Multi award-winning five-star hotel and spa resort, Seaham Hall, is opening a new chapter as it celebrates its people, moments and memories across its 25 years in the North East.
Set on the dramatic Durham Heritage Coast, Seaham Hall celebrated its 25th anniversary on 19th March 2026, kicking off a year of celebrations from intimate storytelling evenings to special partnerships.
Seaham Hall was built in 1791 on the shores of the North Sea and was visited by Lord Byron in 1814, sealing its romantic location. The hall was used as a military hospital during WW1 and a secret whisky bottling site during the US prohibition of the 1920s, before becoming a children’s infirmary. In 2001, after being acquired by Tom Maxfield of Sage, the property underwent a multimillion-pound investment, reopening as a luxury 19-bedroom hotel, with the addition of the famous Serenity Spa. Following this, Seaham Hall quickly gained a worldwide reputation for excellence, winning the AA Hotel of the Year award in 2004 and World’s Best Spa for Style by Sunday Times magazine shortly after. Last year it also won the Small Hotel of the Year award at the North East England Tourism awards.
Following a short ownership by Von Essen Hotels, Seaham Hall was finally bought by its current independent owners in 2012, with an excess of £5 million investment that has made it the world-award winning hotel and spa it is known for today under the family-run ownership. Since then, Seaham Hall has become a proud member of PoB Hotels and has continued to cement its position as the top luxury hotel and spa in the North East.
Seaham Hall continues to invest heavily in its hotel and spa. In 2021, it introduced a variety of luxury coastal lodges situated within the grounds of the hotel. Further additions were made in 2024, with the opening of three brand new suites including The Milbanke Suite, which pays tribute to the hall’s original owners. More recently, Seaham Hall opened the doors to Geko, a Japanese-inspired dining experience and Harvey’s Bar – a modern speakeasy with a coastal twist. Currently, there are transformations underway to their outdoor Zen Garden, which is set to open in April.
The celebrations are placing local people that have worked there past and present, as well as the guests who have returned time and again, at the heart of its ‘25 Years in the Making’ celebrations.
Ross Grieve, Managing Director at Seaham Hall, said: “From all the chefs, housekeepers, and gardeners to the spa therapists and hosts that have shaped the spirit of Seaham Hall, this milestone anniversary will celebrate all the people behind the experience. Intertwining the past and present, we’ll also be telling the personal stories of the guests, local artists, makers, and partners who continue to influence our unique, refined character.”
The 25th anniversary year will introduce a collection of seasonal stays and limited-edition packages and events inspired by its heritage, designed to offer guests the opportunity to be part of this milestone chapter. A carefully curated series of 25 anniversary events will include a celebration summer party on 20th June, wellness events, heritage walks and afternoon tea with Tourist Guide for North East England and Cumbria, Ruth Robson, and a ‘Meet the Makers’ dinner series with tasting menus curated directly in partnership with local producers.
Alongside a series of competitions, the hotel will be embarking on 25 Acts of Kindness, which includes activities such as beach clean ups and support for local charities and food banks, along with a search for very special people who do good in the local North East community, to recognise and reward them. Details on this are to be revealed soon.
Seaham Hall’s recent accolades include placing among the Top 1000 Hotels in the World (La Liste 2025) and finalist status for Independent Hotel of the Year, continuing to cement its place as a must-visit destination – proudly flying the flag for the North East on a national stage.
To find out more about Seaham Hall’s ‘25 Years in the Making’ events and exclusive packages go to www.seaham-hall.co.uk/25-years-seaham-hall/
