Discover more at The Children's Country House
Find out when The Children's Country House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury. Having fun with history.
Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT
Opening times for 3 July 2024
Asset Opening time Hall Closed Garden Closed Museum Closed Shop Closed Tea-room Closed Please note, the opening hours of certain areas, such as the Mystery Rooms and the School Room, may vary depending on the operational availability of the day.
MTWTFSS123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930311234OpenPartially openClosedSudbury Hall, Museums and Gardens
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £26.40 £24.00 Child £13.20 £12.00 Family £66.00 £60.00 Standard Family (one adult) £39.60 £36.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Assistance dogs only
Assistance dogs only in the buildings
Dogs
Dogs welcome in the grounds and garden on leads
Cafe
The Fairy Tale Forest Café serves seasonal snacks and drinks to eat in or take away
Shop
Second-hand gift shop
Car park
Toilet
A variety of additional support available to help you enjoy your visit to The Children's Country House at Sudbury. For any specific access requirements, please contact us at cchsudbury@nationaltrust.org.uk or 01283 585337 prior to visiting and a member of the team will be happy to assist.
Accessible route and/or map
Ramped access/slopes
Some outdoor surfaces are covered in large, loose gravel and there is sloped access to the garden terraces
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets are located in the Stable Yard and in the Museum
Steps/uneven terrain
There are ramps to allow access into Sudbury Hall, however not all of the Hall is accessible via wheelchair
Changing Places
Transfer available
Free wheelchair accessible vehicle transfer is available from the main car park to the property
Designated parking
Wheelchairs available
Lift
The Museum is accessible by wheelchair. There is a small lift available between all floors
By road
The Children's Country House at Sudbury is 6 miles east of Uttoxeter at the junction of A50, Derby to Stoke and A515, Ashbourne.
Parking: Free parking in the National Trust car park, 500 yards along the main road. Follow the wiggly path towards the Hall. The main car park has designated accessible parking spaces and wide parking spaces for families with small children. Please avoid parking on the main road, as this affects visibility for pedestrians and residents of Sudbury village.
Sat Nav: Enter DE6 5HT.
By train
Train stations nearby The Children's Country House at Sudbury are Tutbury & Hatton Station (5 miles away), Uttoxeter Station (5.3 miles away), Burton-on-Trent Station (9.1 miles away). Please note, you will need to travel onwards from the train station on the 401 bus service to reach the property. As a thank you for arriving car-free, enjoy a free hot drink from our restaurant when you show your train ticket with the day’s date on it.
By bus
Travel by bus from: Burton-on-Trent (45 mins), Tutbury (10 mins) and Uttoxeter (10 mins). Hop off at Garden Cottages and walk through the side entrance over the grass or hop off at Vernon Arms and walk 5 minutes along Main Road to the main entrance. As a thank you for arriving car-free, enjoy a free hot drink from our restaurant when you show your bus ticket with the day’s date on it.
By bicycle
National Route 54 of the National Cycle Network can be followed from Stourport to Parsley Hay via Kidderminster, Dudley, Lichfield, Burton, and Derby.
Car-Free
Travel the green way and help us to look after this special place. As a thank you for arriving car-free, enjoy a free hot drink from our restaurant when you show your bus or train ticket with the day’s date on it.
Planning your visit
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Family-friendly things to do at The Children's Country House at Sudbury
The Children's Country House has been created with children at the heart and there is always something to discover, explore and learn for families.
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Learning and Educational Visits to The Children's Country House at Sudbury
From primary school groups to higher education students, our Learning Team offer an exciting programme which can be adapted for different ages and abilities.
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Visiting the Gardens at The Children's Country House
Explore the Garden and explore, admire and connect with the beauty of nature.
Upcoming Events
Learn more about upcoming events at The Children's Country House at Sudbury.
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Visiting The Children's Country House at Sudbury with your dog
Dogs are welcome in the grounds at Sudbury all year round and there's lots to explore with you canine friend.
Highlights
Sudbury Hall
Explore the historic country home of the Vernon family, with beautiful plasterwork, carvings and the Grand Staircase.
Museum
Visit our dalek, take a lesson in our Victorian Classroom and learn about childhood through the ages.
Gardens
Explore, picnic and play while you connect with nature. Build a den, have a mindful moment and get involved in our many activities.
Eating
Serving seasonal snacks and drinks to eat in or take away at the Fairy Tale Forest Café.
The Book Jungle
A second-hand shop selling pre-loved items including books, toys and clothing.
Mystery Rooms Experience
Take part in our child-led mystery rooms experience based during World War 2. Places are available on a first come, first serve basis on the day of your visit. Perfect for children 10 and over.
Stableyard
A space to take part in games, activities and indulge in an ice cream from the café.
