow over the structure and surrounding waters. As the main focus of the day, I arrived in time to capture the lighthouse against the fading light, with aerial photos showcasing its steadfast silhouette and the dramatic coastal setting. The drone video offered sweeping views of the lighthouse standing firm against the vast sea—a perspective that emphasises its role as a guiding beacon along a rugged coast.

Ryhope Engines Museum: Preserving Industrial Power at Sunset

The final planned location for today was Ryhope Engines Museum. This site, originally built in 1868 as a pumping station for the Sunderland and South Shields Water Company, houses some of the last working Victorian beam engines in the country. The engines would have supplied clean water to Sunderland, operating until the 1960s. The museum preserves this crucial part of industrial history, and the sunset glow brought out the beauty of the machinery and architecture. From above, the aerial photos captured the grandeur of the site and its intricate design, while the drone video highlighted the surrounding grounds and provided a unique view of the historic structure at dusk.

Durham Cathedral at Dusk: Capturing an Iconic Landmark

With limited daylight, I ended the day in Durham City to capture the world-renowned Durham Cathedral at dusk. Built in 1093, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Norman architecture and a symbol of the North East. The cathedral, perched above the River Wear, looks incredible as the evening lights start to glow. My aerial photos captured the majesty of the structure from above, showcasing its iconic towers and intricate design in the low light. Although nighttime photography presents its challenges, the drone video provided a new perspective of the cathedral bathed in the twilight—a truly grand finale to the day.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today was an unforgettable experience, blending history, industrial heritage, and scenic beauty. Each location had its own story to tell, and seeing them from above allowed me to capture that essence in a unique way. With winter approaching, I’ll continue racing against the daylight to bring you more of these stunning North East locations from the sky. Stay tuned for the photos and videos!