Visiting the Garden at The Children's Country House

Children running in the garden at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire — Run wild at The Children's Country House at Sudbury | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

Connect with nature as you explore and play in the Gardens of The Children's Country House at Sudbury.

Take a Stroll

Wander by the lake and picnic on the grassy banks, while you watch the wildlife come and go. Explore Bluebell wood which is awash with bluebells and other seasonal blooms. Build a den or picnic in the roundel, taking in the views of the Hall or the lake.

Wilderness walk for little legs

Weave through the Wilderness located next to the play area and pause at each mindful stop to use your senses and connect with the beauty of nature. Look up to the clouds, use your ears to listen to the birds and touch and feel the rough textures of the trees.

Two children playing in the Gardens with Sudbury Hall in the background — Two children playing in the Gardens | © Polly Schomberg

Look out for the grasshoppers

Can you spot the grasshopper sculptures dotted around the garden?

Look high and low around the Garden for the grasshoppers designed by our Children’s Country House Ambassadors and brought to life by Midlands based creative illustration agency, Pickle Illustration.

Can you find all 8?

Look out for signs of nature-friendly gardening

From log piles to long grass, there are nature-friendly areas designed to have a positive impact on the nature that calls the garden their home. The garden team balance caring for the garden and historic setting, and ensuring that nature can thrive now and for many generations to come.

A colourful wooden grasshopper balanced on a branch — Grasshopper trail in tree | © Gemma Willis

Tackle the Grass Maze

Throughout the summer period, try and find your way through the grass maze. Are you able to make your way through it without any problems at all?

Den Building

Are you, or is one of your party a budding architect or builder? Why not put your skills to the test and see what type of structure you can create in our expanded den building area.

The south front of Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire, with geese resting on the lawn.

Discover more at The Children's Country House

Find out when The Children's Country House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Children looking at some of the exhibits in the The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire

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Things to see and do in The Children's Country House Museum

Explore the museum to discover the escapades of childhood and the challenges they faced and the realities of life across the centuries.

Visitors enjoying a summer picnic at Morden Hall Park, London

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Eating and shopping at The Children's Country House

Grab a bite to eat at the Fairy Tale 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.

Young child holding a leaf whilst walking dog outside with adults

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Visiting The Children's Country House at Sudbury with your dog

Dogs are welcome in the grounds at Sudbury all year round and there is much to explore with you canine friend.

Grandma and Granddaughter creating a clay decoration together

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Family friendly days out at The Children's Country House

The Children's Country House has been created with children at the heart and there is always something to discover, explore and learn for families.

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Booking your visit to The Children’s Country House at Sudbury

Book your visit to The Children's Country House at Sudbury, a place to have fun with history. On your visit you can explore the Sudbury Hall, Museum and the Gardens. You can get creative in the Activity Hub, take a well-deserved rest at the Fairytale Forest Cafe and help our fundraising efforts by supporting The Jungle Bookshop, our second-hand shop.