Historic County Durham Hotels: Walworth Castle, Seaham Hall

Walworth Castle
Walworth, Darlington DL2 2LY

On the road to the throne.

Through much of England�s turbulent history, Walworth Castle has remained standing. Indeed, it has had to endure many trials of its own.

With origins dating back to the 12th Century, the building has been owned by several notable families but almost feel into ruin during the 1500�s - the east and west wings were both rebuilt during the reign of Elizabeth I.

Although the castle has played host to numerous dignitaries during its history, the most notable guest to take respite within its safe walls was King James I - the man who would later be targeted in the infamous Gunpowder Plot. Arriving on the 14th of May 1603 while en route to London for his coronation, it is widely believed that his stay was so agreeable he rewarded the then owner, Elizabeth Jenison, by knighting her son-in-law.

By the end of the seventeenth century, however, Walworth was somewhat less popular with the monarchy - in 1689 the Papist castle was scoured for weaponry among fears of a rebellion against King William and Queen Mary.

In more recent times the building has served as the military headquarters for the Durham Light Infantry during World War II, and as a school for girls. In 1981, following extensive refurbishment, Walworth Castle finally reopened as a privately owned hotel.

Seaham Hall
Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham SR7 7AG

Poetic License...

Today, Seaham Hall is one of the leading hotel and spa resorts in Northern England. Two centuries ago, however, it was where one of poetry�s most controversial figures, Lord George Gordon Byron, married Annabella Milbanke.

Avoid the new... The following may not necessarily be linked to famous figures or events, but all offer accommodation in historic surroundings. Click on the links for further tariff and availability information.

Beamish Hall Classic Hotel. Nr DURHAM. A listed building dating back to the seventeenth century. LateRooms

Best Western Whitworth Hall. SPENNYMOOR. Bonnie Bobby Shaftoe was born here in 1732 when it was his family seat. Today it is grade-II listed building offering 29 guest rooms.. Expedia.co.uk

Eden Arms, The. RUSHYFORD. Former coaching inn dating back to the 17th century. Expedia.co.uk

Hall Garth Hotel, Golf & Country Club. Nr DARLINGTON. A sixteenth century house surrounded by over 60 acres of parkland. Includes a 9-hole golf course and leisure club. LateRooms | Expedia.co.uk

Headlam Hall. Nr DARLINGTON. A seventeenth century Jacobean country house which today offers 40 en suite guest rooms, a 9-hole golf course and spa. www.lastminute.com | LateRooms

Lumley Castle. CHESTER LE STREET. A truly impressive building dating back over 600 years and offering a range of �bedchambers� to guests. Expedia.co.uk | LateRooms

Old Well Inn, The. Nr DURHAM. A 17th century inn at the heart of the market town of Barnard Castle. LateRooms

Redworth Hall Hotel. Nr DURHAM. An early Georgian manor house built in 1744. LateRooms

Swallow Three Tuns, The. DURHAM. A sixteenth century coaching inn. Expedia.co.uk

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