Just the picture – this stone arch on the Belsay Estate in Northumberland makes for a great framing of some lovely English countryside at this time of the year. #england #northumberland #englishheritage #countryside #landscape #photography

A corner of Hardwick Hall Country Park, near Sedgefield, Co Durham. It's a view that looks almost timeless, except that it is part of an entirely man-made landscape dating from the 18th century. #england #durham #hardwickhall #countrypark #landscape #photography

Captured this quiet corner of the Tanfield Heritage Railway near Stanley in NE England. The railway is part of what was once a former horse-drawn colliery wooden waggon way. #england #gateshead #durham #historic #railway #industrialheritage #photography

One of the routes through the sand dunes at South Shields' Littlehaven Beach. In the distance, the Tynemouth Pier and lighthouse where the waters of Tyne meet the North Sea. #england #southshields #coast #sanddunes #landscape #photography

Cormorants atop a rocky outcrop near Lizard Point in Marsden Bay, South Tyneside. In the background the lighthouses at the entrance to the River Tyne, the view extending on up the coast to the lighthouse on St Mary's Island at Whitley Bay. #england #southtyneside #coast #landscape #photography

I don't think I would have been the only one doing a double take walking past this window of a cottage near the Tyne Valley village of Mickley in NE England. Likewise, maybe I wasn't the only one who decided it was worthy of being captured on camera!

The weather perfect today for a walk around Hardwick Hall Country Park in NE England. Love this view here across the Serpentine Lake to the Temple of Minerva, an 18th century folly designed by James Paine. #england #durham #landscape #folly #bankholiday #may2026 #photography

High tide on Sunderland's seafront and it's mesmerising watching the waves splashing up from the seafront promenade. I think that this gentleman has already had one damp encounter and if he's not careful, he's probably going to experience another! #england #sunderland #seaside #coast #photography

A visit this afternoon to Crook Hall and Gardens, now in the care of the National Trust in Durham NE England – the epitome of an 'English Country Garden'. youtube.com/watch?v=EUyx... #england #durham #nationaltrust #garden #historical #spring #april2026 #garden #photography

What's not to like? Gorgeous April sunshine on the banks of the River Wear a short distance upstream from Finchale Priory, near Durham in NE England. Love the light at this time of the year. #england #durham #spring #april2026 #photography

It's something of a springtime showstopper – the annual explosion of springtime cherry blossom, pictured this afternoon in Grangetown, Sunderland, NE England. Such a shame that in no time at all, it will be gone! #england #sunderland #cherryblossom #spring #april #blossom #photography

A small sheltered inlet on the River Tees near where it finally meets the North Sea. 'Paddy's Hole' is a popular spot for bird-watchers and those just wanting to visit a place that has a bit of a unique atmosphere. #england #teesside #northyorkshirecoast #landscape #photography

Durham's South Bailey cobbled road in NE England looking absolutely fabulous now, following a substantial and sympathetic make-over – that's a job well done! #england #durham #unesco #historic #architecture #timeless #spring #april2026 #photography

A view looking across from High Petergate, York, to the West Towers of the city's huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster. The ancient thoroughfare of Petergate is named after St Peter, to which the Minster is dedicated. #england #yorkminster #yorkshire #spring #april2026 #photography

Took this photograph at the spring equinox. Time it just right and the sun sets slap bang in the middle of Sunderland's Wearmouth Bridge in NE England twice a year from this viewpoint. #england #sunderland #landscape #sunset #equinox #march2026 #photography

The city of York's Minster, as viewed across the rooftops from Clifford's Tower. Undoubtedly a big tourist attraction, but how many, I wonder, are put off when they discover the £20 entrance fee (an extra £6 to climb the tower)? #england #yorkminster #yorkshire #york #landscape #photography

Heading up Durham's cobbled Owengate, the west towers of the city's cathedral playing peek-a-boo. Just a few more footsteps until the 'big reveal' at Palace Green and the whole of the magnificent Norman edifice suddenly opens up. #england #durham #cathedral #historical #unesco #photography

