My first visit to Seaton Delaval Hall in North East England, was this summer.

A Grade I listed country house in Northumberland designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718 for Admiral George Delaval and now owned by the National Trust.

An unfortunate fire burnt down the central block in 1822 and that area is undergoing renovation; the National Trust is undertaking a massive conservation project to get the hall back to its former glory.

The rooms are lavishly decorated with memorabilia from the past history of the hall and there are extensive cellars below. The hall and grounds are very impressive. One of the rooms I liked the most was the dining room. The surrounding gardens and grounds are full of trees, flowers, horses, stables, an old Norman Church, a grave yard and a lovely tea area (indoors and outdoors) with a playground for the kids. There is a souvenir shop located at the entrance and there is plenty of car park space.

All that you could ask for of a lovely country house, this great hall is well worth visiting and with lots of activities laid on for children, it makes for a great day out with the kids too!

Plan a trip to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seaton-delaval-hall