Last Updated on July 27, 2026
Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa
Located in a secluded spot, close to the coast, and a short drive from Durham city, Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa is a luxury five-star hotel with a superb award-winning spa. With a rich history, this coastal country house retreat seamlessly combines the old and the new and has become a favourite amongst celebrities seeking privacy and relaxation away from the glare of publicity.
Seaham Hall was built by Ralph and Judith Milbanke in 1791 on the site of what was previously Seaham House. Its main claim to fame is that it was at Seaham Hall that Lord Byron met and married Anne Milbanke in January 1815. Although their marriage was short-lived, he spent some time at Seaham; the road to Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, harks back to this period in time.
During Seaham Hall’s colourful history, it has served as a military hospital in 1922, a sanatorium, and spent some time being derelict before it was renovated to become the luxury hotel we find today.
I visited Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa on a sunny July day. The solid, Georgian exterior was stunning, set against the backdrop of a bright blue sky. The magnificent, modern water feature outside of the hotel entrance is striking in contrast to the period architecture.
My room was situated on the ground floor, one of several garden suites. It had a spacious entrance with floor-to-ceiling storage leading into the room, which had one of the largest beds I have seen- a super king. It was very inviting.
All the extra touches needed for an indulgent stay had been considered. There was a comfortable sofa with a large coffee table, and a small table and chairs with a bowl of fruit, next to the patio door. A mix of modern paintings together with old prints adorned the walls. As well as tea and coffee-making facilities, there were cans of locally sourced, chilled, Marlish water in the fridge, some packets of crisps, and fresh home-made biscuits.
The enormous bathroom contained what had been a fireplace, double sinks, and a walk-in shower. The standout feature was a deep roll-top bath complete with a bottle of bath soak and a cute rubber duck. Heavenly Temple Spa toiletries, together with robes and soft fluffy slippers, were provided.
The outside space ensured total privacy with high coniferous hedging giving screening from the surrounding gardens and other suites. There was a deck with seating and a hot tub, as well as a fire pit, with fire-making supplies for colder days. It was truly a tranquil space for those seeking privacy.
I was booked into the Serenity Spa for a massage treatment. My suite opened onto the stylish light atrium, the heart of the hotel. The spa is reached by a stunning lit underground walkway, so there is no need to worry about inclement weather. As you walk along the water running through the rills at the edges, hints of what is to come. I was captivated by the imposing statue of an elephant displayed in the atrium of the spa.
A massage was just what was needed after a five-hour drive to the hotel from my home in Surrey; I was booked in for an Ishga Invigorating sixty-minute massage. The Ishga products used at the spa are made from seaweed from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, containing natural antioxidants. After a soothing massage, I made my way to one of the relaxation rooms to sip a cup of herbal tea.
The spa is outstanding with a spacious indoor pool, outside hydro pool, hammams, two saunas, and a steam room. My visit was far too brief to take full advantage of the spa facilities; it was definitely somewhere I would like to spend a day or two in total relaxation.
Having allowed sufficient time for the heavenly massage oil to sink in, I decided to indulge in a bath; the bathtub was beckoning me. After a refreshing soak, I clambered out – something that might prove tricky for someone with shorter legs.
At the end of your day, the hotel turn-down service includes a small bottle of sleep pillow spray to help you drift away. The bed was extremely comfortable; I slept soundly to wake up fully refreshed.
There are several options for dining at Seaham Hall. You can choose to eat in the spacious, award-winning Dining Room restaurant for a more formal option. The Geko restaurant, inspired by the Japanese word for moonlight, is located within the Serenity Spa. The menu at Geko is based on modern Japanese dishes with a good choice of small plates.
Harvey’s Bar, a cosy and welcoming space, offers a range of traditional British dishes and an extensive drinks menu in a comfortable, warm atmosphere.
Seaham Hall offers individually styled suites in the main house, from garden suites with a hot tub to executive suites and the aptly named Ada Lovelace and Milbanke suites, drawing on the hotel’s rich history.
Within the grounds, there are contemporary coastal lodges with two bedrooms catering for families and groups. From the lodges, there are spectacular sweeping views down to the sea below.
Access to the Serenity Spa from 3.00 pm on the day you arrive until 12.00 pm on the day of departure is included in the room rate.
At the back of Seaham Hall are beautifully planted flower beds in keeping with a country house hotel. A large terrace with seating is conveniently located just outside Harvey’s Bar for leisurely drinks or a long afternoon tea. Steps down from the terrace take you into the grounds, with a glimpse of the sea glinting in the distance.
A path wends through the coastal lodges to the edge of the estate, where a gate opens onto the road with access to Seaham Hall Beach and the road that takes you to Seaham. At low tide, visitors can be seen scouring the beach for the prized sea glass pebbles.
Breakfast at Seaham Hall is served in the Dining Room, an impressive space lit by chandeliers looking out to the front of the hotel. Breakfast is à la carte with a choice of beverage, cold and continental style options of pastries, cereals, and fruit. An extensive list of hot options are cooked freshly to order.
Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa is a unique country house style hotel in a delightful setting close to the coast and the attractions of Durham. It has everything you could need for a short break or a longer holiday in this beautiful part of the country. I had an exceptional overnight stay and wished I could have stayed much longer in this luxurious country house hotel.
Seaham Hall is part of the PoB, Pride of Britain, collection – a small number of specially chosen independent luxury hotels offering exceptional service and facilities. The PoB plaque is displayed prominently at the entrance to the hotel, with staff members wearing PoB badges. Now and Then, the current campaign by Pride of Britain, focuses on the extraordinary history of properties within the collection together with the ultimate luxury they offer guests today.
I was hosted by Seaham Hall on a B&B basis for an overnight stay with an Ishga massage, and supper in Harvey’s Bar.
Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa are easily accessible by car from any location. If you prefer to travel by train, change at Newcastle Central Station for a direct train to Seaham railway station, then take a taxi to the hotel.
For more information on Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, including current offers for short stays and spa days.
Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, County Durham, SR7 7AG.
Telephone: 0191 516 1400.
To check out more details on Seaham Hall and what to see in the surrounding area, click here.
If you are interested in finding out more about Now and Then by PoB Hotels.
Check out our Copenhagen for Art Lovers
Leave a Reply