Family-friendly things to do at The Children's Country House at Sudbury

Published:: 21 May 2025

Children playing on a lawn — Family playing outdoor games | © Tom Soper

With the young and the young at heart at the centre of The Children's Country House at Sudbury, there is always something to discover, explore and learn on your visit to this award winning property.

The Children’s Country House at Sudbury is designed especially for families, making it a great day out, whatever the weather. Explore the historic country home of the Vernon family in the hall, take a journey through childhood in the museum, or explore and play in the garden and stableyard.

Planning Your Visit

Planning your visit has never been easier, as there is no need to pre-book anymore - just arrive on the day.
Pushchair friendly paths from the car park to the property.
Baby changing facilities.
Buggystore for prams, pushchairs, bikes, scooters.
Free wheelchair accessible vehicle transfer from the property to the car park, and return.
The property is open during most school holidays, and Friday to Monday in term time.

Things to See and Do on Your Visit

From the Hall and Museum, to the Gardens and Stableyard, there's plenty to see and do on your visit.

Step inside the historic country home of the Vernon family, combining grand architecture and history with interactive activities for the whole family to get involved in. The 17th-century country house is recognised for its intricate ceiling paintings from the likes of Louis Laguerre, and lavish wood carvings such as the Grinling Gibbons displayed in the Drawing Room.

Practice your deportment and pose for your own portrait in the Long Gallery, partake in some dancing in the Saloon, and have a game or two in the Drawing Room.

The last entry time to the Hall is half an hour before the property closes, to ensure you can make the most of your visit.

Learn more about the history of Sudbury Hall.
Step into the Museum of Childhood and uncover the challenges and adventures of growing up through the centuries. This award-winning museum invites children and families to explore, discover, and connect with the past through hands-on activities, fascinating objects, the immersive Victorian Classroom experience, and the ever-popular chimney climb.

Throughout the museum, you’ll find playful games and interactive experiences for all ages. Don’t miss our seasonally changing exhibitions in the Project Gallery.
The Stableyard is the lively central hub of the property. Here, you’ll find everything you need, from visitor services and toilets to the café, sensory room, and Changing Places toilet.

With plenty of picnic benches, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch from the café or unpack your own picnic. The open space is full of energy, offering outdoor games and activities that invite families and friends to play, relax, and spend time together in the fresh air.
Fresh air and outdoor adventures await in the Garden — a space full of discovery, play, and beauty. Stroll through the historic parterre, bursting with colour and planting designed to support pollinators. Head down to the lake for breathtaking views and spot hidden gems like the Boathouse and the peaceful Bluebell Wood along the way.

Little explorers will love building dens in the woodland and letting off steam in the small play area. With lots to see and do, the garden is the perfect place for families to relax, roam, and reconnect with the outdoors.
The Café is open when the property is, serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, scrumptious snacks and light meals, ideal for refuelling after a busy day.

There's a 'pick and mix' style picnic box available for children in the café. Choose a sandwich, drink and selection of sweet or savoury snacks for £5.25. There are highchairs available to use indoors - ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.

The café provides indoor and outdoor seating with plenty of shelter, and picnics are also welcomed in the Parlour space, just next door.

Children playing at a table in the Lego Room at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire — The Lego Room at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Activities and Events to Get Involved In

Looking for something to get involved in on your next visit? Take a look at what's on and what's coming up at the property.

Join us to celebrate 30 years of the iconic BBC 1995 series of Pride & Prejudice from Saturday 7 June to Sunday 6 July 2025 at The Children's Country House at Sudbury.

The exhibition is included with general admission. Donations are welcome and help us look after this special place.

You’ll find original costumes from the series, behind-the-scenes information, and a few extra surprises for fans of the show.

Please note:

The exhibition is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 13:30 (last entry at 12:15).

The visitor route through the Hall will be slightly different while the exhibition is on. Staff will be available to help guide you.
25 July to 1 September 2025.

This summer of play, every day sees exploration, creativity, and play for the whole family. Take part in a variety of themed play zones designed for hands-on, interactive fun that's ideal for the young and the young-at-heart.

A packed programme of crafts and workshops will also be available, with full details coming soon!

The property will be open daily from 10am to 5pm. General admission applies. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Plan your day out.

Pride and Prejudice Exhibition

Join us to celebrate 30 years of the iconic BBC 1995 series of Pride & Prejudice from Saturday 7 June to Sunday 6 July 2025 at The Children's Country House at Sudbury. Please note: The Hall will be closed on 2 June, 6 June, and 7 July to allow for exhibition setup and takedown.

Access at The Children's Country House

We want to make sure that The Children’s Country House at Sudbury is accessible for all visitors. The historic house and gardens we care for present challenges in creating access for all, but we are taking steps to ensure that as many people as possible are able to experience Sudbury’s history and beauty.

Click here to find information on access across the different areas of the property.