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Summer of Play at Seaton Delaval Hall

Find a whole lot of fun, theatricality, drama and mischief at Seaton Delaval Hall this summer. Like a party from the Delavals' Georgian heyday, expect the unexpected with pop up activities throughout from Saturday 18 July – Monday 31 August.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join playful, drop-in circus activities or sit back and watch the experts with mini circus performances and demonstrations. Get musical with the recycled junk Orchestra. Rummage for the perfect props and perform on the Baroque-inspired stage in the West Wing, to the backdrop of your favourite hits with a regency flavour. Let imaginations free in the Delaval Playdium play area with its multi-level stages, pulleys and leavers bringing productions to life and bring your chalks to create your very own theatrical scenery on the chalk board ‘flats’.

See who's competitive in hobby horse races, or delve into a chest full of sports kit and ball games, plus table tennis and badminton and traditional games like tower block building or four-in-a-row.

Every Friday in the Community Kitchen Garden, there's the chance to harvest and get crafty with nature or curl up in the sheltered story corner with Young Gardeners.

And when you're tired out, head to the Tent of Wonder and chill out on the giant beanbags.

Enjoy an ice cream from the van near the Delaval Playdium, relax at a shady picnic spot in the Arboretum or grab some lunch from the Brewhouse. Put your sun hat on – or, possibly, your wellies - and come and make the most of being outdoors this summer!

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

Upcoming events

Vanbrugh 300 

This year we're celebrating Seaton Delaval Hall’s architect, Sir John Vanbrugh. Led by The Georgian Group, we’re joining five of his most significant creations for events commemorating the man known as the ‘rockstar of the English Baroque’.

Event summary

on
19 Jun to 18 Oct 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 87 other dates or times

Earth Compass 

A selection of works taken from the award-winning British Pavilion exhibition of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025, GBR - Geology of Britannic Repair.

Event summary

on
19 Jun to 12 Jul 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 17 other dates or times

Tots' Plots 

Join us for our free weekly drop-in gardening club for toddlers, packed full of activities whatever the weather. No need to book in advance, just turn up to enjoy our free weekly gardening session in the Community Kitchen Garden.

Event summary

on
19 Jun to 17 Jul 2026
at 10:30 to 12:00+ 4 other dates or times

North East Emerging Artist Award 

Your chance to explore work from emerging and early career artists in or from the region. See the pieces from 2026's three finalists and vote for your favourite from this year's shortlisted artists.

Event summary

on
19 Jun to 21 Jun 2026
at 11:00 to 16:30+ 2 other dates or times