PART I, SUDBURY HALL: Actually, the 17th century Sudbury Hall and its (much later) enclosed Museum…read moreof Childhood are one item - but you can visit them separately, and pay separately. Of course, it makes much more "sightseeing sense", if such a thing exists, to combine the two - price-wise, it does too. You will still end up with a UKP 18.30 bill, which is quite hefty, and the reason I cannot award this attraction the full 5 stars. Adults will find Sudbury Hall to be the far more significant one: A very fine stately mansion, owned and inhabited by the family who had it built in 1680-80 until the year 1969, when it was donated to the National Trust. Most of what's inside, in terms of furniture at least, actually comes from late 19th, early 20th century. But still splendid to look at. The main attraction is the astonishing 40 metres long Great Hall, which simply looks stunning and is filled with 2nd tier portraits of family members and (other) notables from the 17th to 19th century. The furniture you'll find in some rooms is a bit on the bland side, but there many interesting objects strewn around. There are very few art objects and paintings inside you'd recognize as outstanding; but then the Vernons didn't belong to the highest of nobility either. I've visited many mansions in England and Scotland over the past 10 years, and Sudbury Hall certainly sits on the lower middle end, three rungs below the most wonderful such place I ever visited, Castle Howard in Yorkshire. But maybe because it's not quite as refined as some others, it allows you an even more interesting glimpse into the everyday lives of the lower nobility. The café is rather nice indeed, though usually as crowded and loud as the attached Museum of Childhood, as those will both be full of industrious little terrorists (i.e. children). If you're in the Derby-Burton-Nottingham area and only have time to visit one country mansion, then I suggest you'll make that Kedleston Hall near Derby, which is far more imposing and luxurious. And easier to get to. Sudbury Hall offers a large car park that's a few minutes walk from the house. By bus, use the hourly 401 service between Tutbury and Uttoxeter. PART II: THE MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD: The Museum of Childhood is located on the grounds of Sudbury Hall (in the former stables of that mansion) - and if you're visiting the stately mansion, it certainly makes sense to include the museum in your tour. It covers two floors of various aspects of childhood (and the history thereof), but mostly focuses on toys of the past 200 years. And there are plenty! If you're at all interested in historic toys, you will find hundreds of those: Dolls, doll houses, board games ... anything, really. Some of them are so elaborate and precious you wouldn't let your own, or anyone's, kids play with them. It will probably cost you about an hour to sample the many exhibits, and while the place can feel a tad cramped (especially with that multitude of real-life little critters running about), it's a worthwhile addition to the main attraction, Sudbury Hall. Having said that, the price (even of the combined ticket) is a bit steep (hence, -1 star). I paid UKP 18.30 for an adult ticket to both places. You can unwind at a rather nice attached café, though when the place is busy, that one will be, too. Very helpful and friendly volunteers from National Trust running about. Unless you go there by car, take the hourly 401 bus from nearby Tutbury.

A National Trust owned property that is a great day out for all the family.Sudbury hall is a…read morefantastic house full of highly decorated rooms.Then there is the childhood museum, see toy's from year's ago, for adult's it takes you back to your childhood.For children it is a delight with play area's and fun thing's to do,but also educational.Visit the victorian school, complete with teacher!.

Towering 160m above both what was once the old-money village of Alderly Edge (now a mecca for…read morePremiership footballers and Wags) and the Cheshire Plain in general, the edge has some of the best views of anywhere in the area thanks to the dramatic edge - a steep cliff-like drop. The edge has historic associations with, somewhat incongruously, mining and wizardry, but these days it's a great place to go for a walk with either the kids, the dog, visitors or even a solitary stroll. There are car parks at both the foot of the edge and the top (the latter is the main one) giving the option of a quick trip to the edge itself and back or a longer, more demanding up-and-down walk.

What an awesome place!…read more I came here with a group of 15 for a lovely dinner in the great hall before splitting up to explore the castle (including the kings bedroom and dungeon) in search of ghosts! The castle offers stunning views and you can also look down onto Burton-Upon-Trent at all the factories and breweries around the town. I think this place is a really nice spot for functions and events and I'll be sure to return if I'm in the area again in the future.

