Seaton Sluice is a large village on the coast. It includes the village of Old Hartley, still recognised by some local people as a separate village. The village has an attractive setting at the mouth of Seaton Burn, with a historic harbour, a fine sandy beach and dunes, and the open space of Holywell Dene nearby. It is also the closest village to Seaton Delaval Hall, a National Trust property. As a result, Seaton Sluice is both an attractive residential area, and a popular visitor destination. Village facilities include two schools, Seaton Sluice First School and Seaton Sluice Middle School, a community centre and library, post office, several shops, cafes, pubs and social clubs, and St Paul’s Church, Church of our Lady and the Methodist Church. The village has significant industrial heritage, linked to the Delaval family.