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Helmsley Castle, Helmsley added to English Heritage in Yorkshire and the Humber by D0c.Col on 02/01/2025

Helmsley Castle, located in the market town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England, is a striking historic site with over 900 years of history. It is managed by English Heritage and offers visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past.

The castle was originally built as a motte-and-bailey fortification in the late 11th century by Walter l'Espec, a Norman nobleman who was also the founder of Helmsley’s Rievaulx Abbey and fought against the Scots at the Battle of the Standard in 1138.
By the 12th century, stone structures replaced the original wooden defenses, and in the 13th century, Robert de Roos transformed the castle into a grand medieval fortress. This included the construction of a large keep and substantial curtain walls.
During the Tudor era, the castle became more of a luxurious residence than a purely defensive stronghold and the impressive mansion-style lodgings were added.
Helmsley Castle played a role during the English Civil War (1642–1651). It was besieged by Parliamentary forces in 1644 and eventually surrendered. Afterward, like many fortifications during this period, parts of the castle were slighted to prevent its further use as a fortress.
By the 18th century, the castle had become a romantic ruin and attracted visitors as part of the picturesque landscape on the edge of the Duncombe Park estate.
Today, the site is preserved as a historic monument and includes a visitor center with exhibits about its history. These, include, the towering remains of the medieval Keep and stronghold, The Tudor Mansion Ruins, with a glimpse into the luxurious domestic buildings that were added later and Displays of artifacts that all collectively provide insights into the castle's history and the lives of its occupants.

There are plenty of places to park in the town, right next to the castle. With a load of pubs and cafes to satisfy all tastes.

Duncombe Park is adjacent to the castle so best check out it's SSSi before you fly.

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.24496, -1.064158 • what3words: ///pizzas.dislodge.bells

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 02/11/2024. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.

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Low Wood Bay Watersports, South Lakeland (By yorkie9668)

My wife was looking for a spot near the Lake to stop, we found this place, parking for 2 hours is £4, staff were about and never asked what I was doing, I was out of the way by the water, not flying directly over anyone, I am not sure if you need permission but seeing there was no problems with the staff watching me, I don't think it is an issue, it may become one if loads turn up at once, but for the 30 minutes we were there there was no issues :)

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.40809, -2.947987 • what3words: ///tutored.bypasses.finely

Dumfries House, Cumnock Rural (By JoeC)

Dumfries House is an impressive Palladian country house in East Ayrshire. It is owned and maintained by The King's Foundation and sits in a 2000 acre estate which also has impressive gardens and an ornate maze.

Although not in an FRZ at the time, it's always worth checking as temporary restrictions have been known.

Contact the estate for permission to fly from their property (I can't see any good way to get decent images of the house and gardens without this). When I flew there I had to submit a flight plan (with risk assessment) and have £10m public liability insurance.

There is ample parking on the estate, but they've just introduced a £5 fee. If you live locally you can apply for a free annual parking pass.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 55.45547, -4.307885 • what3words: ///downsize.short.books

Cinderbarrow Miniature Railway & Picnic Park, Lancaster (By Crackerjack)

Cinderbarrow is home to the Lancaster & Morecambe Model Engineering Society (LMMES) who were previously based in Steamtown Carnforth. The land is owned by Lancashire County Council and it's a picnic area as well as the trains, sitting alongside the West Coast mainline. The site is open 24/7 but the train areas are fenced off.

LMMES have a website, https://lmmes.co.uk/, which is down at time of writing but they are active on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LMMES2018. Opening times are SUNDAYS and BANK HOLIDAYS 10.30-12.30 then 1.15 to 3.45 plus Thursdays during the school summer holidays, check their Facebook page before travelling if you want to ride the trains. They accept donations for rides.

On-site parking is free and if full, there's space on parts of the lane that approaches the site.

No drink or food sold on site nor are there toilets but about a mile away on the A6 there's a garage/Spar where I've always found the fuel to be cheaper than elsewhere.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.17614, -2.745829 • what3words: ///mailboxes.wicket.reapply

Stambermill Viaduct, Dudley (By eathen00)

Stambermill Vidauct just outside stourbridge town centre.

I parked on a small carpark just up the road however you can park on the roadside near by. It is a very quiet "park" but its essentially just a field which no one really goes in, perfect for practicing.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.45773, -2.134352 • what3words: ///push.rings.await

Staunton Country Park, Havant (By grandad1950)

A lovely country park with a large lake, walled gardens and fine parkland. A good farm shop sells excellent produce and a good ice cream. You have to pay for parking.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.87637, -0.978365 • what3words: ///rural.risk.contracts

Chantry Chapel and Bridge, Wakefield, Wakefield (By richrab)

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin is a chantry chapel in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, and is designated a Grade I Listed building by Historic England. It is located south of the city centre on the medieval Chantry Bridge over the River Calder. It is the only survivor of four chantries in Wakefield and the oldest and most ornate of the surviving bridge chapels in England.

Parking by the Dominos pizza shop, walked to the end of the bridge for TOAL.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 53.67667, -1.489439 • what3words: ///throw.exist.basis

Brecon Canal Basin Towpath, Powys (By stubbyd)

There is plenty of parking around here so I haven't bothered with a market for that, but be aware most of it is paid for.

I have set my TOAL point as the towpath as that is where I was, but there is a nearby open field which is mostly empty whenever I visit. But depending on time of day and time of year you may need to juggle the precise where.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.94416, -3.387973 • what3words: ///croutons.crucially.press

Armoy Round Tower (By UladhLad)

The Round Tower at the site dates from the 11th Century, and historical and archaeological evidence indicates an ecclesiastical site has been here since at least the 6th century. The modern Church of Ireland was built in 1820.

The location is very peaceful. I would recommend avoiding times when the church or cemetery are in use, out of respect for the people there.

I visited on Wednesday 13th August evening, around 8.20 pm, and despite it being a warm, sunny summer's evening, I didn't see a single person anywhere near the church or cemetery in the 20 minutes I was there.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 55.13442, -6.311066 • what3words: ///exploring.dividers.impulses

Priory Park and Ruins, Dudley (By eathen00)

Beautiful ruins of the priory which date back almost 1 thousand years.

Great parking access in the street next door.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.51559, -2.085144 • what3words: ///neon.pull.newly

Saint Davids Cathedral, Pembrokeshire (By t0mroche)

Fantastic building in a quaint Pembrokeshire town. Flew just as it was closing for the day so not many people around, but those that were didn’t bother me.

TOAL: There is a tower like structure up on the hill by the steps down to the cathedral which you can walk around the base of into the corner just above the graveyard. I went round here so as not to bother anybody. Didn’t see any signage deterring drone flights.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.882, -5.268365 • what3words: ///copying.cotton.venturing


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