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More than a great house, it is a truly amazing place.
Seaton Delaval Hall is a great house set in its own estate with lovely gardens and a fine collection; yet it is also much more.
It is a signpost pointing to the diverse history of a family which acquired land here in the late 11th-century. The house occupies the site of a Norman settlement, and its original Norman chapel remains in use today.
Built between 1719 and 1730 for Admiral George Delaval, it is not only the finest house in the north east of England, but also among the finest works of its architect, Sir John Vanbrugh, one of the masters of English Baroque.
For 900 years, the estate has been a stage for drama, intrigue and romance while the surrounding landscape has fuelled industrial revolution. The house has survived terrible fires, military occupation and potential ruin. Now it provides an amazing space for arts, heritage and the community to come together.
Don't miss
- Marvel at Vanbrugh's central hall, gutted by fire in 1822
- Imagine horses Admiral, Julius and Peacock in the magnificent stables
- Relax in Lady Hastings' captivating gardens, with striking sculptures
- Enjoy great portraits and furniture in the family collection
- Imagine what life was like in the atmospheric cellars
- Discover how industry shaped the Delavals' fortunes
Let off steam in our woodland play area
Get back to nature with our woodland play area. Designed by local children, there are tunnels, log bridges and climbing walls, all made from trees felled on the estate, where children can let their imaginations run wild.
Conservation in action

Come and see the conservation work in action
© National Trust
Seaton Delaval Hall has begun a programme of major conservation and building works, and is inviting you to join us at the start of a very special journey. Instead of closing our doors for two years and completing the necessary conservation works behind the scenes, we are sharing this journey with our visitors and the local community.
Download our Conservation in action information leaflet (PDF) which contains full details of the planned works.
Our Georgian ball
Join us as we transport you back to the splendour of the 18th century at our Georgian-themed ball and banquet, when the gregarious Delaval family entertained their guests in one of the finest mansions in the country.








