Sudbury Hall

The red-brick facade stops you mid-stride as you round the drive - Sudbury Hall is proper grand, the sort of 17th-century manor that makes you understand why the National Trust bothers to preserve anything at all. Built in the 1660s, this Staffordshire pile sits just outside Ashbourne and demands at least a half-day to do it justice.

Inside, the plasterwork is extraordinary - soaring ceilings that genuinely take your breath away, rooms decorated with the kind of craftsmanship you simply don't see anymore. The grand staircase alone is worth the entry fee. But what sets Sudbury apart is the Museum of Childhood tucked inside, a collection of toys, games and schoolroom bits spanning centuries. Kids tend to get genuinely engaged here rather than just trailing bored behind you.

The grounds are manageable if you're not keen on huge country estates - you can potter about for an hour or settle in for longer depending on your mood. The nearby villages of the Peak District are a short drive, so it slots nicely into a broader Staffordshire itinerary. If you're staying at Lane Tree Hideaways or Peake's Retreats (both just under five miles away), this makes a solid day-trip option without requiring a trek.

Worth visiting? Yes, particularly if you're interested in period interiors or have children. The childhood museum isn't a novelty add-on - it's genuinely well done. Summer weekends draw crowds, so aim for quieter midweek visits if you can.