Seaham sits at the heart of one of England's richest regions for history, culture, and natural beauty. Here's what's on your doorstep.
The largest outlet shopping destination in the North East sits just two miles from Seaham — making it an easy half-day addition to any visit.
Set across 55 acres of landscaped grounds at Murton, just off the A19, Dalton Park brings together over 65 stores selling 200 brands at up to 70% off. The open, outdoor-style centre has free all-day parking (1,500+ spaces), making it easy to combine with a morning on the sea glass beach.
Beyond shopping, Dalton Park has a 7-screen Cineworld cinema, a Hole in Wand mini-golf course, a free children's play area, and a wide range of food and drink options — from Costa and McDonald's to the Cafebar eighteen38 restaurant. Dog-friendly throughout.
dalton-park.co.ukOne of England's most beautiful historic cities — and one of its most walkable. Durham is a superb half-day or full-day excursion from Seaham.
Jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, Durham Cathedral is widely considered the finest example of Norman architecture in the world — a breathtaking statement in stone that has dominated the Durham Peninsula for over 900 years.
Built from 1093, it houses the Shrine of St Cuthbert and the remains of the Venerable Bede. The Cloisters are famous from the first two Harry Potter films. The Cathedral Tower (325 steps) offers panoramic views on clear days. Cathedral entry is free (donations welcome).
Built by the Normans, former residence of the Prince-Bishops of Durham. Part of the World Heritage Site. Guided tours available.
A riverside path circumnavigates the Cathedral Peninsula — arguably the finest short walk in England, with views of the Cathedral reflected in the Wear.
Changing exhibitions in the University of Durham's beautiful historic library building on the Cathedral Green. Often free or low-cost entry.
Seasonal boat trips on the River Wear, giving a water-level view of the Cathedral and Castle. A lovely way to see Durham from a different angle.
Durham has a thriving independent restaurant, café, and bar scene in the medieval city centre and Elvet area. Check ahead for current favourites.
The natural companion to a Seaham sea glass visit — the National Glass Centre in Sunderland celebrates the region's extraordinary glassmaking heritage in one of the most striking modern buildings in the North East.
The building itself is architectural theatre — constructed from glass and steel, visitors can walk across its glass roof and look down into the studios below. Inside, changing galleries, working artists' studios, and live glassblowing demonstrations (three per day) bring the craft vividly to life. The shop sells work by resident artists, and the café has a loyal local following.
Free entry. Workshops available to book — glass painting, sandcasting, fusing, and more.
Important note for 2025–2026: The current NGC building is planned to close in 2026 for structural repair reasons, with a replacement venue ("Glassworks") planned to open 2028 at Keel Square in Sunderland city centre. Check current opening hours at sunderlandculture.org.uk before visiting, and note the NGC is currently closed on Sundays.
Contemporary glass art and design, rotating throughout the year.
Three demonstrations per day with commentary — fascinating for adults and children alike.
Glass painting, fusing, sandcasting, and more. Book in advance.
The iconic glass-and-steel building itself is an attraction — walk across the roof and look down into the studios below.
Work by resident artists and a well-regarded café on site.
One of the greatest open-air museums in the world — 350 acres of living history spread across four eras (1820s, 1900s, 1940s, 1950s). Costumed interpreters, working trams, a Victorian town, a pit village, a 1940s farm, and a Georgian waggonway. One exhibit features a coal drop from Seaham Harbour itself.
beamish.org.uk →A full-scale replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens, perched dramatically on a hilltop between Seaham and Sunderland. Built 1844–45, owned by the National Trust, visible from 50 miles on a clear day. From the top: Durham Cathedral, the Cheviot Hills, and the sea.
National Trust →A former colliery site transformed into one of the most dramatic points on the Durham Heritage Coast. Once one of Europe's most polluted beaches, Blast Beach now features rare wildflowers, restored ponds, and spectacular sea views. Sea glass can be found here too.
Durham Heritage Coast →The England Coast Path runs through Seaham, connecting north to Sunderland and south through the Durham Heritage Coast towards Hartlepool and beyond. Walking even a short section reveals the full drama of the limestone cliffs and bay views.
The largest of the wooded denes (limestone valleys) on the Durham Heritage Coast — a National Nature Reserve near Peterlee. Ancient woodland, dramatic gorge scenery, and remarkable biodiversity including over 450 plant species and rare moths.
Facebook (Natural England) →A beautifully preserved Victorian pumping station — operational for exactly 100 years before closing in 1967. Two magnificent steam pumping engines and three Lancashire boilers. Opens on selected weekends with spectacular steam-in-action events.
ryhopeengines.org.uk →A charming Northumberland coastal village built around one of England's most unusual harbours — carved through solid rock in the 18th century by the Delaval family to export coal and bottle glass. The rocky headland of Crag Point offers dramatic sea views, and the sandy beach at Collywell Bay is a short walk away. The Delaval Arms is a much-loved local pub right on the waterfront.
Visit Northumberland →Sea glass on Saturday morning. Durham Cathedral on Saturday afternoon. Beamish on Sunday. There's no shortage of things to do around Seaham.