Category: Uncategorised

A National Trust Beauty – Seaton Delaval Hall

Posted on July 4, 2026 by - Uncategorised

Seaton Delaval Hall is one of the wonderful National Trust properties within easy reach of St Oswald’s Farm and makes a fascinating day out during your stay in Northumberland. If you enjoy history, architecture and beautiful grounds then you will find plenty to discover here, from the hall’s dramatic Baroque design to its colourful past and extensive gardens. With so many excellent National Trust properties to choose from in the region, these historic and beautiful visitor sites are definitely worth adding to your North East itinerary.

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Inside Seaton Delaval Hall

The striking Central Hall is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit to this striking National Trust property. Designed by the renowned architect Sir John Vanbrugh, its soaring interior creates a dramatic first impression and showcases the grandeur of this English Baroque masterpiece. As you explore the hall, you’ll discover beautifully restored rooms, fascinating exhibitions and displays that tell the story of the Delaval family, the devastating fire of 1822 and the efforts to conserve this remarkable building. Unlike many grand country houses, Seaton Delaval Hall has a slightly atmospheric and unfinished feel, allowing visitors to appreciate both its architectural splendour and its eventful history.

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Inside the Grand Hall
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Fabulous spirals

Explore the Grounds

The grounds at Seaton Delaval Hall are just as enjoyable as the house itself. Enjoy wandering through the formal gardens, enjoy lovely peaceful woodland walks and explore the restored walled garden, which bursts into colour during the growing season. There are sweeping views of the hall from various points around the estate, making it a wonderful place for photography as well as a leisurely stroll. The grounds are also home to a variety of wildlife, and there are plenty of benches and quiet corners where you can simply pause and just enjoy the surroundings.

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The Church of our Lady
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Formal Cardens

The Delaval Family’s Notorious Antics

Part of what makes Seaton Delaval Hall so memorable is the colourful story of the Delaval family themselves. Far from being a conventional aristocratic household, the Delavals became famous for their extravagant parties, theatrical entertainments and practical jokes. Guests never quite knew what to expect when they visited. Stories tell of elaborate tricks, mischievous pranks and practical jokes played on unsuspecting visitors, all designed to amuse the family and their guests. While some of the tales have undoubtedly grown with retelling, they add a fascinating layer to the history of the hall and help bring to life the larger-than-life characters who once called Seaton Delaval Hall their home.

If you’re keen to make the most of your day out then a short 5 minute drive takes you to nearby Seaton Sluice which sits on the shoreline and provides the ideal opportunity to explore this part of the beautiful North East coast, where miles of sandy beaches and coastal paths provide the perfect opportunity for a scenic walk, and perhaps a well earned ice-cream, before heading back home to relax at Heavenfield Cottage.

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Coastline at Seaton Sluice
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The Harbour Seaton Sluice

Whether you’re a National Trust member making the most of your membership, a history enthusiast keen to uncover the stories of the past, or simply looking for an enjoyable day out combining a little history, a walk around some nice gardens and a walk at the coast then Seaton Delaval Hall is well worth a visit during your stay.

Exploring Housesteads

Posted on October 11, 2023 by - Uncategorised

If you’re visiting Northumberland you will undoubtedly want to take in some of Hadrian’s Wall and there is nowhere better to appreciate this epic UNESCO World Heritage Site than at Housesteads Roman Fort.

Set high on a dramatic escarpment on Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads was one of the16 permanent bases along Hadrian’s Wall and is the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain. The fort is the most well known in the whole of the Roman Empire and is home to some of the most outstanding original features of a Roman fortress.

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Housesteads Roman Fort

Although owned by The National Trust the site is run by English Heritage and their interactive museum showcases a great display of objects that once belonged to the Roman soldiers, and the short film that shows in the mini-cinema takes you on a journey through time as you watch the fort brought to life with stunning recreations of the original Roman buildings. You’ll get a real insight into Roman military life and discover the past behind the archaeological remains as you stroll around the barrack blocks, the Commander’s House, the granaries, the hospital and as you peer into the communal and undoubtedly the oldest toilets you’re ever likely to see.

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Housesteads enjoys superb panoramic views

A visit to Housesteads also gives the opportunity to enjoy a 5 mile circular walk which will take you past the site of Sycamore Gap following the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail before circling back to take you along the Roman Military Way.

Due to the nature of the site a visit to Housesteads involves a steep and uneven 750m walk from the car park, however the history of this ancient fortress together with the stunning panoramic views makes the walk worthwhile. A visit to Housesteads will leave you in awe of what the Romans achieved and gives real insight into the life of the soldiers based there and perhaps makes us realise just how tough and resilient they really were!

Beautiful Belsay

Posted on April 4, 2022 by - Hadrian's Wall Area Attractions, Uncategorised

Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens sit tucked away in the very small but perfectly formed village of Belsay, however there is nothing small about this beautiful English Heritage property with it’s grand Grecian Hall, Medieval Castle and 30 acres of enchanting gardens.

The Grand Hall is an architectural masterpiece, influenced heavily by the temples of ancient Greece, this country house is a true spectacle. Whilst the building itself is unfurnished, beautiful floral print wallpaper from the 1800’s still lines the walls, and from the bedrooms you will enjoy incredible views over rest of the estate. The empty rooms lend themselves to the art installations which are sometimes resident. The Hall with it’s impressive columns was built using rocks from the quarry on the Belsay grounds and was completed in the early 19th century.

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Belsay Hall

The gardens at Belsay are an absolute highlight and with year-round seasonal interest meaning you’ll be impressed whatever time of the year you visit. With one of the biggest collection of rhododendrons in the country you’ll find winter flowering varieties in the Quarry Garden and a magnificent display in the Rhododendron Garden during late Spring. A walk through the ravines cut out of rock bring a jurassic-feeling to the Quarry Garden and with its own microclimate you’ll see all sorts of exotic plants. The formal Yew Garden and Magnolia Terrace bring an entirely different experience and here you will witness the recent restoration by the dedicated garden team who have restored much of the historic fabric of these areas, opening up historic views and restoring biodiversity.

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Quarry Gardens

After visiting the Hall and a meander through the acres of gardens you will find an impressive medieval castle and although in ruins the grandeur of what the castle once was is very evident. Slowly wander through the maze of rooms and you will be treated to traces of elaborate medieval wall paintings. In the manor house style wing you can still see the old cooking range and fireplaces and if your legs are up to it, take the 56 spiral stairs to enjoy the view from the top of the 14th-century defensive ‘pele tower’.

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Belsay Castle

Of course any day out wouldn’t be complete without refreshments and Belsay Hall itself has a Victorian Tearoom which is in the hall’s original kitchen and offers lunches and light bites. Alternatively there is a gorgeous independent coffee shop in the village of Belsay, The Blacksmiths Coffee Shop who provide a wide range of home made produce such as scones, sandwiches, quiches, baked potatoes, pies, salads, tray bakes, cakes and much more, although we recommend that you book in advance to be sure to get a table.

To find out more about Belsay Hall and for information on opening times or if you wish to book your visit please go to their website.

If you enjoy days out and taking in the grandeur of historic houses and the beauty of their surrounding garden then a stay in Northumberland is definitely for you. All our availability is up to date on our website so all you have to do is book your stay and look forward to enjoying all Northumberland has to offer. We can’t wait to welcome you here.