Autumn Colours from Above – Aerial Views of Pontypool Park

There’s something utterly magical about Pontypool Park in autumn. As the trees turn, the landscape transforms into a painter’s palette of gold, amber, and crimson. Recently, I couldn’t resist taking to the skies with my DJI Air2S drone to capture the full sweep of the season’s splendour from above. The results were spectacular—an aerial mosaic of colour that revealed just how beautifully this historic park wears its autumn coat.

From the drone’s lofty perch, the gentle slopes of the park rolled away beneath me like waves of colour. The great avenue of trees, the cricket pitch, and the ornamental pond shimmered in the low afternoon light. The meandering Afon Llwyd glinted like a silver thread weaving through the scene. At the same time, the Pontypool Folly Tower stood sentinel on the horizon—its familiar silhouette a reminder of the town’s rich heritage.

Pontypool Park has deep historical roots, dating back to the 17th century when it formed part of the estates of the Hanbury family, ironmasters who played a significant role in shaping the region’s industrial story. They left behind not only the park itself but also the grand Pontypool Park House, now part of the local school. In their time, the estate included elaborate gardens, fountains, and even a shell grotto hidden within the woods—remnants of which can still be found if you know where to look. The park has since evolved into a public space loved by locals and visitors alike, yet traces of its aristocratic past still linger in the landscape.

Flying my drone across the park, I couldn’t help but reflect on how seamlessly the past and present coexist here. Dog walkers and joggers followed the same paths once trodden by estate workers; I walked beneath trees planted centuries ago. The drone’s camera offered a perspective those early Hanburys could never have imagined—an eye in the sky revealing just how harmonious this blend of history and nature remains.

Autumn has a way of reminding us how fleeting beauty can be. In a few short weeks, the leaves will fall and the park will slip quietly into winter’s muted tones. But for now, Pontypool Park glows—alive with colour, memory, and timeless charm.