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Lilleshall Abbey, Telford and Wrekin added to English Heritage in West Midlands by D0c.Col on 11/02/2025

LILLESHALL ABBEY A LOVELY FREE ACCESS ENGLISH HERITAGE SITE IN SHROPSHIRE

Lilleshall Abbey is a ruined medieval monastery located in Shropshire, England. It was founded around 1148 as an Augustinian abbey and was once a wealthy and influential religious house, known for its impressive architecture and peaceful surroundings.
The monks of the Abbey were members of the Augustinian order, a group of canons who followed the Rule of St. Augustine. Unlike some other monastic orders, such as the Benedictines or Cistercians, the Augustinians were more involved in pastoral and community work, often serving as priests in local churches while maintaining a communal monastic life, following a strict daily routine of prayer, study, and labour.
After Lilleshall Abbey was dissolved in 1538, under the orders of Henry VIII, it was stripped of its valuables, and the monastic community was disbanded. Like many other abbeys at the time, its lands and buildings were sold off.
The abbey and its estates had been granted to Sir Richard Leveson, a wealthy landowner and politician but over the following centuries, the abbey buildings fell into ruin. Parts of the structure were repurposed, with stone being taken for local building projects
The Abbey had been involved in the English Civil War in the 17th Century. Although it was already in a state of decline after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the site played a role in the conflict as a Royalist stronghold.
During the war, the Leveson family, who owned the abbey, were strong supporters of King Charles I and used the abbey as a defensive position. In 1645, Parliamentarian forces besieged the abbey, and after a fierce battle, captured and under Cromwell’s orders slighted it. The impact of the Civil War was to contribute to its final abandonment as a residence or defensive site.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the ruins had become a picturesque landmark, appreciated for their historical and aesthetic value.
Today, the remains of Lilleshall Abbey, including parts of its church, chapter house, and other buildings, stand as a historic site managed by English Heritage. The ruins, with their grand arches and intricate stonework, offer a glimpse into medieval monastic life. The site is open to visitors and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts and photographers, and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval monastic life.

I visited the Abbey out of season so although it was closed as far as English Heritage is concerned, the site is open and access is available at all times (at least when I've been there). That said, the carpark is closed out of season and as it is accessed from a narrow country road you may have to walk a bit to get there. I managed to park right outside the gate but no more than a few cars can park next to the road safely here.

English Heritage have a no drone policy, but if you choose the right time of day or out of season it is easy to fly around the Abbey and maintain VLOS.

There are no toilet facilities or refreshments to be had at this site so plan ahead for relief and sustenance respectfully!

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

Co-ordinates: 52.72494, -2.389849 • what3words: ///donation.organisms.bulk

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 16/01/2025. 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.

Where to fly your drone

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Birleys Sports Field, Canterbury (By grandad1950)

A large sports field with extensive facilities and a lovely old church hidden in the trees

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.29087, 1.083089 • what3words: ///fever.truth.badly

Middle Falls, Craven (By markas)

Not many people have heard of this waterfall compared to the more well-known waterfalls in Yorkshire, and you won’t see many photos of it as it’s a little off the beaten track in Upper Warfdale, however its quite near a roadside parking spot, and can actually be seen on the drive, but few actually park up and walk right up to the waterfall.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.21232, -2.084683 • what3words: ///reassured.willpower.skimmers

Swanbourne Lake, Arun (By winglider)

Beautiful part of the countryside very close to Arundel. A beautiful park and lake that is open to the public. Parking is very limited in the summer when it gets very busy. There is a tea room and toilets at the entrance.
Unfortunatly they did not want me to TOAL on their property so found a spot by the road.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.86196, -0.556248 • what3words: ///rinses.sketch.prospered

Porthcawl - Sandy bay and Trecco Bay Look Out Tower, Bridgend (By stubbyd)

Lovely open beach and area that I can't believe I haven't previously added.

At this hour it is generally empty, but with the introduction of one of two beach front saunas it has become popular with the early morning "sea dippers" (don't know if there's an official term for what these nutters do).

Also included a shot of the old Coney beach fun fair which is slowly being dismantled [thankfully]. This is meant to be replaced by a development of houses, shops, etc.

There is a large choice of parking, but the closest and easiest is the car park of the Hi Tide Inn, the same Inn that hosts the annual Elvis festival, and is literally right on the edge of Sandy Bay itself.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.47858, -3.693852 • what3words: ///schematic.abruptly.studio

Cliffe Castle, Bradford (By Rick2522)

Cliffe Castle is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion and museum set within large landscaped parkland on the western edge of Keighley, West Yorkshire. The grounds include wide open lawns, ornamental gardens, glasshouses, fountains, and long tree-lined paths — all surrounded by gently rolling hills and views across the Aire Valley.

For drone flying, it offers a great mix of architectural detail, open space, and scenic landscape, ideal for both cinematic and aerial photography.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 53.87495, -1.913091 • what3words: ///plank.united.remove

Sturry Road Community Park, Canterbury (By grandad1950)

A fairly wild community open space near canterbury with lots of room to fly

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.29203, 1.110955 • what3words: ///dolly.cabin.photo

Hall Garth Park, Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire (By CutThroatJake)

Hall Garth Park in Hornsea is a large green space that offers locals and visitors a beautiful place to relax. Just a short walk from Hornsea's town centre, this well-maintained park features lush lawns, mature trees, and flower beds. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 53.91265, -0.169516 • what3words: ///detection.petulant.variously

Lower Town, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire (By stubbyd)

Nestled along the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, Lower Town Harbour offers a tranquil glimpse into Wales’ maritime past.

This charming tidal harbour is surrounded by colourful cottages [reminds me of Ballamory], fishing boats, and rolling green hills that meet the sea. At low tide, the boats rest gently on the mudflats, revealing the textures and tones and along with the wooded hills and the open bay then I think it offers a lot for photography enthusiasts be they land or air based.

Lower Town has free parking - I didn't check for how long but more than enough for a drone flight or two.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.99573, -4.969473 • what3words: ///prevented.glass.countries

Ruperra Castle, Caerphilly (By pete-the-geek)

This is a stunning Grade 2 listed building. It is unfortunately privately owned and you are not permitted to TOAL nearby. It has been devastated by fire and is in a state of disrepair.

The whole surrounding area is managed by the Ruperra Conservation Trust. On the top of the hill to the North, is a historic Hill Fort and some more modern transformations are still visible via another short walk up the hill which makes for another great location to fly around

Parking is some distance away with a 1km walk to the TOAL site that I used, which is a track that is also a bridalway. It provides a couple of spots that give you good line of site but beware, the surrounding building are private residences so the residence may have objections to overflights. It is also an equestrian business so there are horses and riders frequenting the area.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.57003, -3.127177 • what3words: ///occurs.design.boost

Pen-y-Lan, Newport (By pete-the-geek)

This is a great area to fly for sunset views. It is possible to see from Cardiff to Newport and being elevated above the surrounding area it gives good views. In good weather, you can also see across the Severn Channel to England.

Be careful of the 2 wind turbines.

There are a couple of pull-ins where you can fly from and good views of the drone while flying.

As it is rural, it is possible to easily fly heavy drones there but as you have to take off on the road side, care must be taken to ensure adequate distance from the occasional vehicles.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.55633, -3.077139 • what3words: ///surnames.because.myself


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