Living in Seaham

Community and local life in Seaham are shaped by the town’s friendly spirit and strong sense of identity. There is a community-driven ethos, reflected in local events such as the Seaham Food Festival, summer markets, and gatherings at the bustling marina. Seaham Town Park, with its open spaces and children’s play areas, is a focal point for families, and seasonal fairs or art exhibitions provide opportunities for everyone to connect.

The presence of historical sites, community centres, and regular beach clean-ups highlights a town that values its past as well as its present. Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the Durham Heritage Coast path, which begins in Seaham and runs southwards, offering scenic walking, cycling, and wildlife-watching. With easy access to both green spaces and the coastline, Seaham supports a healthy outdoor lifestyle for all ages.

Safety and crime rates in Seaham reflect those of many smaller UK coastal towns. While some pockets of anti-social behaviour have been reported—mainly in central and high street areas—general crime rates remain moderate compared to urban centres in the North East. Residential neighbourhoods, especially around Westlea and the newer developments near Dawdon, are largely perceived as safe, with local policing focused on proactive community engagement and crime prevention initiatives.

Durham Constabulary plays an active role in working with residents through neighbourhood policing, speed watch schemes, and community outreach. Public areas such as the seafront and town centre benefit from CCTV monitoring and regular patrols, contributing to an overall sense of security, particularly during events and festival periods.

Parking in Seaham is comparatively straightforward, with a number of public car parks available along the seafront, at Seaham Harbour Marina, and within the town centre. On-street parking is generally unrestricted in residential areas, though the busiest times—such as summer weekends or during major events—may see greater demand near the coast and shopping streets. Resident permits are required only in certain recently developed zones or during special events, and congestion is usually minimal outside peak hours.

Seaham’s location ensures excellent road access to key North East destinations:

• Sunderland – approx. 20 minutes via A1018 (6 miles)
• Durham – approx. 25 minutes via A19 (13 miles)
• Newcastle – approx. 35 minutes via A19 (20 miles)
• Hartlepool – approx. 30 minutes via A19 (16 miles)

The food, pubs, and nightlife scene in Seaham is anchored around its scenic harbour and thriving seafront. The town’s food offerings range from traditional fish and chips to more contemporary dining. Popular local spots include The Lamp Room and Lickety Split Creamery, which is known for its desserts and vibrant décor.

Pubs such as The Hat and Feathers and The Coalface serve up local ales and classic pub fare, providing cosy settings for both locals and visitors. There are a variety of cafés and takeaways spread throughout Seaham, offering coffee and quick lunches with sea views. While Seaham is not known for a bustling nightclub scene, its social life benefits from bars like the George Elmy Lifeboat Bar and social clubs that often feature live music events and quiz nights.

For a more lively nightlife, Sunderland and Newcastle’s city centres are within easy reach, allowing Seaham residents to enjoy the region's renowned pubs, bars, and live entertainment whenever the mood strikes. The overall atmosphere remains friendly and relaxed, with a focus on socialising and community connection.

School Quality: Seaham benefits from primary and secondary schools rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, ensuring high educational standards for children.

Parks and Green Space: The town is blessed with accessible parks, play areas, and a clean, sandy beach—ideal for family outings and picnics, as well as the extensive coastal walks on the Durham Heritage Coast.

Childcare: Numerous local nurseries and preschools operate alongside after-school clubs, providing reliable childcare solutions for working parents.

Safety: With community-focused policing and safe neighbourhoods, Seaham is generally considered a secure environment for families to settle and raise children.

Family Activities: Families in Seaham can enjoy festivals, cinema nights at The Vane Tempest Theatre, and hands-on history at the local heritage centre, ensuring plenty to do year-round.

Seaham offers excellent amenities for pet owners, with its expansive beaches (parts of which permit dogs year-round), cliff-top walks, and the nearby Castle Eden Dene Nature Reserve offering a rich environment for dog walking. The town’s green spaces and coastal paths are popular for daily exercise and social dog meets.

A number of local cafés and pubs welcome dogs, and there are several veterinarians and pet shops based in the area, ensuring pets’ needs are well catered for. Housing providers in Seaham often accept pets, particularly within private rentals and newer housing developments, reflecting the area’s generally pet-friendly attitude.

Seaham is strategically located along the Durham coast, offering strong transport links for both local residents and commuters. The town is well-served by the Seaham railway station on the Durham Coast Line, allowing for direct travel to nearby cities and regional hubs. Northern Rail trains connect Seaham with Sunderland, Durham, Newcastle, and Middlesbrough, making it a practical base for working professionals.

Bus services in Seaham are comprehensive, with regular connections operating between the town and Durham, Sunderland, and Peterlee. Operators such as Go North East and Arriva North East ensure public transport is reliable and affordable.

For road users, the A19 and A1(M) are accessible within a short drive, providing arterial routes both north and south. The popularity of Seaham as a commuter base is further ensured by good access to the region’s airports. Newcastle International Airport is around 35 minutes by car, while Teesside International Airport is within an hour, offering business and holiday travel options.

Typical commute times via public transport:

• Sunderland – approx. 15 minutes by train
• Durham – approx. 30 minutes by train (with transfer at Sunderland or by bus direct)
• Newcastle – approx. 30-40 minutes by train

Schools in Seaham offer a strong educational foundation, with a number of well-regarded options for families in the area. The town is home to both primary and secondary schools, each with distinct strengths and supportive learning environments.

Primary Schools: Seaham Trinity Primary School is highly regarded locally, with an emphasis on a welcoming school community and positive Ofsted reports (last rated ‘Good’ in 2022). Seaview Primary School and St Cuthbert's RC Primary School also serve central neighbourhoods, each noted for their engaged teaching staff and consistent performance. Westlea Primary School provides for the western side of town, and encourages holistic development.

Secondary Schools: Seaham High School is the primary secondary option within the town, benefiting from recent building investments and strong links to the wider community (Ofsted rated ‘Good’ in 2017). Young people in Seaham also have the option to attend The Academy at Shotton Hall in nearby Peterlee, which has a strong reputation and is easily accessible.

Colleges and Further Education: East Durham College is the main further education provider in the vicinity, with a wide range of A-levels, technical courses, and apprenticeships. The college’s Peterlee campus is within easy reach by public transport, offering a broad prospect for post-16 students.

Universities: While there is no university campus in Seaham itself, Durham City—with the renowned Durham University—is only about 13 miles away, providing internationally recognised higher education within commuting distance for local students.