The Peak District — Britain’s first national park — is turning 75 years old, and to celebrate, the BBC Travel Show on the BBC News Channel took viewers on a journey through its dramatic crags, rolling hills, and rich history of outdoor freedom.
Presenter Roma Wells explored the landscapes that gave birth to the “right to roam” movement, meeting revolutionary ramblers, trail runners, and even competitive hens — all part of the Peak District’s unique charm and heritage.
Capturing the Peaks from Above
Halo Vue was proud to provide the aerial cinematography for this episode. As the drone pilot, I used a combination of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro and the DJI Mini 3 Pro to showcase the stunning scenery of the national park in all its glory.
The Mavic 4 Pro, with its superb lenses and advanced sensor, was used to capture the wide, cinematic vistas that define the Peaks — from misty valleys to rugged cliff faces. Its exceptional image clarity and tonal range made it perfect for high-end broadcast work, delivering breathtaking shots that truly represented the spirit of the landscape.
Meanwhile, the DJI Mini 3 Pro proved invaluable when filming in built-up or restricted areas, where reduced separation distances were required. Its compact size and enhanced safety features allowed us to operate safely and responsibly, all while maintaining the production’s high visual standard.
Safe and Creative Ground Filming
In addition to the drone footage, we used the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, securely mounted to the rear of my vehicle, to capture tracking shots of Roma Wells as she rode her motorbike through the countryside.
This setup allowed for smooth, cinematic movement while ensuring maximum safety — avoiding the need for a camera operator in the rear of the car. The camera was controlled remotely by the director using the DJI Mimo app, enabling precise framing and control from the passenger seat. It’s a perfect example of how smart technology and thoughtful planning can deliver professional results without compromising safety.
Expanding Our Creative Toolkit
At Halo Vue, we continue to invest in cutting-edge equipment to offer productions even more creative flexibility. Alongside our fleet of drones, we’ve recently added the DJI Ronin 4D and Tilta Flow steady cam to our lineup — giving productions a powerful second camera option for dynamic ground-based shots.
These tools allow us to combine aerial and cinematic ground footage seamlessly, creating visually stunning sequences that meet the demanding standards of today’s broadcast and documentary productions.
A Celebration of Freedom and Filmmaking
This episode of The Travel Show was not only a tribute to 75 years of the Peak District, but also a celebration of the creativity and freedom that define both the landscape and the filmmaking community that captures it.
It was a privilege for Halo Vue to help bring this story to life — safely, cinematically, and from every angle.
You can watch The Travel Show on the BBC News Channel or stream it on BBC iPlayer.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002l87j/the-travel-show-the-peak-district?seriesId=unslicede
Crew & Production Credits
- Presenter: Roma Wells
- Camera: Harriet Leaf
- Drone Pilot : Phil Fearnley – Halo Vue Aerial Photography
- Assistant Producer: Thomas McGlynn
- Produced / Directed: Jessica Phillips
- Production Company: BBC Travel Show, BBC News Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@PhilipFearnley
Looking for aerial filming in the Peak District or anywhere in the UK?
Halo Vue offers CAA-approved drone operations, cinematic camera work, and broadcast-ready production support.
📞 Contact us today at www.halovue.co.uk/contact to bring your next production to life.