Family activities at Sutton Hoo

Published:: 25 September 2023

A young boy wearing a t-shirt chooses a coloured pencil from the Discovery Room in Tranmer House at Sutton Hoo — Sutton Hoo has loads of family activities to enjoy, from crafts to outdoor adventures | © James Beck/National Trust Images

Tales of kings, mysterious mounds and buried treasure guarantee a full day out for the whole family at Sutton Hoo.

Climb to the top of the viewing tower, try out a sword and shield for size and explore life as an Anglo-Saxon.

Find out what it’s like to be an archaeologist on the eve of a discovery as you explore Tranmer House, the home of Edith Pretty. Build your own models using LEGO® bricks in the Discovery Room, explore the cinema room with images from the world-famous dig and then hop, skip, run and swing your way across the adventure play area.

A young boy dresses up as an Anglo-Saxon warrior in the exhibition space at Sutton Hoo — A child dressed up as an Anglo-Saxon warrior in the exhibition space at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Feeling peckish?

King’s River Café will be serving cold drinks, sandwiches, hot meals, homemade scones and cakes. It is open every day from 10am-4pm.

Plan your visit

There are toilets and baby-changing facilities available in the shop/café building and in Tranmer House.

The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly.

There are toilets and baby-changing facilities available in the shop/café building and in Tranmer House.

The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly.

The High Hall exhibition, Tranmer House, café, shop, bookshop and estate walks are open every day.

A blonde-haired woman is smiling as her daughter plays on a large swing on the adventure play area at Sutton Hoo — Finish your day with some fun at the adventure play area | © National Trust Images

Family friendly events

Anglo-Saxon costume making | various dates | free*
Meet our historic costume volunteers as they demonstrate the craft skills of the Anglo-Saxons and how they created clothing and accessories using natural materials.

Riddlequest | various dates | adults £15, children £6
Solve real early medieval riddles in this immersive escape game as you try to return an object, formerly belonging to King Rædelwul, to its rightful place – but be warned, you only have an hour! This game can be played by all ages but is most suitable for those aged 10 and up.

Gruesome Graves | various dates | free*
Travel back in time with our tour guide and discover the gruesome secrets of Sutton Hoo's Royal Burial Ground on this fun tour.

Photography workshops | various dates | £20
Explore Sutton Hoo through the lens of your camera as professional photographer Phil Morley shares his top tips across two workshops focusing on either landscape or close-up photography. Suitable for all abilities and interests. Sessions can be booked individually or together.

Quiet hour | various dates | free*
Join us for quiet hour on the first Sunday of every month as we turn down the sounds for those who would enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit.

*This event is free but normal admission fees apply.