Historic Houses to Explore Across the North East
Travel back in time at these historic halls and houses
Seaton Delaval Hall
Whilst it’s one of architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses, Seaton Delaval Hall was home to larger than life characters. This 18th-century hall’s theatrical and dramatic history is down to the ‘Gay Delavals’, notorious Georgian partygoers and pranksters. Although the hall was almost completely destroyed by a fire 200 years ago, careful and extensive restoration has returned it to its former glory. Meet the family through the Hall’s portraits, and explore the Delaval Playdium play area in the North West Woods.
The Avenue, Seaton Sluice NE26 4QR
0191 237 9100
nationaltrust.org.uk
Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum
Whilst still considered a hidden gem, Howick Hall Gardens & Arboretum has been the ancestral seat of the Earls Grey since 1319. Here you can wander through the gardens created by the fifth Earl Grey and his family or the arboretum which covers more than 65 acres. The borders and rockery are home to a variety of plants, and don't miss the wild bog garden around the pond. No visit is complete without a cup of Earl Grey tea in the Earl Grey Tea House.
Alnwick NE66 3LB
01665 577285
howickhallgardens.com
Wallington
On a sprawling 13,500-acre estate, the house at Wallington is surrounded by lawns, lakes, woodland, parkland and farmland – so there’s plenty to explore. It’s the former home of Sir Charles Philips Trevelyan, whose family were known for their love of the outdoors. Visitors can learn more about this family and their history inside the hall, children can enjoy the zip line, play fort and rope bridge in the play area, and if you’d rather explore the grounds on two wheels, you can join the Dragon cycle trail.
Cambo, near Morpeth NE61 4AR
01670 773606
nationaltrust.org.uk
Belsay Hall, Castle & Gardens
A unique Greek Revival mansion, Belsay Hall sits in 30 acres of gardens and there’s a medieval castle just a stone’s throw away. Inside the hall visitors can learn how it was used by the Middleton family, while inside the castle a video tells Belsay’s story as told by ‘the Wild Man’, a mythical figure inspired by the Middletons’ crest. Outside, stroll around the quarry garden between the hall and castle and take the Wild Man Trail to the playground with the kids.
Belsay, near Morpeth NE20 0DX
01661 881813
english-heritage.org.uk
Cragside
Britain’s original smart home, Cragside is an Arts and Crafts-style home which was the first in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power (and it still is to this day). It also has a hydraulic lift and water-powered spit, all from the mind of pioneering Victorian innovator Lord William Armstrong. Outside, explore the beautiful grounds designed by Lord Armstrong’s wife, Margaret – tumbling cascades in the Rock Garden, and towering trees in the Pinetum – and there are more than 40 miles of dog-friendly footpaths too.
Rothbury, Morpeth NE65 7PX
01669 620333
nationaltrust.org.uk
Jarrow Hall
Step back in time at Jarrow Hall’s living history farm, village and Bede Museum where visitors can meet animals (including Cheviot goats and Iron Age pigs), explore experimental buildings, and embrace the life of the Anglo-Saxons. It all celebrates the life of monk, author and scholar the Venerable Bede, and various events and exhibitions take place throughout the year.
Church Bank, Jarrow NE32 3DY
07966 330022
jarrowhall.com
Washington Old Hall
At the heart of Washington village, this historic manor house has unique links to the USA, incorporating parts of the original medieval home of George Washington’s direct ancestors. Today, visitors can see carved oak furniture and a precious collection of Delftware spanning three centuries, and you should check out the gardens too.
The Avenue, Washington Village NE38 7LE
0191 416 6879
nationaltrust.org.uk
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Just outside Durham city, Ushaw was once a Catholic seminary and is now a destination where families are invited to explore centuries of art and heritage. Take a tour through the corridors, chapels, cloisters and permanent exhibitions, and a stroll through the park and gardens where survivors of Dunkirk were brought to heal.
Woodland Road, Ushaw Moor DH7 7DW
0191 373 8500
ushaw.org
Ormesby Hall
On the edge of the North York Moors National Park, this classic Georgian mansion was home to the Pennyman family for more than 400 years and is surrounded by 240 acres of parkland and farmland. Events take place at the hall all year round, where visitors can experience life as a Victorian servant and marvel at the paintings and furniture. The gardens are well worth exploring and there are three waymarked walks around the estate leading to woodland, St Cuthbert’s Church, local farms and a small waterfall.
Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough TS3 0SR
01642 328904
nationaltrust.org.uk
