Things to do on a spa break in Durham

Welcome to Seaham! Before the relaxation begins, blow off those cobwebs with a spin on the North Sea Cycle Route between Seaham and Hurworth Burn Reservoir. It’s a smooth jaunt on peaceful traffic-free pathways, with oodles of fresh air and views of the coast and countryside. After a quick hello to the geese and grebes at the reservoir, follow your tracks back to Seaham (around 22 miles/35km).

Fancy a gentler alternative to cycling? No problem: you can ease into seaside life with a stroll on Seaham Beach, one of the loveliest beaches near Durham. Seaham had many bottleworks and glass-making factories during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and after more than a century in the sea their remnants now wash up on the sand as sea glass: smooth, pretty and pebble-like. Around here, locals will say you’re doing the “sea glass stoop”!

Ahh, that’s the ticket: a big chippy lunch from local favourite Bells Fish Shop, just a few steps from Seaham harbour. It only serves local sustainably-sourced fillets, and cooks everything the ‘old-fashioned’ way: in beef dripping. Swoon. Grab a takeaway to eat outside, while the yachts bob in the harbour and cheeky seagulls try their luck.

It’s time to check into Seaham Hall, your base for this getaway – and then head straight to its Serenity Spa. Maybe you’ll treat yourself to a full-body aromatherapy massage, try guided meditation with its expert hypnotherapist, or simply spend the afternoon wallowing in its outdoor whirlpool? The choice is yours.

If you can’t bring yourself to leave the hot tub, you’re in luck: Serenity Spa offers twilight sessions too, so there’s no need to budge just yet. But if you’re getting pruney, see what’s on at the Sunderland Empire; this 100-year-old theatre hosts touring West End shows such as War Horse and Wicked, as well as stand-up comedy and musicals.

Breakfast at Seaham Hall is a biggie, so make room for those eggs Benedict and croissants by joining a workout class in the hotel gym. On most days, there are at least three classes before 10am (you only have to pick one!), such as kettlebells, toning, circuits and spinning. Afterwards, you can return to your room just as your breakfast tray is arriving – perfect timing.

There’s something so fun, so liberating, about larking around like nobody’s watching – and nothing brings out the silliness like a spot of wobbly paddleboarding. Sure, you might be a bit Bambi-legged, but Seaham marina is so calm that it doesn’t matter if you spend more time in the water than out of it. Giggles guaranteed on a SUP session with Adventure Access.

When it comes to shopping, Dalton Park retail outlet is one of the top places to visit in Seaham, with up to 70 per cent off big-name designers like Calvin Klein, Adidas, Le Creuset, Dune London and Tommy Hilfiger. Fun fact: when the shopping centre was being built, the excavated land was used to create a wildlife park, whose meadows and woodlands are just across the road, a lovely spot for a walk.

It’s time to grab your bags from the hotel – but not before you’ve tucked into its lavish afternoon tea. Elegant cake stands, loose-leaf tea, mighty scones with lashings of cream: this is the real deal. If you’re not driving, there’s even a glass of fizz (or two) in the offing, all the better to toast those fabulous views of the garden.

Got a bad case of the Sunday-night scaries? Before you return to real life, revel in the beauty of Hawthorn Dene. Notice the dappled sunshine under the yew trees, the musical chirrup of blackbirds, the swoosh of the wind through the lofty elms… feeling better now? This is forest bathing, an ancient Japanese relaxation technique. Aaaaaand breathe