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Wray Castle, Ambleside added to National Trust in North West by D0c.Col on 15/11/2023

Wray Castle is a charming Grade II listed Victorian neo-gothic mansion located in the Lake District, Cumbria, and England. It's situated on the western shore of Lake Windermere, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle, along with the adjacent church was built as a private residence in the 1840s for James Dawson, a retired Liverpool surgeon.

Despite its stronghold appearance it was never intended as a defensive fortification and therefore lacks many typical castle like characteristics. Instead, it served as a holiday home for the Dawson family. After James’ death in 1875 the estate was inherited by his fifteen year old nephew, Edward Preston Rawnsley. In 1877 Edward's cousin, Hardwicke Rawnsley, took up the appointment of vicar of Wray Church. To protect the countryside from damaging development, Hardwicke, acting on a notion conceived by John Ruskin, developed the idea of a National Trust that could buy and preserve places of natural beauty and historic interest for the nation.
In 1882, when Beatrix Potter was just 16 years old, her family rented Wray Castle for their summer holiday. This visit is said to have inspired Beatrix's love for the Lake District, and it marked the beginning of her deep affection for the region. She eventually settled in the Lake District and purchased Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey. It is said that the landscapes and surroundings of the Lake District, including her memories of Wray Castle, greatly influenced her work as a renowned author and illustrator, creating beloved children's books such as "The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”
In 1929 Wray Castle, along with 64 acres of land, were given to the National Trust by Sir Noton and Lady Barclay, the owners at that time. Since then, the castle has been used for a variety of purposes, such as a youth hostel, and from 1931 it housed the offices of the Freshwater Biological Association. From 1958 to 1998 it became a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers and was known as RMS Wray Castle).

In 2011 the National Trust proposed to lease the property stripped of its furnishings, for use as a hotel, but instead opened it to the public during the visitor season that year. High visitor numbers meant that the property had clear potential to be developed as a visitor attraction. In 2014 the Trust applied for retrospective planning permission to change the use of the listed building to visitor attraction and today, the public can explore its rooms, enjoy the beautiful grounds, and even participate in various family-friendly activities. The castle has a relaxed atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for those looking to experience the charm of the Lake District.

There is plenty of parking within the grounds itself and a number of National Trust granted public paths follow the Windermere Shoreline and across the property. I was able to launch the DJI mini 3 Pro from one of the Public Paths close to the Windermere Shoreline but inside the National Trust Property boundary. The castle was closed, as it was out-of-season, and VLOS was maintained, on this occasion, with the assistance of a spotter. Although there were plenty of walkers taking in the scenery at the time, I had no interaction with any of them! I suspect it maybe a different story in-season so be aware!

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

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

Co-ordinates: 54.39904, -2.962124 • what3words: ///wreck.exposing.responses

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 03/11/2023. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location.

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Recently added locations

Anvil Point Lighthouse (By KFDrones)

Great little lighthouse with some lovely costal views

Land owner permission not required.

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Co-ordinates: 50.59169, -1.959895 • what3words: ///

Skelton Tower, Pickering (By D0c.Col)

Had a fantastic journey hiking from Levisham to Skelton Tower and onwards, in the North Yorkshire Moors, even got a clip of the steam train as it passed.

Skelton Tower is a fascinating historical landmark located in Levisham, North Yorkshire, England, within the stunning North York Moors National Park. Skelton Tower was built in 1830 by the Reverend Robert Skelton, a rector of Levisham. It is believed to have been used as a shooting lodge where Skelton and his guests could enjoy the scenic surroundings and engage in hunting. The tower is a small, two-story structure made of local stone. Though now a ruin, its Gothic-style windows and dramatic location contribute to its romantic and picturesque character.

Positioned on a high escarpment overlooking the Newtondale Gorge, the tower offers breathtaking views of the surrounding moorland, valleys, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which passes below in the gorge. Skelton Tower is a popular destination for walkers and hikers. It can be reached via a variety of walking routes, including trails starting from the nearby village of Levisham. It is a prime spot for photography and picnics.

The tower is often admired for its romantic, solitary ambiance, making it a favorite for artists, photographers, and history enthusiasts. It combines historical intrigue with natural beauty, making it a cherished landmark in the North York Moors.

It is very remote and had walked there from where we staying in Levisham, just over a mile away. Definitely not a place for a comfort break, in fact there are no facilities at all as is the case in the North Yorkshire Moors. The trails are good though and the terrain moderate to easy. There are quite often NOTAMs in the area so best check before you go.

