1 / 2National Trust - The Children's Country House at Sudbury
π Ashbourne, North West
National Trust property in Derbyshire combining a 1600s hall with a dedicated Museum of Childhood housing vintage toys and childhood memorabilia.
We had a wonderful visit to The Childrenβs 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 lakeβperfect 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.
π 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.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β3,337 Google reviews
Victoria Addison
3 months ago
βWe had a wonderful visit to The Childrenβs 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 lakeβperfect 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.β
ann phillips
a month ago
βWhat 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 π. 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 itselfβ
Claire Ashford
3 months ago
βVery 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 draughtβ
Erandika Mohanathasan
4 weeks ago
βIt 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 beautifulβ
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.



