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Seaton Delaval Hall is one of our favourite days out across North East England. Times are changing though and thanks to a £3.7 million injection of cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the estate is now entering a new chapter of its life. The fund is bringing new life to Seaton Delaval Hall with lots of exciting plans including a brand new play area and cafe as well as ensuring important restoration and repair work can take place so that the Hall can be enjoyed for generations to come.
During this exciting phase of Seaton Delaval Hall's development, the public is very much encouraged to visit, take a peek at what is going on and check out future plans. Personally, I think this is a unique opportunity to visit the Hall and see it from a different perspective. For example, you can climb the scaffolding (exclusions apply - see here for details) and take a closer look at the roof restoration and check out those views. I've been on-site a few times and love visiting the hub and taking a look at some of the treasures which have been discovered during the work. During my last visit, a builder discovered a lovely piece of glassware - all very exciting!
Do expect there to be some disruption during your visit this summer. This will be well managed with clear signage in place - don't worry, you won't unexpectedly walk into a building site. The staff and volunteers are fantastic at directing you around and letting you know the best routes to explore the estate on that day.
Work to restore the South Portico steps started last week. The steps are being carefully lifted (and then put back to how they were) so that a waterproof membrane can be put in place which is part of the work required to damp-proof the basement. What a job this must be!
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| Planned Play Area |
Seaton Delaval Hall Summer Opening Hours
- Thursday-Sunday (and Bank Holiday Monday) 10am - 5pm
- CLOSED Monday-Wednesday
- Wednesday 14 August - Open House Event with FREE ENTRY to all.
- Seaton Delaval Hall is free to visit with a National Trust membership or click here to view admission charges.
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| Make & Do Crafts available every Sunday over Summer |
What to expect over Summer
Do expect there to be some disruption during your visit this summer. This will be well managed with clear signage in place - don't worry, you won't unexpectedly walk into a building site. The staff and volunteers are fantastic at directing you around and letting you know the best routes to explore the estate on that day.
Work to restore the South Portico steps started last week. The steps are being carefully lifted (and then put back to how they were) so that a waterproof membrane can be put in place which is part of the work required to damp-proof the basement. What a job this must be!
Visit over the next week or so (end of July/beginning of August) and you might see the steps being lifted with a stone magnet. This will be followed by two weeks of repairs, drainage and tankage.
The subsequent four weeks will involve the reinstatement of the steps followed by work to the basement roof stones. During this time, the path to the front of the steps will reduce in size by around 50%. The South Portico steps are expected to re-open to visitors from around October. Access to the main hall from now until October will be via the North steps (facing the road) and visitors will be able to get a closer look at the restoration work from the saloon door.
The subsequent four weeks will involve the reinstatement of the steps followed by work to the basement roof stones. During this time, the path to the front of the steps will reduce in size by around 50%. The South Portico steps are expected to re-open to visitors from around October. Access to the main hall from now until October will be via the North steps (facing the road) and visitors will be able to get a closer look at the restoration work from the saloon door.
Please note, as with all building work - this schedule may change and is a guide only.
What to expect from October.....
- Conservation work to the West stairs in the Central Hall is due to begin on 14 October (again - this could change). From this date, access to the upper floors from the Central Hall will be closed until March 2020.
- Basement work starts on 21 October (which again, may change) and from this date, the basement will be closed until March 2020.
- Looking forward, work on the East stairs will begin in 2020.
Take a closer look
I love that Seaton Delaval Hall is embracing these changes and are remaining open for business while all of this important work takes place. They could have easily closed their doors for a few years (which may have been the easier option) but I applaud them for staying open and inviting visitors to take a closer look and even be a part of the project. It's such a big project and I think it's brilliant that we can get involved. Seaton Delaval Hall has planned a number of events (included with admission/membership) across the year allowing visitors to get even closer including:
Construction Kids - Kids can become a builder's apprentice over the school holidays and take part in various challenges based around the work they may see on site. See here for details.
Construction Kids - Kids can become a builder's apprentice over the school holidays and take part in various challenges based around the work they may see on site. See here for details.
Scaffold Climbs - For ages 12+ (t&cs and safety rules apply). See here for details.
Name the New Play Area - Head to the Hub and place your entry. If your name is selected, you'll be invited along to the grand opening to cut the ribbon. See here for details.
Spotlight Tours - Focusing on how the project is progressing. No two tours are the same! See here for details.
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| Scaffold Climb |
Make & Do Crafts will also continue in the community garden over Summer - every Sunday from 11am-1pm (see here for details) and there are outdoor games and toys throughout the site daily.
Let me know if you have plans to visit Seaton Delaval Hall this Summer! We'll certainly be popping by to try Construction Kids at some point and cannot wait to see the work progress.
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