Seaham Hall, a five-star hotel overlooking the Durham Heritage Coast, was named on La Liste's top 100 hotels in the world in 2025 and the best small hotel in England. The hotel, which has a history as a war hospital, sanatorium, and the site of Lord Byron's wedding in 1815, has been developed over the past 25 years into one of the North East's premier destinations.
The Spa
Seaham Hall relaunched its Zen Garden in April to celebrate the hotel's 25th anniversary. The £1 million investment transformed the outdoor area, which previously had one small infinity pool and a couple of barrel-style hot tubs. Now, there are three levels of infinity pools with a plunge pool and a running waterfall. Early mornings tend to be quieter, and I had the top two pools all to myself at 8am.
Recliners and day beds surround the tiered pools, but guests need to arrive early to secure one, with a 20-minute rule to prevent sun lounger hogging. Inside, facilities include saunas, steam rooms, a swimming pool, and a hydrotherapy pool. Treatments are available in the zen lounge, with the top-to-toe ritual (£110) combining a 30-minute massage and a Temple Spa facial. Masseuse Chloe removed some rather large stress knots, and I felt refreshed and reinvigorated for days after.
Food and Drink
The Dining Room is Seaham Hall's flagship restaurant, serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and promising the North East's finest flavours. The 14-carat gold chandeliers are a far cry from its former use as the children's ward of a tuberculosis hospital. Dishes are crafted using locally sourced seasonal ingredients, with standouts including harissa cured seabass; pork with Girolles mushrooms and spicy Syrian red pepper sauce; and an absolutely sublime chocolate mousse dessert.
Breakfast is served in the same space, where guests can choose two continental options and one from the cooked breakfast. Sunday lunch and afternoon teas are also available. Within the spa, find Pan-Asian restaurant Geko, where guests can dine in robes and slippers between treatments or dips in the pools.
Harvey's Bar opened in December last year, aiming to capture the essence of the 1920s. Named after Alec Harvey, who transformed the hall's hidden cellars into a secret whisky route during the 1920s Prohibition era, it blends the romance of Lord Byron's era with the mystique of a speakeasy. The bar offers an intimate and cosy feel, especially after dark, and is stocked with everything from premium vodkas to a selection of Japanese whiskeys. The wine and cocktail lists are impressive, with the kumquat drop and the bees knees royale as unique options.
Rooms
We stayed in one of the Garden Suites, which feature high ceilings giving an airy and spacious feel, and Georgian doors opening onto a private garden with a hot tub. The artwork includes contemporary paintings and black-and-white photographs of Seaham, nodding to local landmarks. The super king-sized bed ensures a restful night's sleep. In the bathroom, a free-standing tub dominates, and a pink rubber duck adds a fun touch amid the luxury.
Nearby Attractions
With two restaurants, a bar, and the spa, it's easy to enjoy a stay without leaving the grounds. However, exploring the local area offers independent spots to eat and drink in Seaham, about half an hour on foot. Lickety Split is a personal favourite for ice cream. Those visiting in early August can enjoy the town's popular food festival, which Saturday Kitchen's Matt Tebbutt is set to headline this year.
Several beaches include Vane Tempest, which has one of the largest concentrations of sea glass of any beach in the world, thanks to the Candlish Bottle works dumping broken glass over the cliffs at the town's industrial peak. Sci-fi fans should check out Blast Beach, a little further south, which featured in Alien 3. Keen walkers can discover more of County Durham's Heritage Coast on the King Charles Coastal Path.
Those looking to head further afield can take a test drive on site (subject to availability) thanks to a partnership with Aston Martin Newcastle. The DBX707 I tried is billed as the supercar of SUVs, and a huge upgrade from my Mini Cooper both in size and power. Taking it out for an hour was a lot of fun, and the Top Gear obsessed teen I used to be would have been ecstatic. However, I'd be lying if I said there weren't some nerves in taking out the 700bhp beast on the roads of County Durham, not to mention parking it.
Getting There
By car from Newcastle, follow the A19 southbound until the B1404, with several signs for the hotel after leaving the A19. There are hourly direct trains between Newcastle and Seaham; Seaham Hall is a short taxi ride from the station or a 30-minute walk. Guests can also request a rail station pick-up via the hotel concierge. In December last year, Grand Central launched its first direct rail service between London and Seaham, with four trains a day between the County Durham town and London Kings Cross.
Prices
A garden suite starts from £505 per night, based on two sharing, with breakfast in the dining room included and spa access from 3pm on the day of check-in to 12pm on the day of check-out. Junior suites are the most affordable option, starting at £325. For more information, visit the Seaham Hall website.
