Seaton Delaval Hall has been voted the best National Trust attraction in the North East, securing 63% of the vote in a recent poll by ChronicleLive. The Northumberland country house, near the coast, beat Cragside and Wallington to the top spot, offering visitors a chance to step back 300 years to the Georgian era.
Designed by architect Sir John Vanbrugh for Admiral George Delaval in 1718, the hall was home to the flamboyant Delaval family, known as the 'Gay Delavals' for their lavish parties, theatrical performances, and elaborate pranks. However, in 1822, a fire gutted the central block, the effects of which remain visible in the Great Hall today.
After being opened to the public in 1950 and undergoing restoration, the hall saw its first resident in 160 years when the 22nd Baron Hastings moved into the West Wing in the 1980s. Following his death in 2007, the National Trust took over in 2009, opening the site to visitors in May 2010. A major renovation project, 'The Curtain Rises', from 2019 to 2022, added a new cafe, play area, accessible facilities, and improved displays.
Visitors can explore original architecture, formal gardens, portraits of the Delaval family, and modern amenities like a play area and community kitchen garden. The hall is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, with last admission one hour before closing. Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for children, or £25 for a family, with free entry for National Trust members.
