An overnight stay at Seaham Hall

Seaham Hall is a five star luxury spa hotel, just a stone’s throw from the glorious North East coastline and a short drive from Durham. Enjoy the spa facilities, celebrate a special occasion with a meal in Ozone or The Dining Room or treat yourself to an overnight stay – the choice is yours.

Here’s why Seaham Hall is the place to stay if you’re visiting the North East.

Seaham Hall is set within 37 acres of gardens with views of the North Sea. Built in 1791 if the walls could talk, I’m sure they’d have stories to tell! Lord Byron married Annabella Milbanke right here in 1815 and the stately home served as a war time hospital through both World Wars. The grand Georgian architecture sure makes you feel like you’re somewhere special, but it’s certainly not stuffy and you’ll get a warm welcome.

Gym and personal training sessions

You might not think about using the gym or booking a personal training session if you’re away for a relaxing spa stay, but it’s worth knowing that the option is there. We had a really fun PT session with Ross. It started with intervals on the SkillMill and rowing machine. (Just a little bit of cardio, as we’d both been for a long run the day before – as is expected with marathon training.) Then some kettlebells before some ab work to complete the session. 

The gym had a huge overhaul a couple of years ago, with lots of new TechnoGym equipment brought in. There’s also a range of classes available if you fancy an early morning spin to start the day.

Serenity Spa

The Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall has a 5 star bubble rating from the Good Spa Guide and has won many awards. It’s not hard to see why! The spa has so many facilities that you’re spoilt for choice. Feel your stress melt away during a treatment, or sweat it out in the sauna.

There’s a 20 metre pool, hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot tubs, icy cold plunge pools (if you’re brave enough to step in further than shin level like me) steam rooms, salt sauna and the latest addition, the Zen Garden with relaxation beds and an infinity hydrotherapy pool.

If you’re booked for a treatment, you’ll spend some time in the Zen Lounge with the heated beds and cosy blankets. After my Ishga Hot Stone massage I really could’ve had a nap there. Want to try something a little different or can’t make your mind up between a massage or a facial? The Temple Spa Top to Toe Ritual is a good one as this gives you the best of both, 30 mins drift away massage and 30 mins power facial. Though I am a little biased and would say treat yourself to the hot stones! The warmth from the stones really helped to ease the tension I didn’t realise I was holding in my shoulders and back, plus the heat was great to get into the muscles too – especially my tired calves! 

You don’t have to stay at the hotel to use the spa facilities, you can visit for a spa day or if you’re pushed for time, there’s a twilight spa which might be of interest.

Staying in the Garden Suite

I stayed in one of the four Garden Suites which offer a super king size bed and a private outdoor hot tub.

In the summer these rooms will book up quick, as it’s the perfect escape for a special treat. The room also had the biggest bathroom I think I’ve possibly ever seen in a hotel, and of course a huge bath – well, if you’ve got the space?! I’m going to share a quick room tour on instagram so head over to @tashajsteel to see that soon!

With any luxury stay you’d expect a fluffy bathrobe and Seaham Hall is no exception. You’ll find fluffy bathrobes and slippers in your room, perfect to pop on after you’ve had a relaxing soak in the bath or if you’re popping outside to use the hot tub. 

Breakfast can be enjoyed in your room, just fill out the card on the door and be sure to hang it outside your room before you go to bed. Otherwise, you can make your way to The Dining Room from 8am to start your day with fresh coffee and pastries, followed by a full english or avo on toast, the choice is yours!

The Dining Room

If you book your stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast special then you’ll likely have a three course meal in The Dining Room. The restaurant has an opulent feel with 14 carat gold chandeliers bringing a warmth to the room. Browse the seasonal dishes created with the best local ingredients and sample something a little different, to make your stay all the more memorable.

The service is great and the attention to detail really stands out, I thought this on a previous visit too. Fresh sourdough and rye bread with homemade butter was served as a pre-starter alongside some canapes. This was just a nice mix of flavours to have before our main courses (we decided to bypass the starters and go straight to main dishes)

I enjoyed my first glass of wine this year! I told you I’m marathon training didn’t I? Well as part of that I decided to really cut back on alcohol, not that I’m a huge drinker anyway. But I thought well, it’s my first marathon and I want to give it my best shot. This New Zealand Sauv Blanc was a delight, perfectly light and crisp. It paired really nicely with my gnocchi main and side of broccoli. 

Fancy a little discount?

If you’re tempted to book in a visit to Seaham Hall and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you be? I’ve got a little discount code FRECKLES10 that will give you 10% off. Just spend £250 or more on gift vouchers for experiences – spa days or overnight stays. But be quick! It’s only valid for a couple of weeks so Mother’s Day treats need booking pronto (or if you’re treating yourself, absolutely go for it!)

T&Cs: The code is applicable to all experience vouchers except monetary ones or spa membership. Basket value must equal or exceed £250 for the discount to apply. ‘Freckles10’ must be applied during the checkout. Valid until 7 April 2022.

This was a PR visit to Seaham Hall. All photos and thoughts my own.