Boathouse
Located in front of the lake in the Gardens, the Boathouse is the ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy a picnic.
Things to see and do
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Visiting The Children's Country House at Sudbury
With children at the heart of The Children's Country House there is always something to discover, explore and learn with the family
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Things to see and do in The Children's Country House Museum
Explore the museum to discover the escapades of childhood and the challenges they faced and the realities of life across the centuries.
Spotlight events
Woodland Theatre
New to The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, we’re pleased to present new Woodland Theatre productions and workshops. Aimed at children and families, come and enjoy live performances of Flying the Nest by HandMade Theatre and Here be Dragons from Babbling Vagabonds, this summer.
Summer Nights Film Festival
Summer Nights Film Festival is coming to The Children's Country House at Sudbury in August 2024. Join us for screenings of Barbie (16 August) and Wonka (17 August) at The Children's Country House at Sudbury.
The 50th Anniversary of the Museum of Childhood
You're invited to the 50th Anniversary Weekend of the Museum of Childhood, at The Children's Country House at Sudbury. From 28-30 June 2024, join us for celebration, evaluation, and crafts with our 70's themed birthday weekend.
Junior Conservation Station
Bring your favourite teddy and join in with our Junior Conservation Station. Our House and Collections team will be sharing their top tips and tricks for taking care of your cherished toys.
Make Your Own Tie Dye Tote Bag
Use an array of colours to create your own tie dye tote bag in a led-workshop.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and Shopping at The Children's Country House
Grab a bite to eat at the Fairytale Forest Café or picnic in the grounds or Boathouse. The jungle-inspired fundraising shop is a treasure trove of gifts and goodies for children and adults alike.
Outdoor activities
Article
Visiting the Gardens at The Children's Country House
Explore the Garden and explore, admire and connect with the beauty of nature.
Article
Visiting The Children's Country House at Sudbury with your dog
Dogs are welcome in the grounds at Sudbury all year round and there's lots to explore with you canine friend.
Upcoming events
Event
Little Lions Early Years Sessions
Join us on Fridays during term time for storytelling, crafts, and stableyard games at The Children's Country House at Sudbury.
Event
'Here Be Dragons' Woodland Theatre Production
New to The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, we’re pleased to present a new Woodland Theatre production. Aimed at children and families, come and enjoy live performances of Here Be Dragons by Babbling Vagabonds, this July.
Event
Flying the Nest Workshop
New to The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, we’re pleased to present a new Woodland Theatre workshop. Aimed at children aged between 3-10, come and enjoy workshops based on HandMade Theatre's production of 'Flying the Nest'.
Event
'Flying the Nest' Woodland Theatre Production
New to The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, we’re pleased to present a new Woodland Theatre production. Aimed at children and families, come and enjoy live performances of Flying the Nest by HandMade Theatre, this summer.
Event
Summer Nights Film Festival at The Children's Country House at Sudbury
Summer Nights Film Festival is coming to The Children's Country House at Sudbury in August 2024.
About The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
The Children’s Country House is a place to have fun with history.
The Hall - The first heritage experience of its kind . Originally home to the Vernon family, there are over 12 rooms currently open to the public across three levels. Created with and for children, this experience aims to spark a lifelong interest in heritage. It will encourage confidence and curiosity while learning about the collections and history at Sudbury Hall.
The Museum - Explore the different spaces in The Children’s Country House Museum, which celebrate the escapades and challenges of childhood across the centuries. Be creative and curious as you get stuck in with activities to bring your experience to life. You don’t have to be young, only young at heart to enjoy the fun.
The Garden – Outdoor adventures await in the Garden. Enjoy walks through the historic parterre which echos formal planting plans, and colourful displays supporting a variety of pollinators. Stroll by the lake and explore new spaces that have been opened up, as we continue to work with children to further develop the Garden and decide what the future should look and feel like.
History
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History of Sudbury Hall
Discover more about the history of George Vernon who inherited Sudbury Hall at the age of 25 and how George and his descendants improved their fortunes through advantageous marriages.
News
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Museum of Childhood
On 24 June 2024, the Museum of Childhood will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Over the past five decades, thousands of children and adults have visited, experiencing a journey through childhood across the ages with family, friends, and school groups.
Art and collections
Art and Collections website
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at The Children's Country House at Sudbury on the National Trust Collections website.
Our work
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Our work at Sudbury Hall
Discover how the house and collection team at Sudbury Hall care for the collection - from regular surveys to conservation cleaning.
Project
Project
Creating The Children's Country House at Sudbury
Discover how the curators and conservators at Sudbury Hall, reassessed the property and The Children’s Country House was born.
Project
Project
The Great Staircase at Sudbury Hall
Discover how the Great Staircase has been repaired and restored to its former glory, after being out of use for over 40 years.