Name: Seaton Delaval Hall
Rating: 5.0

Seaton Delaval Hall

Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Northumberland NE26 4QR, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses; but it was home to the larger than life Delaval family. The house and surrounding landscape were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society, yet behind the formality lies a story of theatricality and mischief.

Known as the ‘Gay Delavals’ due to their high spirited and flamboyant lifestyle, an invitation to one of their parties was the hottest ticket in town. In an age notorious for extremes of behaviour, they stood apart as the most notorious of all Georgian partygoers and pranksters. Imagine awaking in the house to find your room “turned upside down” with furniture fixed to the ceiling, or finding yourself in a state of undress and having the walls collapse!

Price starts from £15.40 for Adults(18 years and over), £7.70 for Children(5-17 & under 5s free) and £23.10 for Family(1 Adult and up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Central Hall, Saloon & Basement: One of architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses, the Hall was ravaged by fire 200 years ago. The remaining central block offers a unique opportunity to discover the surviving architecture. Start your journey here and discover the industries on which the Delaval family's wealth was built.
West Wing: Explore the playfully presented stories of the theatrical and mischievous Delaval family. Meet the family through the Hall's portraits and get up close with the collection in the Collections Store.
Formal Gardens: A varied garden featuring an Italianate parterre, herbaceous borders, an arboretum, a small pond and a stunning laburnum arch.
South East Gardens: The lost South East Gardens have been reimagined and feature relaxed spaces with Vanbrugh's views into the wider landscapes, a wild flower bed and playfully hidden structures for all to enjoy.
The Delaval Playdium: Inspired by the mechanics of Baroque theatre and the candle-lit shows of the gay Delavals, the Delaval Playdium play area in the North West Woods is a space to play, create and explore.
Community Kitchen Garden: Head down to the garden at the foot of the Walled Garden - home to Tots' Plots - to see what's in the cutting garden and the no-dig beds filled with fruit, vegetables and flowers.
Church of Our Lady: Independently managed, the beautiful 11th century church was once part of the Delavals' estate and the private family place of worship. Now the parish church, opening times vary; please check before visiting.
Christmas at Seaton Delaval Hall: Visit Seaton Delaval Hall this festive season to experience a magical Christmas inspired by its Georgian past. Discover festive family activities, live music, winter walks and late night opening. There's something for everyone to enjoy this winter.
Family fun at Seaton Delaval Hall: There is plenty at Seaton Delaval Hall for families young and old to enjoy. One of the top Northumberland attractions, enjoy open spaces, take part in activities and adventures, recreate some of the mischief and playfulness for which the Delaval family were known and create great memories together.
Things to do inside Seaton Delaval Hall: Seaton Delaval Hall may have been one of architect Sir John Vanbrugh's smallest country houses, but it was home to the larger-than-life Delaval family. The house and surrounding landscape were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society, yet behind the formality lies a story of theatricality, creativity and mischief.
Explore the garden at Seaton Delaval Hall: Discover the gardens at Seaton Delaval Hall. Explore the formal garden with its manicured lawns and topiary, stroll through the relaxed, wildflower-laden woodlands and uncover your playful side in the South East Garden. Enjoy family activities and stretch your legs on one of the walks across the wider estate.
The North East Emerging Artist Award: The North East Emerging Artist Award is an annual award at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland for final year students or early career artists to provide opportunities for mentoring and development of site specific work in an historic context.
Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses; but it was home to the larger than life Delaval family.
The house and surrounding landscape were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society, yet behind the formality lies a story of theatricality and mischief.
Known as the ‘Gay Delavals’ due to their high spirited and flamboyant lifestyle, an invitation to one of their parties was the hottest ticket in town. In an age notorious for extremes of behaviour, they stood apart as the most notorious of all Georgian partygoers and pranksters. Imagine awaking in the house to find your room “turned upside down” with furniture fixed to the ceiling, or finding yourself in a state of undress and having the walls collapse!
Enter a world where an extraordinary lifestyle was acted out in the most colourful way. The Delavals loved a performance, staging events from rope dancers and sack races outdoors to masquerade balls and even their own theatrical productions at home and further afield, which earned rave reviews at the time.
Seaton Delaval Hall has moved from fortune to misfortune many times through the centuries and the story of its survival is as dramatic as any performance that could be staged. It still bears the scars of the fierce fires which almost condemned it to ruin two hundred years ago, but even today plays a major part in the history of the North East.
Now Seaton Delaval Hall is embarking on its encore thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others. Between 2019 and 2022 the Hall completed a major project titled the 'Curtain Rises', which included a full reroofing of the West Wing, replacement of six chimneys and the introduction of conservation-grade heating; critical repairs to the cantilever staircases leading from the Central Hall to the Basement; the reflooring and introduction of sympathetic lighting in the Basement; conservation of structures in the landscape including the ha-ha walls, mausoleum and walled garden walls, a contemporary reimagining of the 1781 estate plan in the landscape, incorporating the reintroduction of historic path networks and improvements to visitor facilities including a new cafe, play area, accessible entrances and toilets. In addition, the hall's collection has been re-presented to better introduce the 'gay Delavals'- and better tell their stories, bringing back the drama and flamboyance for which they were known.
Top trails: Holywell Dene and Old Hartley walk, Holywell and Sluice walk at Seaton Delaval Hall, Wagonway walk at Seaton Delaval Hall, Seaton Delaval Hall to Holywell village trail, Seaton country and coast walk, Seaton Sluice and Blyth history walk, Seaton Delaval crops and coal trail.

