Look no farther than Seaton Delaval Hall if you’re seeking a spot to visit in England.
Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed building, built-in 1718 by Sir John Vanbrugh for Admiral George Delaval. It has been described as “the most daring house in England” due to its dramatic architecture. The hall was later inherited by the Blackett family who lived there until it was abandoned after World War II. In 1960, the property was given to the National Trust and now hosts thousands of visitors every year.
There are so many things to do at Seaton Delaval Hall including exploring its rooms filled with artworks and antiques, learning more about its history through interactive exhibitions, or even taking part in special events like our annual Victorian Christmas Market! We also have a café serving delicious food all day long if you need some refreshments before heading back out into the sunshine again! So come along and discover everything that makes this place unique.
What is Seaton Delaval Hall Garden
Seaton Delaval Hall Garden is a beautiful garden that was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh. It is home to the larger-than-life Delaval family. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is also a great place for children to play. The garden is open to the public and is free to visit. It is located at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland, England.
The History of Seaton Delaval Hall Garden
Seaton Delaval Hall is a baroque mansion with a twentieth-century landscape, built by John Vanbrugh in 1718. The house was commissioned by Admiral George Delaval and designed in the Palladian style. The building fell into disrepair following the death of Lord Westwood who inherited the estate from his grandfather in 1951. The Earl of Westwood donated the estate to the National Trust in 1976, and restoration started soon after.
The garden was designed by James Russell, a respected landscape architect from Northumberland, who had previously worked at Alnwick Castle and Wallington Hall in Northumberland, both on projects with Sir Charles Nicholson. In 1947, Russell was commissioned by the National Trust to renovate the garden at Seaton Delaval Hall. He designed a topiary parterre around an octagonal pond with a fountain in the center and created a stream leading from the pond to another fountain at the bottom of the garden. The two fountains are decorated with dolphins which spout water into the air.
Since its restoration in 1976, the Seaton Delaval Hall Garden has been open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction in Northumberland. The garden is well-maintained and is still used for events such as weddings and parties. It is a beautiful example of a baroque garden, which is rare in the United Kingdom, and it has received praise from members of the public. The garden has also been used in numerous television and film productions.
The Grounds at Seaton Delaval Hall
The Grounds at Seaton Delaval Hall were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society. The formality of the house and surrounding landscape was intended to showcase the wealth and power of the owner. However, behind the facade of respectability lies a story of theatrical mischief.
One of the most famous stories associated with Seaton Delaval Hall is that of the mischievous Lord Delaval. It is said that he would dress up as a ghost and scare his guests. He would also play practical jokes on them, such as hiding their clothes or making them believe there was a monster in the lake.
Another story that is associated with the hall relates to the ‘Blessing of the Waters’. The Blessing of the Waters was a ceremony held on Ascension Day, where people would gather at dawn by St. Anthony’s Rock. A boat would be drawn across Delaval Water carrying a cross, which would then be dipped into sea or river water and sprinkled on the people. At Seaton Delaval Hall, there was a tradition that after the ceremony had taken place, boats would stay out to meet incoming ships and present them with a mixture of seawater and whiskey as a blessing for their safe voyage. On one occasion, Lord Delaval is said to have dressed up as Neptune and boarded an incoming Dutch vessel. He then proceeded to sprinkle everyone on board with salty seawater, resulting in much confusion and hilarity for Lord Delaval.
The formal gardens at Seaton Delaval Hall were laid out according to designs by William Kent, although they have now been extensively altered. The section of the grounds surrounding the house was designed as a ‘wilderness’ with winding paths and hidden corners. There are also several follies on the grounds, including a ruined tower, an obelisk, and a hermitage.
How to get to Seaton Delaval Hall
By road
A190 passes, linking to A193 coast road and A19; 5 miles from A1.
