A place of great theatre and drama
There's lots to see and do this summer at Seaton Delaval Hall as the National Lottery Heritage Fund project continues. Taking inspiration from the project, find out more about what you can do this summer.
Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses; but it was home to the larger than life Delaval family.
The house and surrounding landscape were in keeping with the style expected in Georgian society, yet behind the formality lies a story of theatrical mischief.
Known as the ‘Gay Delavals’ due to their high spirited and flamboyant lifestyle, an invitation to one of their parties was the hottest ticket in town. In an age notorious for extremes of behaviour, they stood apart as the most notorious of all Georgian partygoers and pranksters. Imagine awaking in the house to find your room “turned upside down” with furniture fixed to the ceiling.
Enter a world where an extraordinary lifestyle was acted out in the most colourful way. The Delavals loved a performance, staging events from rope dancers and sack races outdoors to masquerade balls and even their own theatrical productions, which earned rave reviews at the time.
Seaton Delaval Hall has moved from fortune to misfortune many times through the centuries and the story of its survival is as dramatic as any performance that could be staged. It still bears the scars of the fierce fires which almost condemned it to ruin two hundred years ago, but even today plays a major part in the history of the North East.
Now, as Seaton Delaval Hall is amidst a National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project, you can follow the next chapter in its story. A major restoration is underway including a full reroofing of the West Wing and the introduction of conservation-grade heating; critical repairs to the cantilever staircases leading from the Central Hall to the Basement; the reflooring of the Basement; conservation of structures in the landscape including the ha-ha walls, mausoleum and walled garden walls, a contemporary reimagining of the 1781 estate plan in the landscape and improvements to visitor facilities including a new cafe, play area and toilets. Right now a visit to Seaton Delaval Hall is unlike any other. We're staying open so that you can follow the progress of the project and get close to the work taking place.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £7.95 | £7.20 |
| Child | £4.00 | £3.60 |
| Family | £19.50 | £17.50 |
|
Group Adult
Minimum group size 15
|
N/A | £6.10 |
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
Gift Aid entry ncludes a voluntary donation of at least 10% which will be put towards the restoration and upkeep of this place. If you are a UK taxpayer, please complete a Gift Aid declaration which will allow the National Trust to claim an extra 25% from the Government on your total payment.
Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Please note: major restoration project underway.
