Reimagining Heritage for Children: The Children’s Country House at Sudbury

Trialling and testing at The Children’s County House | © National Trust Images/John Millar

How can heritage sites create meaningful experiences for children? How can play and games be used to foster deeper engagement with history?

These were some of the questions explored at the Museums, Games & Play Summit, where Nikki Kirby, General Manager at Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood for the National Trust, shared the inspiring story of transforming a historic property into a place where children take centre stage.

This article explores the journey of The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, an initiative that is redefining how young audiences interact with built heritage.

A Vision for Change

Sudbury Hall, a National Trust property in the Midlands, has been a much-loved destination for visitors. However, research indicated that while families were exploring the museum and gardens, fewer were venturing into the historic hall itself. Concerns about fragile artefacts, rigid rules, and a lack of child-centred experiences made many parents feel that the space was not welcoming to young visitors.

Recognising this, the team embarked on a bold initiative: transforming Sudbury Hall into The Children’s Country House, the first heritage property in the UK designed specifically with children in mind. The aim was to create an environment where young visitors could explore, learn, and engage with history through play.

The ambassadors helped to trial and test ideas and activities | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Imagine You’re Seven…

Imagine you’re seven. Now imagine a day out at a country house. The spaces are pretty cool – the ceiling is so far away and just look at the size of that dining table! But it doesn’t take long for the novelty to wear off. There are ropes and thistles on chairs, and it’s all a bit… boring. At the Children’s Country House, the team is exploring how play and games can help children engage with heritage, how working with children to design experiences can deliver great results, and why it is important to put children first without exception.

Testing the Waters with Playful Engagement

The first significant step in this transformation was the Game On programme, launched in 2019. This initiative introduced interactive games and play-based activities within the hall, shifting the visitor experience from passive observation to active engagement. The results were striking—a 33% increase in visitor numbers over the Christmas period, with 98% of visitors choosing to explore the hall itself, a stark contrast to previous years.

The overwhelming success of Game On validated the team’s approach and reinforced the importance of play in helping children connect with heritage spaces. It also highlighted the potential for museums and historic houses to rethink their engagement strategies to better serve younger audiences.

The Impact of the Pandemic: A Silver Lining

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Sudbury Hall to close its doors, the team saw an opportunity to accelerate their transformation plans. Rather than reopening with the status quo, they chose to remain closed and focus on fully reimagining the visitor experience.

During this period, extensive consultation took place with children, families, and museum professionals to co-develop an experience that was both child-friendly and historically meaningful. The creation of the Children’s Country House Ambassador Programme ensured that young voices remained at the heart of decision-making, with over 100 children participating in designing activities, testing exhibits, and even helping to recruit staff and volunteers.

Bringing History to Life

The reimagined Children’s Country House at Sudbury Hall incorporates a variety of interactive experiences that encourage children to engage with history in meaningful ways. Key initiatives include:

• Removing physical barriers: Reducing the number of ‘do not touch’ signs and roped-off areas to foster a more welcoming environment.
• Play-based storytelling: Using card games, puzzles, and immersive storytelling to make history accessible and engaging.
• Sensory experiences: Encouraging active participation through dancing in the saloon, baking in the kitchens, and engaging in shadow play.
• Digital innovation: Introducing interactive digital exhibits to complement traditional interpretation methods.

Additionally, the conservation team worked closely with curators to ensure that heritage preservation remained a priority. New protective measures, such as the strategic placement of Perspex coverings and object relocation, were implemented to balance interactivity with responsible stewardship.

Looking Ahead

As the Children’s Country House reopens, the team acknowledges that this is only the beginning. The project will continue to evolve through visitor feedback, ongoing research, and further collaboration with children and families.

For museum professionals, Sudbury Hall’s transformation offers valuable insights into how play, storytelling, and co-creation can revolutionise the way young audiences engage with heritage. By putting children at the heart of the experience, museums and historic sites can foster a deeper connection to history while ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable visit for families.

Sudbury Hall’s journey highlights the power of reimagining heritage spaces with young audiences in mind. As the museum sector continues to explore innovative ways to engage visitors, the Children’s Country House stands as an inspiring model for integrating play, education, and historical storytelling.

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Nikki Kirby, General Manager at Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood spoke at the Museums, Games & Play Summit 2022.