Where's Seaham?
In the county of Durham; it's a coastal town between Durham and Newcastle. And now it has Seaham Hall.
So it's just been built?
No, it's a former old people's home transformed after four years and £12 million into a grand and contemporary hotel. Each of the 19 rooms has its own features like curved walls or authentic beams; one even has a bath in the bedroom. There are also reminders of the hall's history: Lord Byron wrote a few poems here (his words are woven into the corridor carpet) and Seaham Hall boasts its own ghost.
Sounds creepy
Thankfully, there are TVs with hundreds of movies, multimedia stations and free CDs to smother ghostly creaks.
What else is there to do?
Durham and Newcastle are 10 minutes away, with plenty of nightlife on offer. Or you could just laze in the hotel, eating delicious food and relaxing in the Thai spa, due to open this autumn.
What's the damage?
Rooms start at £195, including breakfast. For a limited period, there is a special weekend dinner inclusive rate, from £115.
Any tips for getting there?
Great North Eastern Railway (0845 7225 225) provides a direct service between London King's Cross and Newcastle in less than three hours, from £44 for an Apex return. The hotel can arrange a chauffeur service for £35 to Seaham Hall from Newcastle.
Seaham Hall, Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG, UK (0191 516 1400).