Called in at the National Trust's Benningbrough Hall, which overlooks the River Ouse near Newton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire. The gardens are currently undergoing a redesign they looking just stunning just now. #england #yorkshire #nationaltrustgardens #flowers #spring #april2026 #photography

York's King’s Square, near the historic Shambles, see upwards of a quarter of a million people a year captivated by those going through their routines. Captured a spot of sword swallowing on my latest visit. Top tip – don't try this at home kids! #england #yorkshire #people #april2026 #photography

The magnificent Norman architecture in the nave of Durham Cathedral this afternoon. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral also contains the tombs of St Cuthbert and St Bede. Always in awe of this amazing sacred space. #england #durhamcathedral #durham #unesco #historical #photography

I love this view of the pretty North Yorkshire village of Great Ayton. Captured in the April sunshine, with springtime daffodils on the banks of the River Leven, it still evokes a scene of quintessential bygone England. #england #yorkshire #greatayton #april2026 #spring #landscape #photography

Events of Christ's 'Passion', as portrayed in the beautiful stained glass window behind the high altar of Staindrop's Grade I listed church, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, Co Durham. #england #durham #goodfriday #stainedglass #historic #teesdale #photography

The honey-coloured stone of Belsay Castle in the Northumbrian countryside pictured reflecting the light of this afternoon's early spring sunshine. The Grade I listed building is now in the care of English Heritage. #england #northumberland #englishheritage #historic #spring #march2026 #photography

What's not to like – lighter evenings and the season of spring awakening. Places like this where I live in NE England will soon be filled with the scent of ramsons (wild garlic). #england #durham #spring #march2026 #ramsons #countryside #woodland #photography

If you're looking to get away from it all, how about this old farmstead on the Durham moors, in NE England? In terms of splendid isolated I reckon this spot fits the bill, although I do think that roof might need some attention first! #england #durham #pennines #abandoned #monochrome #photography

'Kepier Hospital', tucked away on the banks of the River Wear downstream from the city of Durham in NE England. Founded c1180 AD, the historic building is a Scheduled Monument with Grade I and Grade II* listed building status. #england #durham #historicengland #photography

Old enough to remember paying a 1d each way in 'old money' to cross the footbridge over the River Wear at Finchale Priory. The ruins of the priory, once used as a retreat for the monks at Durham Cathedral, are cared for by English Heritage. #england #durham #historic #landscape #photography

Taking time to have a chat, a flask of tea and enjoy the East Durham countryside in the early spring sunshine. It always feels great when the weather finally picks up after the often dreary season of winter. #england #durham #countryside #spring #march2026 #landscape #photography

Ashburne House, built by Edward Backhouse around 1833 in Sunderland in NE England.It became the School of Art in 1931, later part of the University of Sunderland in 1996. Now in private ownership. #england #sunderland #daffodils #spring #march2026 #photography

Today is the vernal equinox and winter becomes spring in the northern hemisphere. This photo of Northumberland's Warkworth Castle, bedecked in daffodils, makes an ideal image to mark the new season's arrival. #england #northumberland #equinox #march2026 #daffodils #season #landscape #photograph

Glorious weather to go wandering lonely as a cloud – in the sunshine amongst the daffodils at the Saxon church of St Peter's, established on the banks of the River Wear, Sunderland, NE England in AD674. #england #sunderland #daffodils #march2026 #historic #photography

Glowing in the the last of the day's sunshine, Sunderland's former parish church, Holy Trinity, built in 1719 and now a cultural and performance space. #sunderland #historic #culture #church #march2026 #photography

Late winter stormy tides have scoured lots of sand away from our local beaches in Sunderland. Hopefully it will be carried back in time for the summer. #sunderland #seaside #coast #march #beach #landscape #photography

