The Peak District & Derbyshire

Exploring Sudbury - Village Trail

Visitors in the garden in front of the hall at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood, Derbyshire — Visitors in the garden at Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood | © National Trust Images/Steve Franklin

Explore and learn about the current grounds of The Children's Country House at Sudbury and the historic estate village of Sudbury on this self-guided walking trail. Through Sudbury village, the trail follows roads, some have pavements while others do not. Please take care and be considerate of residents. The main route also crosses the main road – take care crossing because visibility can be restricted due to parked cars. The Courtyard (Trail point 6) is not open on Mondays.

Near to

The Children’s Country House at Sudbury

Start point

The stable yard at The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Total stages: 14
Total stages: 14
Start point
The stable yard at The Children's Country House at Sudbury
Stage 1
From Visitor Services walk into the stable yard towards the gardens. Go through the gates in front of you and take the path to the right onto the garden terrace. Note: There is a short steep ramp into the garden. For an alternative route: Pick up the main trail at Step 6. En route learn about the stable yard from the description of Trail Point 5.
The History and Future of the Gardens
Sudbury Hall’s Garden and Parkland has seen many changes over time. The Gardens you see today are predominantly designs from William Sawrey Gilpin. Much of what you see today on the terraces are what the National Trust has installed around 50 years ago. We are continually evolving the gardens to ensure the feeling of this space represents the construction of the formally arranged terraces. We conserve much of the topography and historical trees and create new displays we look to increase accessibility and interpretation to encourage visitors to understand more of the history of the gardens and parkland.
Stage 2
Continue across the garden terrace, turning right at the end to enter Bluebell Wood. Note: Bluebell woods and the lawn is uneven and can be muddy. For an alternative route: Retrace your steps back across the terrace, taking time to stop and take in the view of the lawn and lake (see description of Trail point 3). Continue back into the Stable yard and cross towards the cafe. Pick up the main trail at Step 6. En route learn about the Stable yard from the description of Trail Point 5.
Stage 3
Follow the winding path through Bluebell Wood and across the grass down towards the lake.
Lake Bank
Lake Bank has taken many forms over the years – from being a set of medieval fishery ponds to a formal water Garden with a fountain with water jets representing Neptune with his trident. It was even a maize field before becoming the naturalistic Lake you see today. Trees across the Lake would have been kept low so that the hills in the distance could be admired. Which version of Lake Bank would you like to have seen from the windows if you had lived at Sudbury Hall?
Stage 4
Continue alongside the lake until you reach the boathouse.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is a grade II listed building which was used for repairing the small boats that would be used to enjoy Lake Bank. These boats would also be used for maintaining the Lake or for fishing in the Lake. Throughout much of the 18th and 19th century, the Lake was considered dirty water so the fish caught in it would not have been eaten. However, two other ponds within the Parkland were used for fish stock.
Stage 5
Take the path to the right of the Boathouse through the trees, past the activity playground and through the gap in the hedge. Cross the stable yard grass towards the café. Note: Be aware of roots and low-hanging branches through the trees. To completely avoid these, head back through the gate you used to enter the gardens. The area in front of the café is cobbled and uneven.
The Steps Near Visitor Services
The stable yard was previously within the wilderness where the current play area is. It would have been a hive of activity with grooms tending the horses, and estate staff and coaches constantly moving between buildings. Grooms lived in the lofts above the stables, so they were always on hand. Have a look at the steps near Visitor Services; these are used to help when mounting horses. The crossed diamond motif carved on the base is the Vernon family ‘fret’, a heraldic interlaced geometric pattern. Do you think you would prefer to have worked in the stables or as a servant in the house when the family was in residence?
Stage 6
Go through the gate to the right of the café and head through the big green gates on your left into Sudbury Courtyard. Note: Sudbury Courtyard and shops are not open on Mondays. There is a cobbled speedbump to go over to access the lightly gravelled Courtyard.
Sudbury Courtyard
Sudbury Courtyard was originally a collection of working spaces that supported Sudbury Hall and its surrounding estate and gardens. Today, it is home to a café and independent shops. You can find information boards in the Courtyard and in the passageway on the left side, providing more details about the history of the buildings. This area was once called the wood yard and later the estate yard. Here, over some 350 years it would have been a hive of activity with joiners and maintenance workers doing repairs around the estate. The workshops and buildings have changed over the centuries to accommodate developing tools and machinery. Many of the buildings that now house retail units were built in the 19th and early 20th century. One from the 1920s was actually an ambulance garage, built by the 9th Lord Vernon to serve the village and surrounding area.
Stage 7
Return back through the big green gates. Continue straight along the track, then turn left through the small gate onto the permissible path (signposted as ‘Access path to School Lane’). Follow the permissible path and lane until you reach Sudbury Gasworks. Note: The lanes have potholes and there is no pavement – please take care of ground and cars and be considerate of residents.
Stage 8
Walk down the entrance road to Sudbury Gasworks, turning left on the lane to walk towards Sudbury village past Sudbury Primary School. Note: The lanes have potholes and there is no pavement – please take care of ground and cars and be considerate of residents.
Sudbury School
In terms of educating their workers families, the Vernon’s were ahead of their time. They employed a village schoolmaster from the early 1700s and required children of workers to attend, although education was not compulsory in England until 1870. Sudbury Primary School was purpose built in 1832 as a school for girls. The school for boys was housed in converted cottages in School Lane. How do you think school would have been different in the 1800’s compared to now?
Stage 9
Continue down the lane past the Old Butcher’s Shop. Note: The lanes have potholes and there is no pavement – please take care of ground and cars and be considerate of residents.
Stage 10
Continue to Main Road. Turn left, and stay on the pavement to follow the road through the village past the Vernon Arms and Bowling Green. To extend your route slightly, turn right onto Main Road instead, and see if you can spot the Village Stocks on your right towards the end of the village. Please be aware that these are on private property so please do not trespass. Retrace your steps and proceed through the village.
The Vernon Arms
Sudbury village was rebuilt in the 1670s as part of George Vernon’s vision. Notice the worn steps which would once have led up to a substantial bakery and general store, which delivered bread for miles around. Re-built in the 1670s by George Vernon, the Vernon Arms was a busy stagecoach travel stop. The building straddles a small stream which was a great advantage before piped running water. The stream still runs beneath the building today and emerges on the far side of the road next to the Bowling Green.
Stage 11
After the Vernon Arms lawn, cross the road onto the track. Please take care crossing the road as visibility. can be restricted due to parked cars. To the right of the gate enter WELLIES wood on the path between the stumps. Note: WELLIES Wood and the meadow beyond are uneven and can be muddy. For an alternative route: Re-enter the grounds of Sudbury Hall through the metal gate to continue your visit, admiring the grand frontage of the Hall (see description of Trail point 13).
Stage 12
Continue through WELLIES wood until you emerge onto the field. Follow the path across the field to your left until you reach the middle of the field. From here, you will see a great view of the Hall.
The Original Drive
Although the A50 is a modern development that cuts through the heart of the historic parkland, the main connection road before its construction was Main Road through Sudbury village. When George Vernon married into the Montgomery family, he built Sudbury Hall slightly forward from the original medieval manor and relocated the village closer to the pubs, creating a more fitting setting for a grand stately home. You are now standing near the original drive to Sudbury Hall. Take a moment to enjoy the impressive view—just as guests arriving at the Hall would have once experienced.
Stage 13
Continue across the field in the direction of the car park. Pause to look over the hedge across the A50.
The Deercote
Built in the 1700s, the Deercote was designed to be a striking feature of the landscape. It is clearly visible from inside Sudbury Hall and, in winter, can be glimpsed across the A50. Although it now sits on privately tenanted farmland and is not open to visitors, guided tours are occasionally available in the summer. Originally, feed was placed inside the Deercote to attract deer, allowing the Vernon family to impress guests with the size of the herd and the grandeur of the structure. It served both as a shelter for the deer and a focal point for family hunting parties.
Stage 14
Follow the path back towards the main path which links the Hall and car park. From here you can choose to cross the road to return to The Children's Country House at Sudbury and continue your visit. Alternatively, you may choose to head back to the car park directly.
End point
The Car Park or return to Visitor Services.
Trail map
Sudbury Village Trail Map | © GIS
You made it
Share your experience

