Seaton: Building History, Meadows and Walking Routes

Seaton combines a long architectural history with the landscape along the River Welland. If you are planning a stay, historic architecture, a nature reserve and walking can offer different points of interest. Church of All Hallows, Manor House and Old Rectory represent different building periods; Seaton Meadows and the Welland Railway Viaduct form a distinct landscape highlight.

Building history and local landmarks

Church of All Hallows, the parish church, was originally built in the early 12th century and has a Norman chancel arch. Its origins therefore date back considerably further than those of the later houses in the village. The church, Manor House and Old Rectory differ not only in age but also in function: parish church, house and former rectory.

Manor House is a house dating from the mid-to-late 17th century. Its rear extension dates from the early 19th century, so the main building and extension belong to clearly distinct building periods. Old Rectory was a former rectory, built circa 1821–1822 for Reverend Hugh Monckton.

Seaton is home to one of the village’s three remaining thatched cottages. This building style adds another element to the village’s appearance alongside its larger historic houses. The village’s history is also linked to Sir Henry Royce: his ancestors lived in Seaton for many years; Royce was one of the founders of Rolls-Royce.

Seaton Meadows and the landscape

Seaton Meadows is the last example of this type of meadow in the Welland Valley. The nature reserve is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and lies alongside the Welland Railway Viaduct and the B672. The viaduct’s arches rise 21 metres above the River Welland and divide the reserve’s two hay meadows. If you visit the nature reserve, please stay on the existing footpath.

The River Welland forms the southern boundary of the parish of Seaton and separates it from Northamptonshire. The land around Seaton slopes down from a ridge north of the village towards the Welland. Two aspects should be distinguished when considering the area: the parish boundary follows the river, while the landform describes the slope from the ridge down to the Welland.

Walking routes and getting your bearings

The Seaton Village Walk starts and ends at the Village Hall on Main Street. An old footpath leads from a footbridge towards Harringworth. The Rutland Round is a circular walking route of about 65 miles around Rutland. These details offer different points of reference: the Village Walk’s start and end point on Main Street, and the Rutland Round’s approximate length and regional circular route.

The former Seaton railway station is about half a mile south-east of the village. As a former station, it is a historic local landmark, not a current passenger station.

Discover more destinations: Uppingham, Oakham, Clipsham, North Luffenham, Ashwell, Greetham, Empingham, Langham

For the main travel overview: Rutland.