Free the rebel in you with a stay at this coastal clifftop Georgian country house, home of the award-winning Serenity Spa.
Modern in style, Seaham Hall is rich in heritage. Built at the end of the 18th Century, Lord Byron was married here – his daughter the mathematician and computing pioneer Ada Lovelace might well have been conceived at Seaham.
During the First World War it became a military hospital and later a secret whisky-bottling plant supplying Prohibition era America. In 1927 it was converted into a tuberculosis sanatorium where it’s believed the first hospital radio was broadcast.
Restored in 1987, it was acquired by its current owner and welcomed its first paying guests and in 2012. It’s now a member of the Pride of Britain collection of hotels.
Today, visitors have a choice of 23 superb suites, including 2 coastal lodges, from the split-level Ada Lovelace with its sumptuous fabrics in bold patterns to the expansive Penthouse. The secluded garden suites boast their own hot tubs.
Evoking a tranquil escape to the Far East, the Serenity Spa is designed to stimulate the senses and nurture the mind, body and soul, whether you’re swimming in the 20-metre pool, luxuriating in the eucalyptus steam room and sauna or relaxing in the Zen Garden with its hydrotherapy pool. There are also outdoor hot tubs, waterbeds, a fitness studio, an Asian herbal samarium and more.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, retreat to a dining room where the best County Durham has to offer is served under golden chandeliers. All ingredients are ethically sourced from selected suppliers including honey farms to local fishing boats, and conjured by the kitchen into something just a little bit quirky.
Or venture into the relaxed yet spectacular setting of Ozone and sample some exciting pan-Asian dishes – straight from the spa in your fluffy robe and slippers, if you so desire
