South of Scotch Corner (The Midlands Apparently) – A Grand Day Out in North Yorkshire

4 days ago

6 min read

Today’s explore took me a little further south than usual—though whether you call it the Midlands or still Yorkshiredepends on which side of Scotch Corner you’re from! Either way, I headed down towards Ripon and the surrounding area, and what followed was an epic day of exploring. From soaring abbeys to towering castles, cathedrals, halls, and atmospheric ruins, it was the kind of trip that made every mile worth it.

The weather couldn’t have played along any better—clear skies with just a few clouds, low winds, and the perfect light to bring out all the texture in stonework and landscapes. The drone flew beautifully all day, capturing everything from the scale of the architecture to the subtle details tucked into the countryside. It was a proper mix of grandeur and hidden history—exactly the kind of day I set out hoping for.

Newby Hall – Stately Elegance with a Hint of Hollywood

Newby Hall, just outside Ripon, is one of the finest examples of a country house from the Georgian period. Originally built in the late 17th century and later redesigned by Robert Adam, it's known for its classical symmetry, elegant interiors, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Still privately owned and open to the public, the hall is surrounded by sweeping parkland and sits proudly along the banks of the River Ure—a true showcase of Yorkshire grandeur.

From above, the hall looked stunning in the afternoon light—formal gardens laid out with precision, the river glinting nearby, and the stately home itself looking every inch the centrepiece. Interestingly, while flying the drone, it was clear that something was going on—large tents, equipment and staging being set up—suggesting it’s currently doubling as a filming location. Whether it's for period drama or a historic documentary, it certainly has the setting for it. A brilliant place to start the day’s captures.

Ripon Cathedral – Centuries of Faith at the Heart of the City

Ripon Cathedral is a truly magnificent structure with a history stretching back over 1,300 years. The current Gothic building dates largely from the 12th to 16th centuries, but the site has hosted a church since the time of St Wilfrid in the 7th century. Known for its stunning west front, soaring nave, and the crypt that still survives from the original Saxon church, it stands as one of Yorkshire’s most historically rich religious buildings.

From the air, Ripon Cathedral commands the heart of the city, its tower and flying buttresses rising above the rooftops. The drone captured its perfect symmetry and striking presence, with the surrounding town framing it beautifully. In today’s light, the stonework glowed with warmth, and the long shadows gave the whole scene a quiet, reverent atmosphere. It’s a building that has shaped—and been shaped by—the community around it for centuries, and seeing it from above only deepens its impact.

Fountains Hall – Jacobean Grandeur in a Monastic Landscape

Fountains Hall is a striking Jacobean mansion built in the late 16th and early 17th century, right beside the ruins of Fountains Abbey. What makes it particularly fascinating is that it was constructed using stone salvaged from the abbey itself after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Its elegant proportions, mullioned windows, and sweeping staircase reflect a different era of wealth and power—one that grew out of the remains of religious authority.

From the air, Fountains Hall looks beautifully nestled into the landscape, framed by woodland and sitting just above the dramatic ruins of the abbey. The drone captured the contrast perfectly—a stately home born from the bones of a monastery, surrounded by history and nature alike. With its golden stone catching the sun and formal lines standing proud beside ancient walls, it’s a brilliant example of how one chapter of history often builds quite literally on the last.

Fountains Abbey – Majestic Ruins with Timeless Presence

Fountains Abbey is one of the most spectacular and best-preserved monastic ruins in the country. Founded in 1132 by Cistercian monks, it grew to become one of the wealthiest religious sites in medieval England before being dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539. The remains are vast—towering arches, cloisters, the abbey church, and cellarium—all set within the tranquil valley of the River Skell. It’s a place of both spiritual significance and architectural brilliance.

From above, the abbey is breathtaking. The drone captured the immense scale of the complex, with its long, straight lines and intricate stonework framed by trees and parkland. The ruins seem to grow out of the landscape, their symmetry and structure still commanding awe centuries later. Whether seen from ground or sky, Fountains Abbey is a place that leaves a lasting impression, and today’s perfect light made it even more spectacular.

