A Calm Morning Over the Toon – Aerial Views of Newcastle’s Landmarks
Apr 15
5 min read
0
10
0
Although the day started with a blanket of overcast skies, the near total absence of wind made for ideal flying conditions - especially for a city shoot, where still air means a safer and steadier flight. With that in mind, I grabbed the chance to head into Newcastle, one of the North East’s most iconic cities, to capture some of its famous landmarks from above.
It’s always a treat to fly over a city with this much character, even without bright sunshine, the muted light gave everything a soft, moody quality, perfect for picking out details in stonework, structure, and streets. From high above the rooftops, Newcastle takes on a whole new look - familiar, yet completely fresh.
Newcastle Castle – Where the City Got Its Name
Newcastle Castle is the historic heart of the city, and the reason it’s called Newcastle in the first place. Built on the site of a Roman fort, the current stone keep dates back to the 12th century, once forming part of a larger fortress guarding the River Tyne. Though much of the surrounding structure is gone, the Norman keep and Black Gate remain, offering a powerful reminder of the city’s medieval past.
From above, the castle is brilliantly compact yet commanding, nestled between railway arches and city streets, with the Tyne just beyond. The drone captured its square form and battlements, and the way it contrasts with the modern buildings rising around it. Surrounded by the buzz of the city, it still holds its ground—a solid block of history in the middle of modern Newcastle.
Newcastle Cathedral – A Tower Above the City Streets
Newcastle Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas, has stood as a spiritual and architectural landmark since the 14th century, though earlier churches existed on the site before then. Its most recognisable feature is the stunning lantern spire, added in the 15th century, which once served as a navigation aid for ships on the Tyne. It’s a building that blends Gothic grandeur with centuries of civic and religious history.
From the air, the cathedral’s lantern tower is striking, rising sharply above the tight maze of surrounding buildings. The drone captured the elegant lines of its architecture and the way the spire still dominates the skyline, even among newer structures. Its setting within the heart of the city highlights how Newcastle’s rich history still weaves through its bustling present. A beautiful, timeless feature right in the centre of it all.
All Saints' Presbyterian Church – A Rare Curve in a City of Angles
All Saints' Church is one of the most architecturally unique buildings in Newcastle. Originally an Anglican parish church, it’s now home to a Presbyterian congregation, but its standout feature is the circular Georgian design, completed in the late 18th century. It’s the only elliptical church in England, and with its elegant dome and classical frontage, it’s a striking contrast to the Gothic and industrial styles that dominate much of the city.
From above, the church’s curved form is immediately eye-catching - the dome rising gently above the surrounding rooftops, with its neat symmetry setting it apart from the angles of the nearby buildings. The drone captured how it sits just above the Tyne gorge, offering both architectural beauty and a sense of openness, even in the dense cityscape. It’s a rare and graceful gem tucked into the edge of Newcastle’s heart.
Grey’s Monument – Newcastle’s Towering Tribute
Grey’s Monument is one of Newcastle’s most recognisable city centre landmarks, erected in 1838 to honour Charles Grey, the former Prime Minister best known for the 1832 Reform Act - and for lending his name to a rather famous tea. The 41-metre tall column, topped with a statue of Grey himself, is a nod to Roman triumphal columns and stands as a proud symbol of progress, politics, and city pride.
From above, the monument sits at the hub of city life, with streets and Georgian architecture radiating around it in all directions. The drone revealed the perfect symmetry of the column and how it anchors the layout of Grey Street and Grainger Town. Even surrounded by traffic and movement, Grey’s Monument holds its place as a central, commanding figure - not just physically, but symbolically too.
St James’ Park – The Cathedral on the Hill
St James’ Park is more than just a football stadium - it's a monument to Newcastle’s identity. Home to Newcastle United since 1892, it sits high above the city, its towering stands visible from miles around. With a capacity of over 52,000, it’s one of the largest football stadiums in the UK and a place filled with decades of passion, loyalty, and drama. To many in the North East, it’s sacred ground.
From the air, St James’ Park dominates the skyline, its modern steel structure a bold contrast to the older city buildings below. The drone captured the clean lines of the roof, the pitch tucked inside like a stage, and the way the stadium seems to rise right out of the city itself. Whether you’re a football fan or not, there’s no denying its presence - it’s Newcastle’s cathedral of sport, proud and unmissable.
St Matthew’s Church – A Hidden Gem in the Urban Landscape
St Matthew’s Church, tucked away in the Elswick area of Newcastle, may not be as well-known as the city’s cathedral, but it’s a striking piece of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture. Built in the late 19th century, it features detailed stonework, pointed arches, and a proud tower that reflects the style and ambition of the time. Once central to a busy working-class community, it still stands as a symbol of enduring local heritage.
From the air, St Matthew’s reveals its full footprint - an elegant structure surrounded by trees and city streets, with its tower rising above the rooftops. The drone highlighted the contrast between the church’s traditional design and the more modern, urban sprawl around it. It’s a place that might not draw the crowds, but commands quiet respect, sitting with quiet dignity in the heart of its community.
Newcastle Central Station – Gateway to the City
Newcastle Central Station, opened in 1850, is one of the UK’s oldest and most impressive railway stations still in operation. Designed by architect John Dobson, it features a grand curved façade and elegant arches, with a magnificent iron and glass roof spanning the platforms inside. As a key stop on the East Coast Main Line, it’s long been a vital gateway into the city, combining historic architecture with the hustle of daily travel.
From the air, the station’s sweeping roof structure and crescent frontage stand out brilliantly. The drone offered a clear view of how the station curves along Neville Street, neatly tucked between the Tyne and the city centre. With trains arriving and departing below, and the rooftops of Newcastle rising behind it, Central Station remains a perfect blend of movement, history and design - always busy, always iconic.
Wrapping Up the Day
With calm skies and barely a breeze, today was the perfect chance to explore Newcastle from above - a rare treat in a city where wind and weather often call the shots. The overcast light brought a soft, even tone to the views, letting the architecture and layout of the city do the talking without harsh shadows or glare. From castles and cathedrals to churches, monuments and football grounds, Newcastle revealed its layers from a whole new perspective.
There’s something special about seeing such a familiar city from the air—landmarks take on new shapes, and connections between places become clear in ways you just don’t see from the ground. Whether it was the sweep of Central Station, the lantern spire of the cathedral, or the bold shape of St James’ Park rising above it all, today was all about rediscovering the city’s character - quietly, calmly, and from a completely different angle.
