A Windy Day on the Coast – Stadiums, Windmills, Lighthouses, and Industrial Ruins

The weather wasn’t ideal again today—grey skies, damp air, and a bit more wind than I would have liked. Still, I decided to make the most of it and headed towards the coast, hoping to capture some fresh perspectives. While the wind limited some of the angles I wanted to shoot, I still managed to get some interesting aerial views across Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Stadium of Light

The Stadium of Light is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Sunderland. Opened in 1997, it replaced the historic Roker Park as the home of Sunderland AFC, offering a larger, more modern venue with a capacity of over 49,000. The name pays tribute to the city’s industrial heritage, referencing the coal mining industry that once thrived here. A Davy lamp monument stands outside the stadium as a nod to the miners who worked beneath the ground where the stadium now stands.

Despite the overcast conditions, aerial shots highlighted the sheer scale of the stadium and its position overlooking the River Wear. The grey skies gave a moody backdrop, making the red seating visible through the open roof stand out even more. With the wind picking up, I had to be careful with flight stability, but I still captured some striking perspectives.

Fulwell Mill

Fulwell Mill is a beautifully preserved windmill that stands as a reminder of Sunderland’s rural and industrial past. Built in 1808, it operated for more than a century before ceasing work in the 1940s. It was fully restored in the late 20th century and remains one of the best examples of a traditional tower windmill in the North East.

From above, the mill’s stone tower and wooden sails stood in contrast to the modern cityscape beyond. The surrounding area, once farmland, has changed dramatically over the years, but the windmill remains a timeless feature of the skyline. Given the gusty conditions, I had to keep flights brief, but I was able to capture some top-down shots that really showcased the structure’s impressive form.

Souter Lighthouse

Souter Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on the North East coast. Opened in 1871, it was the world’s first purpose-built lighthouse powered by electricity, marking a major step forward in maritime safety. The lighthouse was designed to guide ships away from the dangerous reefs and rocks of the North Sea, particularly the notorious Whitburn Steel.

It was decommissioned in 1988 but remains a key historic site, now managed by the National Trust. Its striking red and white design makes it stand out beautifully against the rugged coastline. The overcast sky made for a dramatic setting, with the lighthouse standing defiant against the misty horizon. Capturing aerial views from different elevations allowed me to frame it against the vast North Sea, highlighting its importance in the landscape.

Marsden Lime Kilns

These industrial ruins are a striking feature of the coastline, telling the story of the area’s once-thriving lime industry. Built in the 1870s, the Marsden Lime Kilns were used to process limestone extracted from nearby quarries. The kilns were part of a much larger operation, with limestone burned to produce quicklime, a vital material for construction and agriculture.

After operations ceased, the kilns were left to decay, though their towering remains still dominate the landscape. The weathered brickwork and arched openings made for some compelling aerial shots, giving a real sense of the scale of the structures. These ruins are a stark reminder of the area’s industrial heritage and how much the coastline has changed over time.

Souter Rock

Souter Rock is a well-known reef located just offshore from Souter Lighthouse. It is one of the many hazards that made this stretch of coastline so dangerous for sailors in centuries past. Hidden beneath the waves at high tide, it has been the cause of numerous shipwrecks, leading to the construction of the lighthouse itself.

Flying over the area, I captured some interesting shots of the turbulent waters around the rock. The conditions weren’t perfect for a detailed study, but it was fascinating to see how the rock disrupts the sea currents even today. It’s easy to see why this stretch of coast has such a notorious reputation for shipwrecks.

Cleadon Windmill

Cleadon Windmill is another striking relic of the past, standing on the high ground between Sunderland and South Shields. Built in the 1820s, it was once a key feature of the local farming community, grinding grain for the surrounding area. It fell into disuse in the late 19th century and has been a ruin ever since, its skeletal frame a dramatic feature on the skyline.

Despite its ruined state, the windmill remains a popular landmark, with its crumbling walls still standing strong against the elements. From the air, its exposed structure and the surrounding open land created a perfect subject for wide-angle aerial shots. The wind made it difficult to capture all the angles I wanted, but I still managed to get a sense of the location’s dramatic setting.

Wrapping Up the Day

The coastal conditions made today’s flights challenging, but even with the wind limiting my options, I still captured some fantastic shots. From historic windmills to industrial ruins and dramatic seascapes, it was a day full of contrasts. While I’ll definitely need to revisit some of these locations under clearer skies, today was another reminder that even in less-than-ideal conditions, there’s always something worth capturing.