Bit disappointed, there is nothing there!! Wouldnt rush to go again the views from the bit that is…read moreleft are spectacular but i think it was expensive to get in and not worth the money at all. They do hold special evenings and days there and i have been told these are worth going to, in fact it has evan been on telly. If you do decide to visit make sure it is a nice day because i found there was no shelter there if it rains and its very cold if its windy.

I didn't expect discovering Rock of Gibraltar is owned by the British Peeps! Who knew? I surely…read moredidn't know this fact . . . I was also surprised learning that Spain wants the Rock returned to them, too. Visiting here was astonishing because Spain is right outside, but peeps living on the Rock-everyone uses British currency. Everyone in McDonald's spoke with a British accent! http://gibraltar.costasur.com/ http://www.gibnet.com/tourist/basics.htm http://www.gibnet.com/tourist/general.htm http://www.andalucia.com/gibraltar/home.htm

The rock of Gibraltar is indeed something very, very special. Just the thought of all sailors that…read morefor thousands of years that have shared this grand view is breathtaking. Lord Nelson, Marco Polo, Vasco da Gama are just a few that have passed this mighty rock. The view from the top of the Rock is just as breathtaking as its history. If possible - wait for clear skies before going to the top. It is worth it. Clear days it is possible to see far along the Spanish coast and across the sea to Africa. And - beware of the apes. No kidding. Already when docking at the top they may enter the cabin in search for food. According to the guards they are calmer and nicer in the morning than in the hot afternoon.

I have a soft spot for Anthony Gormley's work, so much so I was even one of the lucky ones that…read morestood on the 4th Plinth in London. The statue represents the traditional skills of Birmingham and the Black Country practised during the Industrial Revolution. The controversy of public opinion when it was installed makes me further believe that it really does represent the Brummie and Yam-Yams naysaying nature. I can't really recall why it was so hated back in 1993 when it was given as gift from the Trustee Savings Bank, but when they moved down south there was an outcry that the Iron: Man should be moved with them. I love that it started out as an untitled work until the Iron Man nickname stuck, only for the artist to insist on making his own stamp by insisting on a stupid colon in the middle. Brilliant! Maybe my soft spot for Gormely is because he utilises many local resources to make his large scale iron works with the Iron:Man being cast at Bradley and Fosters Castings (now Firth Rixson Castings) in Willenhall. Whether you love or hate it this 6m tall, leaning man whose feet are sunk in the ground is worth a look.

The most overlooked art in victoria square. I love this art by one of my favourite artist/sculptor.read more

Our children's authors retreat took us on a truly fascinating tour of Belvoir Castle (pronounced…read morelike "beaver," because the English hate the French lmao). From the moment we arrived, the history and grandeur of the place were palpable. Our tour guide was an absolute gem! Her charm and delightful demeanor instantly reminded me of Mary Poppins - a comparison that probably screams "American tourist," but it's the most fitting image I can conjure! This adorable British lady, likely in her 50s with straight blonde shoulder-length hair, was an absolute ray of sunshine. As an art historian, she brought the castle and its inhabitants to life with a wealth of captivating stories and historical insights about the family who still call Belvoir home to this day. We even had the surreal experience of the current Duchess casually walking through our group - a seemingly ordinary brunette woman in a suit, walking barefoot! It truly underscored the fact that this isn't just a museum; it's a living, breathing family home. My favorite story was the one of Charles Cecil John Manners, 6th Duke of Rutland. Our tour guide showed us a portrait of him looking very Mr Darcy-like. She called him very inept and useless, as he was a leader of the House of Commons for only 3 weeks. But what she appreciated about him was the fact that he fell madly in love with a woman and wanted to marry her, but his family thought she wasn't good enough for them. When she got married off to someone else, the duke was so sad, he swore that if he couldn't marry her, then he would never marry at all. He kept his word, and died without ever marrying. He did scandalize society by giving his mistress a yacht in his will when he died. We also had the privilege of seeing the famous Henry VIII painting, a powerful reminder of the castle's rich historical connections. After seeing the painting in history books and the Royal Diaries volume of Elizabeth I (I grew up obsessed with the Royal Diaries published by Scholastic), it was surreal to see this painting in person. The afternoon culminated in a delightful high tea, the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere and discuss all we had learned. Finally, a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking gardens provided a serene and beautiful end to our visit. Belvoir Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into English history and aristocratic life, brought to life by wonderful storytelling and the unique experience of seeing it as a living family home.

