Sudbury Hall is a beautiful, brick-built stately home in Derbyshire, England which is operated as an attraction for visitors by the National Trust. It was built in the 17th century for the Vernon family, who still live nearby, but was given to the trust 1967. We fell in love with this house, because it’s so pretty and unlike many of these country homes, it’s actually small enough to imagine yourself living there!
Inside the house, there are a number of rooms which will ‘wow’ you, including the upstairs long gallery (pictured below) which stretches from one side of the house to the other and is beautifully illuminated by the many large windows along it. The library is like something you’d find in a movie, complete with two levels of books to explore and the kitchen has been left as it was in the early 1900s. You usually find a guide in there, who explains how the family home was run. Part of the hall was used for the filming of the BBC TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice which made Colin Firth a household name in the UK. There are usually signs up to tell you which room this was. As with many of these houses, we did feel that there’s a lot more to them that you never see. We’d like to have seen the servant’s quarters on the top floor so we could see how they lived for example.
Sudbury Hall has now been rebranded as ‘The Children’s Country House’ as it has always been a family home with children living here. As such, many of the rooms have now been tailored to interest children. There is a finding game to play in the guest bedroom, and toys in the long gallery. There’s also a photo booth in the long gallery which is great fun. It wasn’t just the kids who were using it! Around the grounds of the house, there’s plenty to see as well, with the former stables and outbuildings housing a separate museum attraction which is included in your admission ticket. This is dedicated to the life and play of children in years gone by and is packed with period toys, some of which you can play with. There’s also the chance to be a chimney sweep or a Victorian pupil in school.
Sudbury Hall’s church is still functioning as the parish church of Sudbury and is nearly always open for visitors. Don’t miss out on having a look around as it’s gorgeous. and free. Beyond the National Trust property is another courtyard accessed through a small doorway. Here you’ll find another café, artisan crafters and boutique shops. The Children’s Country House – Sudbury Hall – is generally open Friday to Monday each week. Adult admission to the hall, museum and gardens is £24 (2024 prices). A family ticket is also available. Admission is free for members of the National Trust.
LOCATION & CONTACT
Address: Sudbury Hall, Main Road, Sudbury, Derbyshire DE6 5HT
Phone: +44 1283 585337
Email: cchsudbury@nationaltrust.org.uk
Sudbury Hall is just off the A50 route between Derby and Stoke-on-Trent. It is served by the 401 bus service too.
There’s a lovely little Airbnb nearby which we’d recommend if you want to stay overnight. It’s in the picturesque village of Tutbury and is packed with original features. It was also very affordable! Check out prices here:
Glassworker’s Cottage, Tutbury
MORE ON SUDBURY HALL
Sudbury Hall – Official Website
Sudbury Hall – Wikipedia
Hotels in Derbyshire – Lowest rates from Hotels.com