Why Seaham Hall remains one of County Durham’s top luxury hotels

The five-star hotel is known for its award-winning spa, fine dining and coastal views, but its history stretches back more than two centuries.

Built in 1791, the Grade II-listed property has served as a military hospital and, reportedly, a secret whisky bottling site during US prohibition.

Seaham Hall

The building later became a children’s infirmary before beginning its transformation into the luxury retreat visitors know today.

Entrepreneur Tom Maxfield converted the property into a 19-bedroom boutique hotel in 2001, focused on luxury, wellness and relaxation.

Seaham Hall is now known as a luxury spa escape.

A key part of that vision was the introduction of the Serenity Spa, which helped establish Seaham Hall as one of the region’s leading spa destinations.

Over the years the hotel has continued to evolve, expanding its accommodation and facilities while maintaining its reputation as an exclusive coastal escape.

Seaham Hall is now known as a luxury spa escape.

Recent additions include luxury coastal lodges, high-end suites such as the Milbanke Suite, Japanese-inspired restaurant Geko and speakeasy-style Harvey’s Bar.

The hotel has attracted a number of high-profile visitors over the years. Members of Take That and singer Lionel Richie have been among those linked to the venue, while Kylie Minogue has also reportedly stayed there.

Seaham Hall’s reputation has been reflected in a growing collection of awards and accolades.

The hotel was named AA Hotel of the Year in 2004 and has more recently received recognition at the North East England Tourism Awards, where it secured the title of Small Hotel of the Year.

Seaham Hall is now known as a luxury spa escape.

This year it has been awarded a Michelin Key in the 2026 Michelin Guide Hotel Selection.

The recognition is regarded as the hotel equivalent of a Michelin Star and sees Seaham Hall become one of just 18 new Key hotels added across the UK and Ireland this year.

It has also been recognised by international travel rankings, including La Liste, which named it among the world’s leading hotels.

One of Seaham Hall’s first coastal lodges.

Today, Seaham Hall remains one of County Durham’s most recognisable luxury destinations, combining its rich history with modern spa facilities, fine dining and luxury accommodation overlooking the North Sea.

As it celebrates 25 years as a luxury hotel, the venue continues to attract visitors seeking a high-end coastal getaway while preserving a remarkable piece of County Durham’s heritage.

The hall also has a notable literary connection: Lord Byron married Anne Isabella Milbanke there in 1815, and their daughter, Ada Lovelace, later became a pioneer of early computing.