The castle seemed beautiful but we didn't have time for a tour. Indeed we went purely for the…read moreafternoon cream tea. Their website suggests that Belvoir Castle essentially invented this great British concept. To be honest while the location is wonderful and the site is picturesque, the cream tea disappointed. £30 each but while the entire tea room was empty they crammed 5 of us at a single table that would have been fine for 2 or maybe 3 (why not push 2 tables together?). They had to cram the trays together too tightly and hence cram everything together. Because 1 of our group has prawn allergy they removed the prawn option totally for us all (maybe because they had to cram all together on the same plate). This left just 3 types of sandwich and the staff had problems knowing which was which. It seemed to be chicken (nothing special), egg (I hate egg sandwiches) and wafer thin cucumber sandwiches. In terms of the scones, Sainsbury's scones are bigger and tastier. Honestly none of us ate very much. The choice of teas was great and we all had two Pots each. Wouldn't go again sadly.

Loved this place! If you can get going on a good day then I would highly recommend if you're…read moreinterested in Elizabethan time history. First you're greeted with beautiful English countryside which is covered in Sheep and little lambs which are great for a quick picture before moving on to see the huge house which you will soon be exploring. This place is part of the national trust, so you can expect it to be well taken care of and and a lot of people about who are more than willing to share their knowledge. We first checked out the old building which is now in ruins, but it still reveals some of the small features which are still preserved such as fireplaces and balcony which gives you a great ire of the entire house and the countryside. After this is the gardens which are fantastic to walk around on a warm day which displays all the beautiful flowers. The house itself has a nice short tour where the guide tells all about the history of the owner, her very interesting history with her granddaughter and more on Mary Queen of Scots who stayed/Imprisoned here. The houses features all appear to be in their original positions and looks, bar a few repairs throughout the years for preservation. Plenty of information to read and people sitting about to answer any questions you need. If you're interested interested in your ElizabethIan style houses, or just want a peak into English history, I would highly recommend!

A National Trust property, situated near Junction 29 of the M1. Huge Elizabethan house and…read morebeautifully landscaped gardens (including a walled garden, orchards and herb garden), featuring statues etc. The surrounding country park is beautiful - and contains cattle, sheep etc. There's also the remains of Hardwick Old Hall in the grounds (although I think that's owned by English Heritage so you would have to pay separately to look around). A gift shop and tea room are also on site - or take a picnic! National Trust members get in free (you can join when you get there and they refund any admission charges) or it's £9 for adults to enter the house and gardens.

Long country walk to the shell of a mansion. Good audi tour…read moreas you wander around the ruin, and then they turn the fountain on which is spectacular. Finish it off with tea and cake as the church tea rooms The Perfect Sunday afternoon

Mow Cop Castle was built in the 18th Century as a summerhouse for someone, I don't know who, you…read morecan find out by Googling it. It's right on top of a hill, on the border of Cheshire and Staffordshire. On a clear day if you look north east from the castle you can see Jodrell Bank (very picturesque!). The views are breathtaking though. The castle itself is now in ruins, but it's still very impressive. I'd recommend taking a flask of hot chocolate up here on a crisp autumn day. If you look hard enough you'll see 'LK 4 SS' written on a rock somewhere in chalk too (that's me and Steve, that is). Well worth a trip. Head to The Ash for a pint afterwards, you'll deserve it after that walk.

Can be seen from all over south cheshire, and stands on the horizon as the local area's little bit…read moreof history. The killer-mile up to the castle itself is well known for being difficult in the car, let alone the killer mile run held annual. Not a visit for the faint hearted in wintertime when the roads are a little slippy! The castle itself may have seen better days, but it still holds its shape and is worth the trip just for the view over cheshire and staffordshire that it gives you at the topa spectactular vista all around.