Sailing towards spring with a River Wear vista in NE England, captured late afternoon during this week's Springtime taster. It was lovely to see the slight haziness diffusing the warmer hues of the sun's rays across Sunderland's city skyline. #england #sunderland #landscape #march2026 #photography

Feeling spring-like at Sunderland's Northern Spire, today. A more perfect spot to sit and enjoy the view (and the weather) on the banks of the River Wear would be hard to find – if only there was a bench! #sunderland #northernspire #march2026 #springweather #landscape #photography

High tide on the River Wear below Queen Alexander Bridge in Sunderland, NE England this afternoon. Officially opened by The Earl of Durham, on behalf of Queen Alexandra on 10 June 1909. #england #sunderland #bridge #landscape #march2026 #photography

The season of spring was definitely knocking on the door in Sunderland's Backhouse Park, NE England, this afternoon.he Swathes of crocuses appearing at this time of the year are one of the city's great annual delights. #england #sunderland #landscape #march2026 #crocus #seasonal #photography

In the East Durham countryside in NE England this week, busy framing a shot of a long straight woodland path when I hear approaching footsteps from behind. Someone passes by wearing a bright red jacket – what perfect timing! #england #durham #woodland #countryside #february #photography

At Wallington Hall, Northumberland, this afternoon, capturing around 100,000 purple crocuses covering some 3,500 square metres in this National Trust property garden. Planted a few years back by some 20 volunteers – a breath-taking feast for the eyes! #england #nationaltrust #crocuses #photography

So pleased to get the chance to pay a visit this afternoon to Hawthorn Dene, Co Durham in NE England, where the annual snowdrop display was once again was looking absolutely magnificent. #engalnd #durhamwildlifetrust #durham #countryside #snowdrops #photography

Love this stretch of winding road that hugs every curve and contour as it heads across the North Pennines in Co Durham, NE England, from Blanchland to Stanhope. #england #pennines #durham #monochrome #landscape #photography

'Site Lines', an installation in Sunderland's Herrington Country Park, NE England, created by David Paton. The popular outdoor space will soon be gearing up to host to BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend 22/24 May 2026, 22/24 May. Fingers crossed for spring-like weather! #sunderland #bbc #sunset #photography

Not out of the winter weather woods just yet, but feeling all the better for the brighter, drier spells of these last few days. The higher angle of the midday sun is already really noticeable, like here at Roker Marina in Sunderland, NE England. #england #sunderland #photography

Finally, some respite from the grey skies and rain. Sunderland's seafront in NE England was busier that it has been for some time with many people determined not to miss the opportunity to get out and about and not get a drenching! #england #sunderland #seaside #outandabout #winter #photography

Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucester, regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain. The 'Chronicle of Tewkesbury' records that Christian worship was brought to the area by a missionary from Northumbria called Theoc. #england #gloucestershire #historic #photography

Part of the London Underground Jubilee Line Extension at Westminster. The void you see here was the deepest ever excavation in central London and was carried out between thick reinforced concrete walls, reinforced and braced horizontally for stability. #england #underground #dystopian #photography

A close-up of the face of Durham Cathedral's Sanctuary Knocker, now officially referred to as a 'Sanctuary Ring'. It seems it was never a used as a knocker. Those seeking sanctuary only needed to grasp the ring, to access to the safety of the cathedral. #england #durham #cathedral #historic

An installation by Magdalene Odundo was one of my favourite exhibitions I've photographed at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, NE England. Really sad that the future of this NE England cultural venue remains under threat. It is a jewel worth saving! #savethenationalglasscentre #sunderland

Photographed these pan-tiled farm out-buildings at Horden Hall, a Grade II listed former manor house, near Easington, Co Durham. Horden Hall itself dates from the middle of the 17th century, built for Sir John Conyers (1587-1664). #england #durham #abandoned

As February is continuing with the grey skies and rain, I'm going elsewhere for some colour. A re-working of a photograph that had its origins in a shot I took at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts in Gateshead, NE England, with additional 'floating baubles' added during post-processing!