Seeking out Sudbury

Stopped off at Sudbury Hall near Ashbourne on the way home from Alstonfield and spent a fascinating couple of hours exploring the grounds and the Museum of Childhood. I got there an hour before opening time and it was great to be able to walk around with virtually no-one else there. Walked down to the lake and it was so peaceful just sitting there in the sun watching the geese on the bank.

From the lake you get this great view of the rear of the building built in the 17th century around 1660 for the Vernon family. Some of its rooms were used in scenes depicting Pemberley in the BBC's 1997 Pride and Prejudice adaptation - will we ever forget Mr D'arcy?

The Museum of Childhood is housed in the former servants quarters in the courtyard and was keeping lots of children enthralled while I was there. It was a bit disconcerting to see a couple of toys that my boys had - but I guess they are now thirty years old...