A summer of culture, occasion and celebration in County Durham

2019 is Durham’s Year of Culture. An unprecedented summer of activities, festivals, events and anniversaries lies ahead. Five-star Seaham Hall, located just 20 minutes’ drive from Durham (an easy and relaxing three-hour train ride from London), sits in rural splendour beside the sea, making it a blissful base for all the action – with brand-new hot tub suites to boot.

DURHAM’S SUMMER LINE-UP

Kynren – Viking Village and post-war street parties, with private transfers included
Saturdays, 29 June – 14 September

This summer, Kynren runs from 29th June – 14th September. This is a journey through British history, set across a seven-and-a-half-acre stage in County Durham, with 1,000 cast and crew bringing the story of Viking invasions, royal splendour, wars, heroic sacrifice, and seismic change to daily life.

New for 2019 is the Viking Village. Visit the cookhouse, complete with its own vegetable patch, and a woodworker’s cottage built into the hillside. Take a stroll along the stream and watch the sparks fly at the working blacksmith’s forge, where you’ll be able to see real chainmail being made. Don’t miss the village’s animal inhabitants, including the impressive Highland cattle and the curly-haired Wensleydale sheep. Also new for 2019 is the 1940s Bar & Food Village. Travel back in time to the excitement of a post-war street party, complete with bunting and swing band music.

Combine this thrilling, action-packed spectacle – speeding you through 2,000 years of history – with a sumptuous stay at the historic Seaham Hall‎, just 40 minutes away. The new Kynren Getaway costs from £248 pp (based on two sharing), including an overnight stay on a Saturday (to enjoy the show in the evening), VIP tickets for Kynren with private return transfers, a delicious breakfast and full use of the award-winning spa facilities, including the new Zen Garden.

Durham City Run Festival – Paula Radcliffe and indulgent dining
25 – 27 July

The first ever Durham City Run Festival will feature films, talks, book signings, a running expo, free running activities, and a mile challenge, over three days in July. On each day, the Gala Theatre will host a schedule of films and talks, including a special celebration of Sir Roger Bannister on the evening of Friday 26 July, supported by Durham University.

Completing the running activities at the Durham City Run Festival will be the world premiere of a new concept for families.  The brainchild of marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe (who will be present at the event), ‘Families on Track’ will be held on Saturday 27 July and will give family groups the opportunity to work together to complete a set distance, in a format that allows everyone to contribute, no matter their age or ability.

Build up an appetite and enjoy Seaham Hall’s new Sunshine and Dine package. This overnight stay in a Junior Suite costs from £150 pp (based on two sharing), including a decadent three-course dinner in The Dining Room, breakfast, and full use of the spa facilities until 12 noon on the day of departure.

Velo North – closed roads and a commitment to health
1 September

A major new closed-road sportive, and the first of its kind for the North of England, Velo North starts in the heart of Durham City Centre, where up to 15,000 riders will journey through the spectacular North Pennine countryside, cycling either 50 or 100 mile routes.

Velo North will also feature a diverse programme of community events and activities aimed at encouraging people to take up the sport of cycling and to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle.

​Seaham Hall’s new Summer Dreams special costs from £93 pp (based on two sharing), including an overnight stay in a Junior Suite, a hearty breakfast, and full use of the spa facilities until 12 noon on the day of departure.

MORE SPECIAL BREAKS AT SEAHAM HALL FOR SUMMER 2019

Brand-new Garden Suites with Hot Tubs

Owing to the popularity of Seaham Hall’s Garden Suites with Hot Tubs, the hotel has created three completely new hot tub suites, each individually decorated and very private, offering guests the opportunity to make the most of the English summer outdoors.

Seaham Hall’s new Tapas, Tubs & Taittinger offer costs from £198 pp (based on two sharing), including a chilled half bottle of Taittinger Champagne in your suite upon arrival, a selection of delicious tapas served to your suite once you have checked in, an overnight stay in one of the Garden Suites with Hot Tub, a full breakfast and use of the spa facilities until 12 noon on the day of departure.

National Picnic Month
July

To celebrate our national love of al fresco eating, what could be better than taking a picnic blanket, a basket full of delectable food, and heading off to find your own special spot within Seaham Hall’s beautiful 37-acre estate? You might wish to wander further afield, too. The Durham Coastal Path, accessed directly from the hotel, is an exhilarating 11-mile route along stunning clifftop scenery.

Seaham Hall’s new two-night Ultimate Summer Retreat special costs from £325 pp (based on two sharing), including a chilled half bottle of Taittinger Champagne in your suite upon arrival, a traditional wicker basket picnic filled with freshly baked treats and sandwiches, a three-course dinner in The Dining Room on your first night, a Thai afternoon tea in the Serenity Spa on one afternoon of your stay, two complimentary tickets to visit the Beamish Museum, two nights’ accommodation in a Junior Suite, a full breakfast, and use of the spa facilities until 12 noon on the day of departure.

World Chocolate Day
7 July

Seaham Hall has the perfect gift for the cherished chocoholic in your life: a Chocolate Afternoon Tea Gift Voucher, treating someone special to a selection of sandwiches and an array of indulgent chocolate treats including a dark chocolate financier with salted caramel, milk chocolate and amaretto mousse adorned with toasted almonds and banana, chocolate chip brownies, and baked chocolate and blood orange layer with white chocolate cream and white chocolate. Cost of the special afternoon tea is £24 pp, or £34 with a glass of champagne.

To book, call Seaham Hall’s friendly team on 0191 516 1400 – or visit www.seaham-hall.co.uk.

Press: For further information and high-resolution images, please contact Mischa Mack (m.mack@travelpr.co.uk) or Laura Forbes (l.forbes@travelpr.co.uk), or telephone Travel PR on 020 8891 4440.​