Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood
Sudbury Hall and the National Trust Museum of Childhood
Sudbury
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 5HT
Telephone: 01283 585305 (Infoline) or 01283 585337
Fax: 01283 585139
Email: sudburyhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: Click Here
Info:
Sudbury Hall is one the country’s finest Restoration mansions and has Grade I listed building status.
The Vernon family came to Sudbury as a result of the 16th century marriage of Sir John Vernon to Ellen Montgomery the Sudbury heiress. The house was built between 1660 and 1680 by George Vernon, grandfather of George Venables-Vernon the 1st Baron Vernon and is notable for its superb Great Staircase, fine Long Gallery, and portraits by John Michael Wright, and of Charles II’s mistresses. Inside there are a mixture of architectural styles with beautiful carvings by Grinling Gibbons and Edward Pearce, murals by Louis Laguerre and elaborate plasterwork by Samuel Mansfield, James Pettifer and Robery Bradbury. The carvings above the main entrance porch were sculpted by William Wilson. There are formal gardens with a tree-fringed lake.
The house was also used as the internal Pemberley scenes in the BBC dramatisation (1995) of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
The property was leased for three years from 1840 by Queen Adelaide, the widow of William IV of the United Kingdom. It is now owned and maintained by the National Trust.[1] to whom it was gifted by the Vernon family in 1967.
The National Trust Museum of Childhood is housed in the 19th-century servants wing of Sudbury Hall. It should not be confused with the V&A Museum of Childhood, which is in London.
Facilities:
Two totally different experiences sitting side by side. The country home of the Lords Vernon, a delight of 17th-century craftsmanship, featuring exquisite plasterwork, wood carvings and classical story-based murals. Be amazed by the grandeur of the Great Staircase and Long Gallery. The Museum of Childhood is a delight for all ages with something for everyone. Explore 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, interactives and displays.
Family activities in the school holidays. Take a morning tour of the Hall. Explore our ‘Have a go’ area in the museum and woodland play area outdoors. Attend an event.
Parking within 500 yards, Free
Suitable for school groups. Live interpretation. Hands-on activities. Adult study days
Baby-changing and feeding facilities. Front-carrying baby slings and hip-carrying infant seats, reins and indoor buggies for loan. Children’s guide. Children’s quiz/trail. Children’s activity packs. Family activities
Shopping and Eating
Fresh seasonal vegetables and delightful menus offer something new every day. Homemade scones, cakes and desserts are a real treat. Our gift and museum shops attract all ages with gifts, toys, games, books and homemade fudge.
Dogs: assistance dogs only
Dont Miss
- Come and enjoy a morning tour of the Hall.
- Our coffee, cakes and cream teas are very popular.
- Meet and talk with our knowledgeable room guides.
Mobility information
Parking: Designated parking in main car park and at front of house. Transfer available. Drop-off point
Building: 11 steps to entry and 4 flights of steps to first floor. Museum of Childhood: Lift to all floors (please enquire at Museum reception)
WCs: In stableyard and the Museum of Childhood
Grounds: Grass and loose gravel paths, some steps. Level access to top terrace
WEDDINGS AT SUDBURY HALL
The Saloon
The beautifully panelled Saloon, adorned with elaborate 17th century woodcarvings and highlighted giltwork, is licensed for civil weddings. Historically used as a Dining Room and a Parlour, the room has more recently featured in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.
Capacity: 40 seated, a further 60 standing
Price: £710
When can civil wedding ceremonies be held at Sudbury Hall?
Ceremonies take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, between 11am and 4pm and on Saturdays at 11am, between April and October. Winter weddings may also take place and can be discussed with the Property Manager.
For more information…
For further information or to arrange a time to view the facilities contact us by email or call 01283 585337
Opening Times:
From 19 Feb – 30 Oct 11
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed (Hall Tours Open Only)
Wednesday: Hall Tours: 11:00am – 13:00pm | Hall: 13:00pm – 17:00pm | Museum, Tea-room + shop: 11:00am – 17:00pm
Thursday: Hall Tours: 11:00am – 13:00pm | Hall: 13:00pm – 17:00pm | Museum, Tea-room + shop: 11:00am – 17:00pm
Friday: Hall Tours: 11:00am – 13:00pm | Hall: 13:00pm – 17:00pm | Museum, Tea-room + shop: 11:00am – 17:00pm
Saturday: Hall Tours: 11:00am – 13:00pm | Hall: 13:00pm – 17:00pm | Museum, Tea-room + shop: 11:00am – 17:00pm
Sunday: Hall Tours: 11:00am – 13:00pm | Hall: 13:00pm – 17:00pm | Museum, Tea-room + shop: 11:00am – 17:00pm
Open Bank Holiday Mondays and Good Friday.
Last admission 45 minutes before closing (Hall will close early if light level is poor).
School visits and Hall tours available 11 to 1 (Tuesday, ‘Hall tours only’ every hour 11 to 2).
PLEASE NOTE The Grounds are open 10:00am 19 Feb – 11 Dec 11
Ticket Prices:
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets) Hall: adult £7.80 (£7.09), child £4 (£3.63), family £19.60 (£17.81), family (1 adult and 3 children) £14.30 (£13). Museum: adult £8.40 (£7.63), child £4.80 (£4.36), family £21.60 (£19.63), family (1 adult and 3 children) £16.20 (£14). Joint: adult £14.50 (£13.18), child £7.80 (£7.09), family £36.80 (£33.45), family (1 adult and 3 children) £27 (£24.54).
Reduced rate when arriving by bicycle or public transport

