A Day of Adventure: Capturing History, Hidden Gems, and Windy Skies

Days like today remind me why I love what I do. The sun was shining, and though the wind caused some trouble with drone footage, it didn’t dampen my spirits. I managed to pack so much into one day, and even though I couldn’t capture everything I’d hoped, it was still an incredible day of adventure and discovery. My main goal was to photograph Hutton’s Monument near Marske, North Yorkshire, but along the way, I stumbled upon some fascinating places.

Here’s where I’ve been:

St James' Church Melsonby Church

I had previously visited St James’ Church in Melsonby and captured some fantastic camera shots, but today I returned with my drone. The church dates back to the 12th century and is notable for its Norman architecture. The building has been extensively restored but retains much of its historical charm. Unfortunately, the wind proved to be a challenge, and although I managed some drone photos, the video had to be postponed for safety reasons. I’ll return for better conditions to capture its impressive architecture from the air.

Gillingwood Hall

Gillingwood Hall, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, is an impressive 18th-century Georgian manor house. It stands proudly within beautiful parkland and features several architectural follies, which I managed to capture with my drone. These follies, including two prominent towers, were likely built as ornamental features, typical of grand estates of the period. I took both drone and camera shots, and I’m excited to see how they come out!

Aske Hall

Next, I passed by Aske Hall, a grand Georgian country house near Richmond. This Grade I listed building dates back to the 15th century and has been extensively remodeled over the years, most notably by Sir John Vanbrugh in the 18th century. The hall is privately owned, but I couldn’t resist stopping for some drone footage and camera shots, even though they were taken from a distance. Aske Hall is known for its stunning parkland and meticulously designed gardens, which made for some breathtaking views from the air.

Olliver Duckett Tower

Just north of Richmond is Olliver Duckett Tower, a beautiful folly that resembles a small castle. Built in the 19th century, it was likely designed as an ornamental feature for the Aske Hall estate. The tower provides spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and I managed to capture both drone footage and photos. The tower’s fairytale-like appearance made it one of the highlights of the day, and I can’t wait to see how the images turn out.

St Edmund’s Church, Marske

St Edmund’s Church in Marske is a charming little church with a long history. This Grade II listed building dates back to the 11th century, though much of it was restored in the 19th century. The church features a beautiful Norman doorway and medieval gravestones. Due to the wind and its proximity to houses, I decided against sending the drone up for video footage, but I did manage to get some stunning photos of this peaceful place.

Hutton’s Monument

This was the main goal of the day. Hutton’s Monument, built in 1814, stands on the Marske Estate and commemorates Sir Matthew Hutton, who passed away at the young age of 35. The monument, a tall obelisk, was erected at one of his favorite viewpoints on the family estate. Hutton had a short military career and spent much of his life admiring the beauty of the local countryside. The isolated location of the monument adds to its dramatic presence. I captured some fantastic drone footage and photos, and despite the trek to reach it, it was well worth the effort.

Marrick Priory

After Hutton’s Monument, I planned to visit Marrick Priory, a former Benedictine nunnery founded in the 12th century. The priory is now a Grade II* listed building and serves as an outdoor activity center. Unfortunately, as is often the case in the Yorkshire Dales, the weather turned quickly, and heavy rain forced me to abandon the visit. I’ll have to return another day to capture its stunning ruins.

Egglestone Abbey

Having visited Egglestone Abbey before, I wasn’t entirely happy with my previous footage. Egglestone Abbey is a ruined Premonstratensian monastery founded in the late 12th century. The abbey sits on a cliff overlooking the River Tees, offering fantastic views and plenty of history to explore. I returned today to capture new aerial footage, as well as camera shots that better highlight the abbey’s beautiful architecture.

Sir Walter Scott’s Grotto

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Sir Walter Scott’s Grotto, but it was an interesting and hidden gem. The grotto is a small, decorative structure built to honor the famous writer, Sir Walter Scott, and overlooks the River Tees. Though it’s a bit tricky to find, the location is serene and offers a peaceful spot to reflect. Unfortunately, the lack of light made it difficult to get ideal shots, but it was still a worthwhile visit.

Ushaw Farm

As I headed back home, I spotted some abandoned farm buildings at Ushaw Farm and decided to explore. The old farmstead has clearly seen better days, but there’s something about abandoned places that always piques my interest. I captured drone footage and photos, and while I didn’t venture inside for safety reasons, the exterior shots tell a story of rural decay. This farm may no longer be in use, but its history is still etched in the landscape.

Langley Hall

Towards the end of my journey, I came across Langley Hall after chatting with some locals. The hall is in ruins, with much of the area overgrown. It’s a hauntingly beautiful spot, and I managed to capture some drone photos and camera shots. I didn’t have enough time for drone video due to the overgrowth, but I plan to return when the leaves have fallen for a clearer view. This series of ruins holds a quiet charm that made it a perfect end to the day.

A Rewarding Day of Discovery Today was long but incredibly rewarding. I visited so many fascinating places, each with its own unique charm. The footage queue is piling up, but that’s just part of the fun! Now it’s time to dive into the editing and see how everything turned out. I’ve got big plans for tomorrow too, so stay tuned!