A child among the trees at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

Trail

New woodland walk at Calke Abbey

Take a peaceful stroll through the historic parkland of Calke Abbey into Casey's Plantation, a new area of woodland where over 10,000 young trees are now growing.

A view of the water tower, positioned on a slight grassy hill with a large tree to the left at Staunton Harold

Trail

Calke Abbey to Staunton Harold trail

Enjoy a leisurely walk from Calke Abbey to nearby Staunton Harold, with views over the reservoir, arable fields and woodland.

Autumn trees with atmospheric light at Kedleston

Trail

Kedleston – long walk

This picturesque walk offers impressive views of the gardens and the back of the Hall, as well as a good perspective of the size of Kedleston Park.

Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 5HT

01283585337

cchsudbury@nationaltrust.org.uk

A young girl eating a scone at Brownsea Island

Article

Eating and Shopping at The Children's Country House

Grab a bite to eat at the 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.

A rugged landscape of stone and bog with hills stretching into the distance

Walking in the Peak District and Derbyshire

Discover the best walking routes around the Peak District and Derbyshire for walkers of all abilities, from peaks and lakeside paths to expanses of moorland.

Two female visitors standing on the rocks at Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

Article

Follow the Countryside Code

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A dog holding a stick with owner in the background

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.

Oil painting on canvas, George Vernon (1635/6-1702), the Builder of Sudbury Hall by John Michael Wright (London 1617 - London 1694), circa 1660.

Article

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.

Near to

Start point

Trail information

Difficulty

Accessibility*

Full trail

Getting here

Facilities

Accessibility

Terrain and elevation

Trail route

Total stages: 14

Total stages: 14

Start point

Stage 1

Point of interest

Stage 2

Point of interest

Stage 3

Point of interest

Stage 4

Point of interest

Stage 5

Point of interest

Stage 6

Point of interest

Stage 7

Point of interest

Stage 8

Point of interest

Stage 9

Point of interest

Stage 10

Point of interest

Stage 11

Point of interest

Stage 12

Point of interest

Stage 13

Point of interest

Stage 14

End point

Trail map

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust