National Trust - Seaton Delaval Hall - Whitley Bay

Samantha A. L.

Lovely house with an interesting history.
Staff onsite are knowledgeable and friendly.

Nice gardens with activities through summer for children and places to picnic and a lovely little cafe if you prefer not to ‘bring your own’.

There’s also a lovely, little church that is well worth a visit and can be reached through the gardens. It is still in use and run by volunteers so check ahead for access.

Marta F.

It is a very special national trust house as the history behind it is fascinating.
The best part was when a volunteer told us about the house at 12.30 outside on the grounds.
She was a passionate woman relating all the family names and lives, history and gossip after every member of the family and house.
She makes you feel part of it and without her, the visit wouldn't be the same.

The church and brewery building was the first construction on the site within a small house which it was knocked down to build the majestic palace for a bachelor and his parties and growing winds over the years for the next generations.

After the big fire in 1800 the house has been a ruin but on these days and thankfully to the national trust, we can visit and imagine what it could have been before.

The basement is the best conservation of the building and the first floor where we can see some bedrooms and the family collection but the upper floors haven't got any floor or ceiling.

We can visit outside where the horses were, the brewery, a frizer and the gardens.

It is an excellent house to visit and you can easily stay four hours in it.

After the house you can visit the village, Seaton Sluice and see the works done by the sea cutting the stone to the sea for their business of coal, salt and glass bottles.

It is a really interesting history which you will enjoy.

Pravin M.

Spectacular place to visit, amazing to see the building is still in good condition after the fire. The exterior of the building is mostly burnt black patches whereas the inside had been badly damaged. Inside the front part of the house you can see the internal structure in parts of the wall and where they probably would have bee another floor above. You can go to the next floor above which has balcony views but you can’t go to the top as the stairs are damaged and closed off.
You can go to other parts of the house and explore what it used to be like back in their times, with a mock up theatre in one room and an upside down room in another. The people that used to live there were a family of entertainers and pranksters and liked theatre.

The Brewhouse cafe is nice with plenty of seating and nice choice of drinks and food.

fraser L.

Relatively new to the National Trust, previously in the Delavel family who have a very colourful history. Much of the house burnt down many years ago and has now been reroofed to create incredible interior spaces towering to the roof with all interior floors gone. Large gardens with lots of formal gardens and large areas with outdoor games for kids. Good cafe too, allow at least half a day.

Andrew M.

We visited 19th October 2024 on our way to stay in Newbiggin-by-the-Sea. A nice place to visit, we only had a short time to see the hall. It is very interesting inside and quite unusual. The staff are very pleasant and helpful. It has a nice coffee shop.

Andrew H.

Beautiful views, fantastic gardens, and play areas for children to run around and enjoy nature.
Excellent playground that the children loved, along with the field games area. It is a lovely outdoor area for relaxing and getting your daily steps in.
Nice little cafe with internal and external seating. Coffee was lovely, and I would highly recommend the pea and mint soup..
The annual pass is definitely worth buying if you plan to visit multiple times or head to other national trust properties.

Harriet

We had a lovely family day out here, they had croquet on the lawn, and some bean bags in one of the fields.
Staff were enthusiastic and super knowledgeable, and the NT has done an excellent job at theming the rooms and the tour around the house. Will definitely be back, one of the best NT places we've been to!
The cafe is also lovely and not too pricey!

Nadira C.

Beautiful place with an interesting history. Lots to see and just a delightful place. Not far from the sea. Lovely formal garden which is very relaxing to sit in. Definitely will be back again.