Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Main Rd, Sudbury, Ashbourne DE6 5HT, UK

Late 17th-century house with lavish interiors and the Museum of Childhood. Ornately crafted 17th-century country manor also housing toys and interactive displays on childhood.

Come and discover two contrasting experiences sitting side by side.

This year we've gone back to 1967 at Sudbury Hall to celebrate the Hall's 50th anniversary with the National Trust. The historic country home of the Lords Vernon has been stripped right back to give an essence of what it looked like when it first came into the Trust's care. Visitors to get closer to the amazing 17th-century craftsmanship than ever before and truly appreciate this amazing building. Admire exquisite plasterwork, wood carvings and classical story-based murals. Be amazed by the grandeur of the Great Staircase, Long Gallery and the captivating story which the house tells, brought to life by our knowledgeable volunteers and guides.

The Museum of Childhood is a delight for all ages with something for everyone. Watch your children discovering something new, or relive nostalgic memories by exploring the childhoods of times gone by, make stories, play with toys and share your childhood with others. You can be a chimney sweep, a scullion or a Victorian pupil, and be captivated by our archive film and interactive displays.

Don’t miss
•    Locations where the BBC’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice was filmed, can you recognise where?
•    The Church by the side of the house, restored for the 6th Lord Vernon by George Devey.
•    The outdoor woodland play area, which is tucked out of view at the rear of the house.

Facilities and access

General

• Try our homemade cakes and scones in the Coach House Restaurant
• Treat yourself to a selection of local products in our gift shop

Family

• Baby-changing facilities in the stableyard and in the Museum of Childhood
• Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats and indoor buggies for loan from the hall and museum entrances
• Children's trail in the hall
• Woodland Outdoor Adventure play area
• Hands on activities in the Museum of Childhood
• Family activities throughout the school holidays. Check our events pages for details.

Accessibility

• The main car park has designated disabled parking spaces. For those less able to walk transport from the car park to the Hall can be provided.
• Free buggy transfer available from main car park
• Wheelchair access limited to Sudbury Hall with stepped entrances on all sides. Braille guide, touch trail and large print guide are available. Please ask at the hall entrance
• The Museum of Childhood is accessible by wheelchairs. There is a small lift available between all floors
• Some outdoor surfaces are loose large gravel and there is sloped access to the garden terraces
• Accessible toilets are located in the stableyard and in the Museum of Childhood
• Assistance dogs only are allowed on the site

Read our full access statement (PDF)