Seaham Hall
It is perhaps stating the obvious, but well-known hotels become so because guests who have loved staying there return time and again – and tell all their friends.
Seaham Hall, a delightful 20-room, five-star hotel in a splendid cliff top location overlooking the rugged coastline of County Durham, is such a place. The beautiful Georgian country house in 37 acres of glorious grounds dates back to 1791, and has a remarkable history. Most famously, it was here that ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ celebrity of the day Lord Byron married Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke in 1815.
It has been a stately home, coaching inn, hospital and hotel, and more recently, while under private ownership, has undergone a £1.5m refurbishment to become a gorgeous retreat. T
At its heart is the well-designed Serenity Spa, which off ers treatments using products from Elemis – one of my favourites – and Darphin. There’s a 20-metre pool, outdoor hot tubs, hydrotherapy pool and all the other accoutrements you would expect.
Food is another treat, with two main options. Ozone is a pan-Asian restaurant, featuring dim sum and Thai curry, while dinner and breakfast in the Byrons Bar & Grill uses local products wherever possible, serving up Craster kippers, eggs Benedict with York ham, devilled crispy whitebait and succulent steaks. A scrumptious afternoon tea can be served on the terrace – a lovely treat even if you’re not staying here.
If you are, the suites are extremely comfortable. I loved the thoughtful comforts, including real milk in the mini-fridge and plenty of towels. Staff at Seaham, most of whom are local, are exceptionally friendly too, part of that renowned north-eastern hospitality.
There’s plenty of space, indoors and out, in which to relax, including a lounge and a ‘man cave’ with table football and other games to keep him amused while you’re in the spa.
If you do venture out, among nearby attractions are the wonderful Bowes Museum, Beamish Museum, Bede’s World and the fantastic city of Durham.
Newcastle’s not too far away either, which is why Seaham is ideal if you have tickets for a big-name concert there. And it’s still the place where the famous come too, from Lionel Ritchie and Jason Donovan to Robbie Williams.
A midweek stay in a junior suite at Seaham Hall, including dinner, bed and breakfast, costs from £195 per night based on two people sharing. Check the website for special offers.
0191-516 1400, www.seaham-hall.co.uk
Go by train – the CrossCountry network is extensive, calling at more than 100 stations, including Durham.
0844-811 0124, www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.
Seaham Hall, a delightful 20-room, five-star hotel in a splendid cliff top location overlooking the rugged coastline of County Durham, is such a place. The beautiful Georgian country house in 37 acres of glorious grounds dates back to 1791, and has a remarkable history. Most famously, it was here that ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’ celebrity of the day Lord Byron married Anne Isabella (Annabella) Milbanke in 1815.
It has been a stately home, coaching inn, hospital and hotel, and more recently, while under private ownership, has undergone a £1.5m refurbishment to become a gorgeous retreat. T
At its heart is the well-designed Serenity Spa, which off ers treatments using products from Elemis – one of my favourites – and Darphin. There’s a 20-metre pool, outdoor hot tubs, hydrotherapy pool and all the other accoutrements you would expect.
Food is another treat, with two main options. Ozone is a pan-Asian restaurant, featuring dim sum and Thai curry, while dinner and breakfast in the Byrons Bar & Grill uses local products wherever possible, serving up Craster kippers, eggs Benedict with York ham, devilled crispy whitebait and succulent steaks. A scrumptious afternoon tea can be served on the terrace – a lovely treat even if you’re not staying here.
If you are, the suites are extremely comfortable. I loved the thoughtful comforts, including real milk in the mini-fridge and plenty of towels. Staff at Seaham, most of whom are local, are exceptionally friendly too, part of that renowned north-eastern hospitality.
There’s plenty of space, indoors and out, in which to relax, including a lounge and a ‘man cave’ with table football and other games to keep him amused while you’re in the spa.
If you do venture out, among nearby attractions are the wonderful Bowes Museum, Beamish Museum, Bede’s World and the fantastic city of Durham.
Newcastle’s not too far away either, which is why Seaham is ideal if you have tickets for a big-name concert there. And it’s still the place where the famous come too, from Lionel Ritchie and Jason Donovan to Robbie Williams.
A midweek stay in a junior suite at Seaham Hall, including dinner, bed and breakfast, costs from £195 per night based on two people sharing. Check the website for special offers.
0191-516 1400, www.seaham-hall.co.uk
Go by train – the CrossCountry network is extensive, calling at more than 100 stations, including Durham.
0844-811 0124, www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk
Contact Wendy at wendy.gomersall@lady.co.uk
Prices are correct at the time of going to press.