Land owner permission not required.

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Co-ordinates: 54.32463, -0.740075 • what3words: ///

Sandal Castle (By ryan.holt94)

Popular dog walking spot so be mindful of dog walkers. Everyone was friendly enough though or minded their own business

Land owner permission not required.

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Co-ordinates: 53.65872, -1.490788 • what3words: ///

Bolnore Village (By grandad1950)

Bolnore village was created from scratch over the last 30 or so years. The roads are a rabbit warren and easy to get lost.

A great sports / recreation centre with lots of space to fly. Lots of sports pitches that can be busy at the weekend.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.98829, -0.116159 • what3words: ///

Nunnington Hall (By D0c.Col)

Nunnington Hall, an historic country house in North Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its picturesque setting along the River Rye. Managed by the National Trust, this stately home blends architectural charm, rich interiors, and centuries of history, making it a captivating destination for visitors.
The site has been occupied since medieval times, though the current structure primarily dates to the 16th and 17th centuries. A stone bridge over the river separates the grounds of the house from the village, and its name likely originates from a nunnery that predated the Norman Conquest and was dissolved around 1200. In the medieval era, the land was owned by St. Mary’s Abbey in York.
The house’s earliest surviving sections, now part of the west front, were built by William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton and brother of Queen Catherine Parr. After his estate was forfeited in 1553 for his role in attempting to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne, the property was leased to tenants. One notable tenant was Dr. Robert Huicke, physician to both Catherine Parr and Elizabeth I, though he never resided at Nunnington. The estate was managed by stewards, with the Norcliffe family, starting in 1583, making significant alterations over the next six decades.
Ownership of the manor changed hands multiple times. By 1655, Ranald Graham acquired it, succeeded by his nephew Sir Richard Graham, later Viscount Preston. The estate faced confiscation in 1689 due to Viscount Preston’s involvement in attempting to support James II, but it was later restored after his pardon. Following the 3rd Viscount Preston’s death in 1739, the property passed to relatives, eventually becoming part of the Norton Conyers Graham family. In 1839 it was purchased by William Rutson for a little over £152,000. His family used the property as a sporting lodge, and used Newby Wiske Hall in Northallerton as their main home.
In 1920, the hall was inherited by Margaret Rutson, who, along with her husband, undertook extensive renovations in the 1920s, under the architect Walter Brierley. Margaret bequeathed Nunnington Hall, its gardens, and a £25,000 property maintenance fund, about £900,000 at 2024 prices, to the National Trust in 1952.
Nunnington Hall reflects evolving tastes across generations. Its stone façade and mullioned windows convey understated Tudor elegance, while the interiors feature period furnishings, tapestries, and historic furniture. Notable among its treasures is the Carlisle Collection of intricately detailed miniature rooms.
Throughout the year, Nunnington Hall hosts a variety of events, including art exhibitions, family activities, and seasonal celebrations. On the day of my visit The Sealed Knot had been invited to ‘populate’ this historic building in order to illustrate what life would have been like there, in the 17th century, providing a glimpse of everyday life in those days gone by.
Nunnington Hall is steeped in history, and like many historic homes, it has its share of ghostly lore that intrigues visitors and adds an air of mystery to its stately halls. Among the most famous tales is that of The Grey Lady, a spectral figure said to wander the halls and grounds of the estate.
Legend suggests that the Grey Lady might be the spirit of a former servant or a member of the family who met a tragic end. She is often associated with feelings of melancholy or sadness, and some visitors and staff have reported glimpses of her in the shadows, or hearing faint, inexplicable sounds, like footsteps in empty rooms or the rustling of skirts.
Set within eight acres of organically managed grounds, the hall boasts formal walled gardens, an organic vegetable garden, orchards, and seasonal flowers. These gardens, along with the abundant wildlife that live amongst the meandering river, enhance the hall's serene rural setting.
Nunnington Hall stands as a captivating blend of history, beauty, and intrigue, inviting visitors to step back in time while exploring its storied past, enchanting gardens, and perhaps even a lingering whisper of its ghostly legends.

As it is a National Trust Property it is best to TOAL outside their boundary lines. See my TOAL and Parking pins for info.

It's pretty remote there so advise taking a comfort break before you go, unless of course you intend to go inside the hall, which I highly recommend.

There is a Yellow Aerodrome Warning Zone that encroaches on the site so be mindful of light aircraft in the area.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.20661, -0.974326 • what3words: ///

Nightingale Lane Meadows (By grandad1950)

A large public open space and conservation area to the south of Burgess Hill West Sussex.

