Photo of National Trust - The Children's Country House at Sudbury in North West1 / 2
Museums

National Trust - The Children's Country House at Sudbury

πŸ“ Ashbourne, North West

β˜…4.6(3,337 Google reviews)πŸ‘ΆAll ages

National Trust property in Derbyshire combining a 1600s hall with a dedicated Museum of Childhood housing vintage toys and childhood memorabilia.

βœ“ Museum of Childhoodβœ“ Christmas decorationsβœ“ Pinocchio story trailβœ“ 17th-century hallβœ“ Vintage toys
β€œ
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Victoria Addison

We had a wonderful visit to The Children’s Country House at Sudbury. The place itself is absolutely lovely. The hall was amazing and beautifully decorated for Christmas, which gave the whole visit a magical feeling. As you make your way around, the story of Pinocchio is displayed throughout the rooms, adding an extra layer of charm and creativity to the experience. Several of the National Trust volunteers were very helpful and welcoming, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The museum was a little underwhelming compared to the grandeur of the hall, but there was still plenty for children to look at and engage with. The gardens were peaceful and well kept, leading out to a lovely lakeβ€”perfect for a quiet stroll. This has definitely become a new favourite place for us, and I will absolutely be returning in the future. I also advise people get a National Trust Membership if you visit National Trust properties.

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Works across generations β€” children engage with the toy museum and story trails, adults with the historic architecture and nostalgia. The Christmas visit is the strongest seasonal draw. Arrive early during school holidays; the cafe overwhelms quickly and there is no easy alternative on site. National Trust members enter free.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Arrive early on school holiday days β€” the cafe becomes overwhelmed and queues are long
⏰The Vernon Arms pub across the road is a reliable food alternative when the cafe is packed
🎟️National Trust membership covers entry for cardholders
πŸš—Allow time for both the historic hall and the separate Museum of Childhood β€” they are distinct experiences

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.6
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

3,337 Google reviews

Museum of Childhood and vintage toys35%
Christmas and seasonal decorations30%
Historic hall and architecture25%
Cafe capacity at peak times10%
V

Victoria Addison

3 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œWe had a wonderful visit to The Children’s Country House at Sudbury. The place itself is absolutely lovely. The hall was amazing and beautifully decorated for Christmas, which gave the whole visit a magical feeling. As you make your way around, the story of Pinocchio is displayed throughout the rooms, adding an extra layer of charm and creativity to the experience. Several of the National Trust volunteers were very helpful and welcoming, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The museum was a little underwhelming compared to the grandeur of the hall, but there was still plenty for children to look at and engage with. The gardens were peaceful and well kept, leading out to a lovely lakeβ€”perfect for a quiet stroll. This has definitely become a new favourite place for us, and I will absolutely be returning in the future. I also advise people get a National Trust Membership if you visit National Trust properties.”

A

ann phillips

a month ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œWhat an amazing property belonging to #nationaltrust a truly fascinating place with a huge footsteps in history ,children would love this place in fact adults would love it just as much . There is a children's museum of childhood which was amazing it bought back many happy memories of my childhood with toys I used to love and my son and my granddaughter both loved it for that reason. It also had a real honest to god Dalek there and I love Daleks more than Doctor who himself πŸ˜ƒ. The stately home itself was fabulous with gorgeous grounds and a nice cafe and a used book shop and National trust shop . It was a really lovely place to visit another wonderful walk through history for me and the Betty Cadbury toy collection was a must see exhibit . I will definitely go back and Sudbury is a beautiful place to visit itself”

C

Claire Ashford

3 months ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œVery interesting to see the history of some well known toys.. museum is set out well and staff helpful.. hall was interesting and we were able to see christmas trees and decorations and Pinocchio story.. i always want yo see more of these old houses .. what is behind the closed doors... Nice cafe .. but nitpicking. It needs a sign to say close door behind you as some people just walk in and go to find a seat leaving those by door in a draught”

E

Erandika Mohanathasan

4 weeks ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œIt was quite nice and well maintained! The staff were very friendly and guided us easily and I appreciate that. Gorgeous place and the paintings were so beautiful”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Sudbury Hall was built in the 1600s and houses the Museum of Childhood as a separate and connected attraction. The museum covers childhood history through vintage toys and interactive exhibits with strong nostalgic appeal for adults. Seasonal programming includes story trails and elaborate Christmas decorating across the hall. Facilities include a cafe, free parking, lifts, and a buggy service from the car park.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

πŸ“ Similar Activities Nearby

View more in North West β†’