We have been National Trust Members for over 10 years now, and although we have visited a vast amount of NT Properties we hadn't been to Seaton Delaval Hall Every time we had tried in the past it was closed or we were busy on the days it was open, so we kind of just gave up trying to visit. Finally though, I had a date free in my diary so I booked us in for a visit.
When we visit places, I like to try and get there for opening but the earliest available tickets were for 1pm, when we arrived the car park was pretty busy, however once inside it wasn't too bad.
The Hall
Now, I actually read the full guidebook and then looked up a bit more on the history of the Delaval family, History has always been a firm favourite of mine and Seaton Delaval definitely offers that. What a family. They have owned the estate since the time of the Norman conquest.
Designed in 1718 by Sir John Vanbrugh for Admiral George Delaval, and in 1822 saw devastation hit the hall when the central black went up in flames, it has stood a shell for many years.
The National Trust acquired the hall in 2007. With over 1000 years of history Seaton Delaval Hall is a gem in the North East.
On arrival we were greeted by staff who showed us where to go and we headed for the Stables first, which are fab and I have only ever seen 1 other stable block similar to this one and that was a friend's manor house in Scotland. We made our way to the basement where we met a lovely elderly staff member who told us some fascinating stories, I have to say he was fantastic and had lots to tell and you could see from the way he was talking to us that he clearly enjoyed his role. He was great with the boys too. He also showed us around the rest of the hall/house and told us all about different parts of the building. I loved this and it was like we had a mini history lesson, the boys really enjoyed his stories.
The hall is more of a shell but still worth a look and you can see different features like where they have clearly added parts throughout the years, from the basement you get a gorgeous view looking up through the spiral stairs.
The Gardens
We then headed round to North West Woodland where you will find a fantastic adventure play area. We followed the little woodland trail which took us back round to the HAHA, (A type of sunken fence, to give the illusion of an unbroken garden but would keep livestock out, said to be called a haha because of the reaction it got)
We followed this for a few minutes and found ourselves in the Parterre Garden.
Created in the 50s to have an Italian feel, the Parterre Garden a must for visiting throughout the seasons with its spectacular colours. Next stop was the Privy Gardens, with it's lovely little pond, we didn't stay in this little section too long as someone was smoking and we don't like to be around cigarette smoke. We made our way through the Arboretum and Laburnum Arch which was looking lovely and found ourselves at a small church, upon further inspection the church is not National Trust property so we didn't go in we just walked around and made our way to the South East Gardens.
The boys found the fab mirror cube and we had a lovely slow walk around this section of garden. Lots of space for picnics.
On the way out I picked up a bunch of freshly cut flowers for £2.50, which were gorgeous and took their place on the dining room table.
We really enjoyed our visit and still can't believe after all these years this was the first time we had visited. We are planning on going back and taking a picnic with us and just letting the boys explore the gardens and we will be visiting the Church of our Lady too.
Good to know
On our visit we had to pre-book so please check the website first for up to date info.
Carpark
Visitor check in
Brewhouse Café
Hip Carrying infant seats available to loan
Face mask was needed for the indoor areas
Dogs welcome on leads in the garden only
Accessible through the gardens for all
Opening times
Closed Monday & Tuesday
Open Wednesday - Sunday from 10am
Weekdays do not require pre booking but weekends do.
To book click HERE
Prices
Members are free but you still need to book on a weekend.
Non Members a family of 2+3 would cost £22 I would suggest becoming a member if you visit National Trust properties often it can save you loads of money.
Other things to do in the area
St Mary's Lighthouse (Explore rockpools)
Blue Reef Aquarium
Tynemouth Priory (English Heritage)
Long sands Beach
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