Celebrating 25 Years of Seaham Hall
This year, Seaham Hall celebrates 25 years as one of the UK’s most iconic five-star hotel and spa destinations. Our 25 Years in the Making celebrations will honour the people, moments, and memories that shaped Seaham Hall—and we invite you to be part of our next chapter on the Durham coast!
25 Years in the Making.
The Foundations of the House.
Luxury cannot be hurried. It is built slowly — through considered design, thoughtful service, and the evolution of experience.
Over 25 years, Seaham Hall has been shaped by the people who have worked within its walls, the guests who have returned time and again, and the steady refinement of every detail — from our suites to our dining tables.
Discover our anniversary dining experiences, signature cocktails and elevated stays, created to honour the journey so far.
Land, Sea and Legacy.
A House Defined by Its Setting.
Set against the dramatic Durham Heritage Coast, Seaham Hall is inseparable from the land and sea that surround it.
The North Sea light, coastal walks, local provenance and maritime stories all shape the experience of staying here. From sea-inspired dishes, to curated itineraries that explore the coastline’s history, this chapter of our anniversary celebrates it's location — and the enduring relationship between the Hall and its landscape.
Where Stories Live.
Past and Present Intertwined.
Seaham Hall has always been a place of stories.
From its Georgian heritage and literary connections to the modern chapters written by those who celebrate, retreat and return here — every stay adds another layer to the narrative.
Throughout our 25 years in the making anniversary year, we share historic moments from the Hall’s past alongside the personal stories of guests who have made it part of their own lives.
The Spirit of Seaham.
People, Craft and Community.
The true legacy of Seaham Hall lies not only in its architecture, but in its people.
For 25 years, chefs, housekeepers, gardeners, therapists and hosts have shaped the atmosphere that defines the Hall. Their care, expertise and warmth form the spirit of this place.
This chapter of our anniversary celebrates the faces behind the experience, alongside the local artists, makers and partners who continue to influence its character.
A Legacy of Escape.
25 Years of Extraordinary Stays.
At its heart, Seaham Hall has always been a place to retreat.
From romantic weekends to milestone celebrations, restorative breaks to seasonal indulgence, the Hall has provided space to pause — and to return renewed for over 25 years.
Our anniversary year introduces a collection of seasonal stays and limited-edition packages inspired by our heritage, designed to offer guests the opportunity to be part of this milestone chapter.
Join Us For a Truly Special Year!
Seaham Hall | 25 Years in the Making
From heritage dining events to curated coastal escapes, intimate storytelling evenings to celebratory moments, our 25th anniversary unfolds across the seasons.
We invite you to be part of it!
Our History:
1791 | Seaham Hall was built
Seaham Hall was built by Ralph and Judith Milbanke on the site of Seaham House.
1814 | Lord Byron
Lord Byron visited Seaham Hall in 1814. A year later, his daughter the Hon Augusta Ada Byron, later Countess of Lovelace, and commonly known as Ada Lovelace was born.
1821 | The Marquess of Londonderry
In 1821, due to health and financial issues, Sir Ralph Milbanke sold Seaham Hall estate to soldier, politician and Irish-born nobleman Charles Vane, Baron Stewart for £63,000.
1914 | World War One
At the outbreak of the 1914 Great War, the house was loaned to the British Army to be used as a military hospital. Seaham Hall was returned to the Londonderry family in 1919.
1922 | Spey Whisky & U.S. Prohibition
In 1922, the family auctioned off the contents of Seaham Hall and left the property uninhabited. It then became the secret bottling and distribution centre for Scotch whisky.
1927 | Seaham Hall in public hands
The house was gifted to Durham County Council who spent £20,000 converting it into a sanitorium for tuberculosis patients. A children's orthopaedic ward was added in 1929.
1952 | The first hospital radio
Reverend Paul Wigfield borrowed records to play over internal headphones and called it "Radio Therapy" instead of Radio Luxembourg - this became the first hospital radio.
1985 | Another change in business
After laying empty for six years, the house was bought by Mr Kusia Jalal, who converted it into a hotel. In 1985, the lovingly restored house welcomed its first guests.
1991 | On the market
By 1991, the hotel was on the market again. Tom Maxfield left his role as a main board director at Sage in 1997 after his wife's death and bought the property in 2001.
2008 | Seaham Hall is sold
Tom sold the hotel to Von Essen Hotels who operated 27 luxury hotels. The group had a bad reputation and several hotels were axed from The Good Hotel Guide.
2012 | The finest hotel in the North East
The hotel was acquired by an independent hospitality group committed to ensuring Seaham Hall's future as the finest five-star hotel in the North East.
Need a little more information?
Get in touch with our team to find out more about our spa resort on the Durham coast, or make an enquiry ahead of your visit.
