Egg Hunting at Seaton Delaval Hall

As a child, we used to drive past Seaton Delaval Hall and I often longed to go inside and explore.  We would make up ghost stories about it as there was local rumours about The White Lady who was said to be a serving girl that fell in love with one of Captain Delaval's sons.  He was sent away to war and never returned so it was said that the poor serving girl died of a broken heart.  She has been seen looking out of a window, toward the sea waiting for her love to return,

Until recently, the Hall has been a private residence with a fascinating history, in 2009 it was acquired  by The National Trust after extensive fund raising.  I was overjoyed with the news as it finally meant I could get in an explore. The actual Hall itself has undergone some wonderful renovations and I am so pleased to see this beautiful place finally getting the love and attention it deserves.  It was featured on Robson Green's More Tales of Northumberland recently. try and catch it if you can.  Read about the ongoing conservation work here.

Each year since it opened to the public we have visited a number of times, but especially for the annual Easter Egg Hunt.  The hunt is fabulous here, it will probably take you about an hour or so to find all the clues but none of it is strenuous and generally buggy friendly.  It is a lovely stroll through the extensive grounds and gardens of this wonderful place and is perfect for my children. aged 3 and 6.  However, there were children of all ages running about as it is a nice safe place for them to explore and they cannot get far.  There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore as well as a really cool playground made out of trees and chopped down logs.  The hunt is £1.50 per entry and on  completion the children get a Cadburys Easter egg.

We spent a lovely few hours wandering around in the glorious sunshine.  The children had great fun completing their challenge and even more fun eating their prizes!

I would advise however, that you take your own food with you, there is a very small cafe selling drinks, sandwiches and ice creams but it gets very crowded.  The lady in there told me there are plans to add a large cafe next year which will be a welcome addition.  All of the staff at Seaton Delaval Hall are wonderful, nothing is too much trouble and they are more than happy to help, even making extra sandwiches for the children after Luca asked so nicely!

The egg hunts are continuing today, pop along if you have no plans, you will enjoy it! It is EGGsellent :0)