Seaton Delaval combines a long history with specific places to explore on foot. Seaton Delaval Hall stands on the site of a Norman settlement; different routes lead to a garden, the dunes of South Beach or towards Seaton Sluice. There are also striking buildings and a nearby nature reserve. You can make architectural history, walking routes and nature watching different focuses of your stay.
The Hall, garden and historic architectural styles
Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed building. Sir John Vanbrugh designed the Hall in 1719; it was completed in 1728. The building stands on the site of a Norman settlement. This makes it possible to distinguish the early settlement from the construction of the present building in terms of when they took place.
The Orangery dates from the early 18th century, is Grade II* listed and may have been designed by Vanbrugh. Its five-bay façade is arranged in the Roman Doric style, with round arches; it also has semicircular windows and a central door. The walled kitchen garden of the Hall covers about 1.5 hectares, lies around 150 m northeast of the Hall and is Grade II listed.
The Grade II* listed mausoleum, dating from 1766, stands on the Sea Walk. It has a cruciform plan and is surrounded by a circular ha-ha. Our Lady also adds to the family history of the area: for more than 700 years, it was the Delaval family’s private chapel. On New Year’s Eve 1795, a ball and dinner were held at Seaton Delaval Hall.
Routes between the Hall, villages and destinations
The Avenue connects the village of Seaton Delaval with the main entrance to Seaton Delaval Hall. The Sea Walk connects the Hall grounds with the village of Seaton Sluice and passes through a narrow strip of woodland planted mainly with sycamore trees. Unlike these connecting routes, the Seaton Country and Coast Walk is a circular route from the Hall to Hester Pit Memorial Garden and the dunes of South Beach. The routes therefore differ in their named destinations and their courses.
The Delaval Playdium is a play area in the North West Woods. Its inspiration comes from the mechanics of Baroque theatre and the Delaval family’s candlelit performances. This gives the play area a thematic connection to a different aspect of local history than the Hall’s architectural styles.
Green spaces and nature near Seaton Delaval
Astley Park offers paths and seating for leisurely walks. The park was created in the 1920s on land that belonged to the Hastings family of Seaton Delaval Hall. The paths and seating shape the visit here differently from the named routes and destinations around the Hall.
Near Seaton Delaval is East Cramlington Pond, a small, quiet nature reserve with a pond and grassland. Its aquatic flora and fauna include dragonflies and damselflies. A circular path runs around the area; access is through a gate on East Cramlington Road, just outside Seaton Delaval.
Discover more destinations: Wall, Gilsland, Sharperton, Carham, Guyzance, Greenhead, Stocksfield, Kirknewton.
For the wider travel guide: Northumberland.