By train
West Monkseaton Metro 3 miles
By bus
Every 30 minutes, services run from Newcastle city center to Blyth, stopping at Seaton Delaval Hall (connects with services to Whitley Bay and North Tyneside)
By ferry
North Shields Ferry Terminal 8 miles
Opening times at Seaton Delaval Hall
- Center hall is 10:30 am to 15:00 pm
- Brewhouse Café is 10:00 am to 14:30 pm
- Garden is 10:00 am to 15:00 pm
- Stables is 10:00 am to 15:00 pm
- West wing is closed at the moment
Entry Prices for Seaton Delaval Hall Gardens
- adult is £8.80 under gift aid and £8.80 under standard,
- child is £4.40 under gift aid and £4.00 under standard,
- family is £22.00 under gift aid, and £20.00 under standard,
- one adult two children is £13.20 under gift aid and £13.20 under standard,
- group adult minimum a group size of 15 is £6.80 under standard, and
- group child minimum a group size of 15 is £3.40.
What to See and Do at Seaton Delaval Hall Garden
Central Hall and stairs
The Central Hall is the focal point of the Seaton Delaval Hall Garden, with its grandiose marble staircase. It was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built-in 1718.
Basement
The basements of Seaton Delaval Hall were used for storage and as a work area. Today, they are open to the public and offer interesting insights into the workings of the hall.
Roses
Seaton Delaval Hall has over 100 species of roses on display in its rose garden. The oldest species dates back to 1841 and was bred by John Champneys of Ipswich, Suffolk.
Knot Garden
The knot garden at Seaton Delaval Hall features a yew and box border. Its geometric design is based on an Italian style.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Seaton Delaval Hall Garden
- It’s best to go early in the morning as it can get very busy later on
- There are many different things to see and do at Seaton Delaval Hall Garden, including an orangery, a maze, and a rose garden
- The museum has information available about the history of both the house and gardens
- You can also take a guided tour around the grounds for more information about what you’re seeing from expert guides
- For those interested in plants there are plenty of opportunities to learn how they grow with activities such as planting seeds or watching them grow over time under glass domes
- The café is a great place to stop for lunch and offers a range of hot and cold food as well as drinks
- There’s also a gift shop on-site where you can buy souvenirs of your visit
Other Places Nearby
Northumberland National Park
The Northumberland National Park is a national park in Northumberland, England. It was founded in 1954 and was the first national park in England.
Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of what is now northern England. It was constructed in 122 AD by the order of Emperor Hadrian.
Bamburgh Castle
Bamburgh Castle is a castle on the north coast of Northumberland, England, about 5 miles (8 km) south of the village of Bamburgh and 19 miles (31 km) north of Alnwick. It is a Grade I listed building.
Lindisfarne Castle
Lindisfarne Castle is a castle located on Holy Island, off the coast of Northumberland, England. The castle was founded in the 12th century and is an example of Romanesque architecture. It was briefly re-fortified with cannon emplacements during the English Civil War when it was attacked by Cromwell’s army in 1646.
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle is a castle and stately home in Alnwick, Northumberland, England. It is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland, built following the Norman conquest, and renovated and remodeled a number of times. It is a Grade I listed building and as of 2012 received over 800,000 visitors per year.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Dunstanburgh Castle is a 14th-century castle located in Northumberland, England. It was built by Thomas Earl of Lancaster and was one of the largest and most powerful castles in England. The castle is now in ruins and is a Grade I listed building.
Bamborough Tower
Bamborough Tower is a medieval tower house located on the coast near the village of Bamburgh, Northumberland, England. The tower was built in the 14th century by the Lord of Bamborough and is now a Grade I listed building.
Farne Islands
The Farne Islands are a group of islands located in the North Sea off the coast of Northumberland, England. They are close to the shore and can be accessed from the mainland at low tide. The larger islands have a variety of names, but usually only one, Inner Farne, is inhabited; the others are simply known as the outer Farne Islands.
Holy Island
Holy Island is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. It is also known just as Holy Island and it includes Lindisfarne. It constitutes the civil parish of Holy Island in Northumberland. The population taken at the 2011 Census was less than 100.
Conclusion
Visiting Seaton Delaval Hall can be a very enjoyable experience. It’s best to go early in the morning as it can get very busy later on. There are many different things you’ll see and do at this garden, including an orangery, maze, rose garden, guided tour of house grounds with expert guides for more information about what you’re seeing; activities like planting seeds or watching them grow over time under glass domes; there is also a café where they offer hot and cold food as well as drinks- not to mention souvenirs that might interest you! If all of these sounds like something fun for your next vacation destination don’t forget to let us know- our team of experts would love to help make sure your visit goes smoothly.
Learn more about Seaton Delaval Hall Garden