Facilities

Parking: Visitor car park free. From main gates take left fork to visitor car park. Car park locked at 5pm.
Food & Drinks: Brewhouse Cafe open 10am-5pm serving a range of drinks, snacks, light meals and sweet treats. Reduced hot food 2-4:30pm. Take away and snacks only from 4:30pm.
Toilet: Accessible toilets at Brewhouse Cafe and Carriage House toilets. A fully accessible Place to Change is available in the toilets next to the North West Woods near the Delaval Playdium. Family toilet available next to the North West Woods near the Delaval Playdium.
Dogs allowed: Dogs on leads welcome are welcome in the grounds. No admission to buildings or Delaval Playdium play area (except access dogs).

What to see

The history of Seaton Delaval Hall: Discover the families and individuals who have shaped Seaton Delaval Hall throughout its 1,000 year history. From its origins as a Norman settlement to the construction of the baroque manor house we see today, the Hall has seen joy and tragedy. Learn about famous architect Sir John Vanbrugh, why being a guest could be a risky business, and how the effects of a devastating fire in 1822 are still seen today.

For more information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/seaton-delaval-hall/the-history-of-seaton-delaval-hall

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (18+): £22.00 with Gift Aid, £20.00 without Gift Aid.
Child (5–17, under 5s free): £11.00 with Gift Aid, £10.00 without Gift Aid.
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £55.00 with Gift Aid, £50.00 without Gift Aid.
Family (1 adult): £33.00 with Gift Aid, £30.00 without Gift Aid.

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/seaton-delaval-hall#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Central hall: 11:00 - 16:00
Brewhouse Café: 10:00 - 15:30
Garden: 10:00 - 16:00
Stables: 10:00 - 16:00
West wing: 11:00 - 15:30

Time may vary please check here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/seaton-delaval-hall#place-opening-times

Address: Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, Northumberland NE26 4QR, UK

Post Code: NE26 4QR

Council: Northumberland

County: Northumberland

By road: A190 passes main gates, linking to A193 coast road at Seaton Sluice. From south A19 from South Tyneside, Wearside and Teesside (tolls apply). Approximately 5 miles from Tyne Tunnel: Follow A19 to exit A1056 Killingworth/B1322 Seghill and follow signs for A190. From A1 north/southbound: Exit Jct 80, follow signs for A19/A1068/B1318 Tyne Tunnel/Cramlington/Ashington/A189 Blyth/Seaton Burn. Follow signs for A189 Ashington then follow signs for A190
By train: West Monkseaton, Tyne & Wear Metro approximately 3 miles. Connects with Arriva bus services 308 and 309 approximately 1/2 a mile away on Whitley Bay seafront. Northumberland Line Seaton Delaval train station now open, linking with X7 bus route. Running between Newcastle Central Station and Ashington.
By bus: Arriva service X7 from Newcastle Haymarket Bus Station to Blyth every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday and hourly on Sundays, stopping at Seaton Delaval Hall (connects with services to Whitley Bay and North Tyneside). Goes via West Jesmond, South Gosforth, Longbenton, Balliol Business Park, West Moor, Burradon and Seghill.
Cycling: NCN1 Coast and Castles passes approximately 1/2 a mile away in Seaton Sluice, linking Newcastle and Edinburgh.
On foot: Network of footpaths: Seaton Sluice (¾ mile), Seaton Delaval (1 mile), Blyth and Monkseaton Wagonways(1/3 mile).
Parking: Visitor car park free. From main gates take left fork to visitor car park. Car park locked at 5pm.