Mowbray Castle – A Romantic Ruin Built for Show

Unlike the genuine medieval fortresses scattered across Yorkshire, Mowbray Castle is a folly—a decorative ruin built in the 18th century to add drama to the landscape of the Studley Royal estate. Despite its purpose being purely ornamental, it was designed to look convincingly like an old, crumbling stronghold, perched high above the valley to catch the eye from all directions. With its mock battlements and fragmented towers, it’s the kind of structure that speaks to the romantic imagination of the Georgian era.

From above, the folly fits beautifully into the scenery—sitting proudly on the hillside, surrounded by trees with long views over the parkland below. The drone revealed how carefully it was placed for visual impact, acting as a distant focal point in the wider estate layout. It might not have defended anything, but Mowbray Castle still looks every inch the dramatic ruin, and from the air, its charm is just as convincing.

The Ruin at Hackfall – A Georgian Folly Turned Secluded Retreat

The Ruin at Hackfall Woods is a beautifully restored 18th-century folly, originally built as a romantic viewpoint overlooking the valley near Grewelthorpe in North Yorkshire. Once part of a designed Georgian landscape created by the Aislabie family (who also developed the nearby Studley Royal gardens), it was constructed to appear as a dramatic classical ruin, enhancing the scenic walk through the woods. Though it fell into disrepair, it has since been carefully restored and is now operated by the Landmark Trust as a unique holiday let.

From the air, The Ruin is perfectly positioned on the edge of a steep woodland slope, with panoramic views over the valley below. The drone captured its arched façade and compact, elegant design, blending beautifully into the landscape while offering a striking focal point. Today it stands as both a piece of landscape art and a tranquil escape, where guests can stay surrounded by history, woodland, and absolute peace. A truly special find in a magical setting.

Swinton Park – Grand Living on a Historic Yorkshire Estate

Swinton Park, at the heart of the Swinton Estate near Masham, is an impressive country house turned luxury hotel and spa, surrounded by over 20,000 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside. The estate dates back to the 17th century, though the current building—complete with turrets, battlements and sweeping lawns—is largely the result of 19th-century expansion. It’s long been associated with the Danby and Cunliffe-Lister families, and today combines historic charm with modern comfort as a high-end retreat.

From above, Swinton Park looks every bit the stately centrepiece of its vast estate. The drone captured its commanding position amidst woodlands, lakes and gardens, with its castellated architecture giving it a storybook feel. Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and parkland, it’s the perfect example of a country house built to impress—and it still very much does. Whether you're staying for a night or just admiring it from the air, it's a truly majestic place.

Marmion Tower & St Nicholas Church – Medieval Echoes in West Tanfield

In the heart of West Tanfield, the impressive Marmion Tower stands beside the peaceful St Nicholas Church, forming a perfectly paired slice of Yorkshire’s medieval past. The 15th-century gatehouse tower once served as the entrance to a grand manor house belonging to the powerful Marmion family, though the rest of the house is long gone. Built in rich stone with a distinctive oriel window, it’s a striking remnant of aristocratic life.

Right next to it is St Nicholas Church, parts of which date back to the 13th century. The church is still active and full of character, with beautifully preserved features like carved effigies and medieval tombs. From above, the drone captured the serene arrangement of tower and churchyard, nestled within the village and surrounded by greenery. It’s a quietly impressive spot—less showy than a castle or abbey, but loaded with charm and history, and a proper highlight of the day.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s venture south of Scotch Corner turned into one of those unforgettable days where everything just came together—weather, locations, and a touch of unexpected magic. From Newby Hall (which looked suspiciously like it was being prepped for filming) to the atmospheric ruins at Fountains Abbey and the peaceful riverside setting of Marmion Tower, the day was full of contrast and character.

The low wind and dramatic skies were ideal for drone photography, and every location offered something different—castles built for defence, follies built for beauty, and houses built for grandeur. It was one of those rare days where history felt alive from every angle, and the views from above really brought that out. Whether it was capturing the soaring vaults of Ripon Cathedral, the charm of Hackfall’s hidden ruin, or the sheer presence of Swinton Park, the day proved that heading a little further afield always pays off. North Yorkshire never fails to deliver—and today, it truly outdid itself.