Drone Scene

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Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley added to English Heritage in Yorkshire and the Humber by D0c.Col on 19/12/2024

Was just a quick impromtu visit as was having lunch in nearby Helmsley. The Abbey is an English Heritage property so watch out for any overzelous staff. There are the usual English Heritage on-site amenities available including parking.

Rievaulx Abbey is a historic monastery located near Helmsley in North Yorkshire, England. Founded in 1132 by Cistercian monks from Clairvaux, it became one of England's most powerful and wealthy abbeys and is renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, large arches and intricate stonework. Even as a ruin, it showcases the grandeur of medieval monastic life.
Nestled in a tranquil valley, surrounded by the North York Moors, it offers breathtaking views and a sense of seclusion, reflecting the monks' desire for peace and contemplation.
The abbey was a religious, economic, and cultural hub, with monks leading a life of prayer, study, and labour. They also managed vast estates and were skilled in agriculture and sheep farming.
At its peak, the Abbey housed over 140 monks and 500 lay brothers, making it a major influence in the Cistercian order and the local economy. Like many others, the abbey fell into decline after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII in 1538, when it was stripped of its wealth and abandoned.
Managed by English Heritage, the Abbey is a popular tourist destination and visitors can explore its ruins, learn about its history through the museum, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Rievaulx Abbey stands as a striking testament to medieval monastic life and holds a significant place in England's religious and cultural heritage. Its impressive ruins continue to captivate visitors, offering a glimpse into its storied past and a serene space for reflection.

There are a couple of places on the adjacent road to TOAL and maintain VLOS and if it's not too busy you can park on the roadside.

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

Co-ordinates: 54.25816, -1.118545 • what3words: ///once.intestine.shatters
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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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