Seaton Delaval Hall

Seaton Delaval Hall is a National Trust property in Northumberland, dating from the 17th century.  In 1822 the main house was gutted by fire, and has remained an empty shell ever since.  Thanks to the help of local people, the kitchen and stable wings were saved, together with family portraits, furniture and archives. The central house remained a roofless ruin until about 1859-60, when wall tops were rebuilt to support a new roof, and cast-iron columns were used to strengthen internal walls. Further restoration was conducted in the early 1960s, including replacement of windows, restoration of the upstairs gallery in the main hall, and paving of the floors. 

The west wing, originally servants quarters, became the family house in the 1950s until 2007. Today it houses the usual collection of old furniture and paintings.  But it is the great empty space of the main house that, for me, was far more interesting. It's a place I could quite happily revisit many times.

 

 

Alnwick Gardens

A few weeks ago now, I visited Alnwick Gardens in Northumberland.  I was particularly keen to see the Poison Garden, a collection of intoxicating or poisonous plants.  These are grown within a restricted section and can only be visited as part of a guided group.  It was interesting, but I found the information given a bit on the basic side, with only brief mention of the medicinal aspects of many of the plants. 

Elsewhere in the gardens are an interesting collection of water sculptures and some delightful fairytale garden touches.  The treetop restaurant is also worth a visit.