A Day of Stunning Skies – Historic Houses, Ancient Priories & Nighttime Railways

Today was one of those perfect weather days—clear skies, almost no wind, and golden light that made every location shine. With such ideal conditions, I focused on a few key sites, making the most of the morning sun, sunset colours, and even capturing the stars after dark. From the history of Ushaw Historic House to the timeless beauty of Finchale Priory, the engineering marvel of Causey Arch, and a late-night visit to Tanfield Railway, it was a fantastic day of exploration.

Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens

Ushaw Historic House, originally founded as St Cuthbert’s College, has a deep-rooted history in Catholic education and heritage. The site traces its origins back to 1808, when it was established as a seminary for training Catholic priests, following centuries of suppression of Catholicism in England. Built in the Gothic Revival style, Ushaw features stunning architectural details, with elaborate chapels, cloisters, and beautifully maintained gardens.

Today, Ushaw has evolved into a cultural and heritage centre, offering events, exhibitions, and public access to its magnificent chapels and historic buildings. The grounds and gardens remain a key feature, reflecting centuries of religious and academic traditions. The chapels, designed by renowned architects such as Augustus Pugin and Joseph Hansom, showcase intricate stained glass, carved stone, and vaulted ceilings, making them some of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in the region.

Capturing Ushaw in the morning sun was an incredible experience. The crisp blue sky provided the perfect contrast to the rich stonework, while the light streaming through the chapels created an ethereal glow. Aerial shots helped to showcase the full scale of the site, with its symmetrical architecture standing out beautifully against the surrounding greenery. The peaceful atmosphere of the gardens added to the experience, offering a glimpse into the serenity that has defined this place for over two centuries.

Finchale Priory

Finchale Priory stands on the banks of the River Wear and has a history stretching back to the 12th century. Originally founded as a hermitage by St Godric, a retired merchant turned monk, it was later developed into a Benedictine priory under the control of Durham Cathedral. The priory was used as a retreat for monks from Durham, providing a place for rest and spiritual reflection away from the main monastery.

After the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, Finchale Priory fell into ruin, but its remains are among the most well-preserved monastic sites in the North East. The priory retains many of its original features, including sections of the nave, cloisters, and the striking archways that once formed part of the main church. The location beside the river adds to its picturesque setting, making it a favourite spot for visitors and photographers alike.

Returning to Finchale Priory in the late afternoon allowed me to capture it in a different light. The softer tones of the setting sun highlighted the textures of the ancient stone, casting long shadows across the ruins. The aerial shots helped to reveal the full layout of the priory, showing how the different sections of the monastery once functioned together. From the ground, the interplay of light and shadow through the archways created some dramatic images, bringing a new perspective to a location I have visited many times before.

Causey Arch at Sunset

Causey Arch is one of the most historically significant railway structures in the world. Built in 1725, it is the oldest surviving railway bridge and was originally constructed to carry horse-drawn wagons transporting coal from local mines to the River Tyne. The arch was designed by architect Ralph Wood and, at the time of its construction, was the longest single-span bridge in Britain.

The bridge played a crucial role in the early development of railway transportation, setting the foundation for future advancements in engineering and infrastructure. Despite being nearly three centuries old, it remains in remarkable condition and is a testament to the ingenuity of early industrial builders. Today, Causey Arch is a popular walking spot, with trails running through the surrounding woodland, offering scenic views of the bridge and its dramatic setting above the gorge.

Arriving at sunset provided the perfect conditions for capturing the bridge in a warm, golden light. The deep shadows of the trees framed the structure beautifully, while the soft glow of the setting sun highlighted the texture of the weathered stone. The aerial shots captured the full span of the bridge, showing how it stretches across the valley, while ground-level images focused on the details of its construction. The contrast between the historic structure and the natural landscape surrounding it made for some stunning compositions.

Tanfield Railway Under the Stars

Tanfield Railway is one of the oldest railway lines in the world still in operation. First established in the early 18th century to transport coal, it now operates as a heritage railway, preserving the industrial history of the region. The line runs through scenic countryside, with steam locomotives recreating the experience of early railway travel. Many of the original features, including old station buildings and viaducts, remain in place, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.

Visiting Tanfield Railway at night was a completely different experience from previous visits. With clear skies above, I was able to capture both the railway and the stars in the same frame. The long exposure shots taken on my phone revealed the movement of the stars across the sky, adding a sense of motion to the stillness of the railway. The silhouettes of old locomotives and station buildings created a striking contrast against the backdrop of the night sky.

Wrapping Up the Day

Today’s conditions made for an incredible day of photography. From the sunlit chapels and gardens of Ushaw to the ancient ruins of Finchale Priory, the industrial heritage of Causey Arch, and the unique nighttime atmosphere at Tanfield Railway, each location offered something special. The perfect skies and calm weather made every shot count, rounding off a fantastic day of exploration.