Sudbury Hall

Sudbury Hall is a late 17th-century country house in the village of Sudbury, Derbyshire, a short drive from Ashbourne. It is ranked among England's finest Restoration mansions and holds Grade I listed status, while its grounds appear on Historic England's Register of Parks and Gardens at Grade II. The National Trust now looks after it, and the former service wing houses a children's museum.

Who built Sudbury Hall?

The Vernon family acquired the Sudbury land in 1513 but only settled here in the later 1500s. The present house was the project of George Vernon, who inherited in 1660. He paid for it with the fortune of his wife, Margaret Onley, and even relocated part of the village to clear space for the house and its park.

What will you see inside?

The interiors are known for lavish late-1600s decoration: ornate plasterwork, carved woodwork and wall paintings by Louis Laguerre. The old servants' wing now holds a museum where young visitors can try life as a chimney sweep, a kitchen scullion or a Victorian schoolchild.

The house closed for renovation in 2020 and reopened in October 2022 as The Children's Country House at Sudbury, designed to welcome families.

How did it come to the National Trust?

In 1967 the hall, its principal contents and part of the gardens and parkland passed to the National Trust through the National Land Fund, an arrangement used to settle death duties. The rest of the estate remains with Vernon descendants.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

The address is Sudbury, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 5HT. Driving is the easiest option. It opens seasonally, and hours shift with the time of year and special events. The hall, museum and garden have separate entry times, so check the National Trust calendar before you set off. Set aside a few hours to cover the rooms, the museum and the grounds. A buggy service is available for visitors who need help getting around.

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same place as Sudbury in Suffolk? No. This hall is in Derbyshire, in the English Midlands, and has no link to the Suffolk town.

Who runs the property? The National Trust, which has owned it since 1967.

Is it suitable for families with children? Yes. After its renovation the house is aimed at children, and the museum in the service wing lets them try out historic jobs and a Victorian classroom.

Do I need a ticket? Entry is charged, though National Trust members go in free. Current prices are on the official website.