The historic Burgess Hill water tower is in the distance.

While there is lots of space to fly parking is mainly on the local roads as there is no dedicated car park.

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.94415, -0.138531 • what3words: ///

Burgess Hill Green Circle (By grandad1950)

Part of a 6 mile circular walking / biking route around Burgess Hill

Land owner permission requirements unknown.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.95277, -0.158465 • what3words: ///enacts.fury.thudding

Gourdon (By Bluesjnr)

Fly from the lay-by on the A92 at the short dualed section.

Land owner permission not required.

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Co-ordinates: 56.82729, -2.287989 • what3words: ///sunflower.jams.listed

Whitby Abbey and Harbour (By D0c.Col)

Whitby is a fantastic place to visit, loads of parking (at a price @£8 for 4 hrs on my visit - see pin) and wonderful things to see and do. Obviously plenty of places to eat, but stay off the main streets for a cheaper dining experience. The Abbey is owned by English Heritage, so caution is required to fly there, but my TOALings were outside their perimeter so no issues.

Whitby Abbey and Harbour
At the heart of Whitby, lies its vibrant harbour that has developed over centuries, with human intervention building upon the natural estuary of the River Esk. Uniquely, the harbour mouth faces north, and its piers stretch east and west, creating one of the few UK spots where the sun rises and sets over the sea in summer.
The West Pier, accessible through an ornamental gate, commemorating Whitby’s seafaring tradition, has a scenic route that leads to the 80-foot-high lighthouse. You walk past capstans and mooring posts reminiscent of historic ship handling, evoking a time when ships were manually ‘warped’ or hauled into and out of the harbour by human effort. Local maritime character is enhanced by vessels like the Grand Turk, an old lifeboat, and a replica of Captain Cook’s Endeavour, which are frequently moored nearby.
Historically, Whitby’s location made it accessible mainly by sea due to the challenging North York Moors. Its natural harbour provided a safe haven along a dangerous 100-mile coastline between the rivers Tees and Humber. By the 1300s, traders from across Europe were visiting Whitby, primarily due to its famous abbey and its lucrative salt herring export. The abbey itself, founded in the 7th century, thrived until it was dissolved under Henry VIII. Its ruins later inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and they remain a landmark maintained by English Heritage.
The harbour was Whitby’s lifeline. People often said, “the only road to Whitby is the sea,” due to the challenges posed by the surrounding North York Moors until the first turnpike road was established in 1764. Unlike other towns that developed around a market square, Whitby’s heart has always been its harbour. The bottle-shaped estuary of the River Esk provided the only natural harbour along the 100-mile stretch of perilous coastline between the rivers Tees and Humber. By the early 1300s, merchants from overseas were regularly visiting Whitby to trade with its prosperous abbey. Over time, the harbour was expanded with quays, a bridge, and a pier to shield it from the North Sea. Salt herring was the main export, while imported goods included wine and supplies for the abbey. Notably, coal was shipped to the abbey from Sunderland as early as 1392, marking the beginning of a trade that would later drive Whitby’s prosperity.
Whitby Abbey itself, founded as a Christian monastery in the 7th century and later a Benedictine abbey, was a prominent center within the medieval Northumbrian kingdom, situated on the East Cliff above Whitby, it had flourished for centuries as a center of learning. However, the abbey and its assets were seized by the crown during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and was eventually destroyed by Henry VIII in 1540. Since then, the abbey’s ruins have served as a navigational landmark for sailors.
Soon after it’s destruction it was acquired by Sir Richard Cholmley and remained in his family’s possession until eventually passing to the Strickland family, who in turn transferred it to the UK government in 1920. Now managed by English Heritage, the ruins have endured, even surviving considerable damage in December 1914 when German battlecruisers shelled it during a raid that also targeted Scarborough and Hartlepool. The attack, aimed at the Coastguard Station, caused significant damage to the abbey buildings in a brief ten-minute assault.
Today, Whitby’s harbour and abbey ruins continue to draw visitors, celebrating the town’s rich maritime and cultural history.

Enjoy!

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.48854, -0.607896 • what3words: ///dumplings.extensive.clutches

Whinlatter Forrest (By AlbionDrones)

Parking on the layby gives great views and a place for a roadside TOAL to then capture the views along the valley and up the pass.

Land owner permission not required.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.60949, -3.204993 • what3words: ///infringe.frogs.rebel


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