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Sutton Hoo
Awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3DJ
Important notice
Sutton Hoo is open daily until 17 November. There is no need to pre-book to visit.
Opening times for 26 July 2025
Asset Opening time Tranmer House & Exhibition Hall 10:30 - 16:30 Café 10:00 - 16:30 Shop 10:00 - 17:00 Estate walks 10:00 - 17:00 Bookshop 11:00 - 17:00 Tower 10:00 - 16:00 From 23 July - 23 August from Tuesdays - Saturdays we are hosting Red Rose Chain Theatre Company's Theatre in the Forest for their production of Hamlet. Ticket holders can arrive from 5pm to enjoy a wander around the Sutton Hoo landscape. The King's River Café will be open until the show starts for hot and cold drinks and snacks. During the interval, the King's River Café will re-open along with an outlet situated next to the seating area which will be serving sweets, ice creams and hot chocolate.
MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosedWhole site (daily until 16 November)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £18.70 £17.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £9.40 £8.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £46.80 £42.50 1 adult, 2 children £28.10 £25.50 Group (Adult 18+) £16.15 Group (Child 5-17) £8.08 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Adventure playground/play area
- Audio guide
Audio-described guides for blind and partially sighted people available from Visitor Welcome that takes in the courtyard, Tranmer House, the Royal Burial Ground and the High Hall exhibition.
- Bookshop
Our large second-hand bookshop is located in the courtyard opposite the ship sculpture and offers a range of titles including fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. Donations of books are always welcome.
- Café
King’s River Café is open every day serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks and light bites. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Keepers Café next to Tranmer House is open during peak times, including school holidays.
- Car park
We have a main car park with blue badge parking spaces at the front. An overflow car park is available for peak times. Motorhomes should be parked in the overflow carpark. Coach bays are available in the main carpark for pre-booked coaches.
- Cycle parking
Cycle parking is located at the front of the Visitor Welcome building.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on short leads allowed on all estate walks, the cafe, gift shop and second-hand bookshop. Assistance dogs only in the High Hall exhibition and Tranmer House
- Family friendly
We offer plenty of activities for all the family including dressing up, arts and crafts, family trails and den-building. An outdoor playground is located behind the High Hall exhibition building. High chairs aavailable in Kings River Cafe. Baby change in male and female toilets in shop, unisex toilet behind High Hall and accessible toilet in Tranmer House.
- Guided tour
Free guided tours of the Royal Burial Ground are available daily from February-mid November. Weekend tours only during winter season. Limited tickets available from the Visitor Welcome team when you arrive.
- Picnic area
- Shop
Our gift shop is well-stocked with a range of books, homeware, toys and accessories from both the National Trust and local crafts people.
- Toilet
Toilets, including accessible toilets, are located behind the High Hall exhibition, in the shop and in Tranmer House.
Blue Badge parking. Accessible toilets. Uneven paths. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs available to hire for free.
- Accessible route and/or map
Accessible paths to Tranmer House and the Royal Burial Ground
- Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets located in the shop/cafe building, Tranmer House and at the side of the High Hall exhibition
- Braille (guide or menu)
Braille map located in the main courtyard
- Changing Places
- Designated parking
- Drop-off point
- Induction loop
- Large print (guide or menu)
Large print guides available in Tranmer House and the High Hall exhibition
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
- Powered mobility vehicle available
Please pre-book with the Visitor Welcome team by calling 01394 389714 or emailing SuttonHooWelcome@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
- Wheelchairs available
Please pre-book with the Visitor Welcome team by calling 01394 389714 or emailing SuttonHooWelcome@nationaltrust.org.uk
- By road
On B1083 Melton to Bawdsey, follow signs from A12.
Parking: 30 yards. Accessible parking available.
Sat Nav: If using a SatNav please be aware that the postcode will sometimes direct to the neighbouring farm. When turning off the B1083 follow the driveway all the way to the end where you will come in to the main car park.
- On foot
Access on foot is the same as vehicle access. A footpath runs alongside the B1083, then walk down the driveway, signposted Sutton Hoo, until you reach the car park.
- By train
The nearest train stations are Melton (1¼ miles) and Woodbridge (3 miles). To access from Melton station turn right out of the station, crossing over Wilford Bridge. Walk up the hill from the roundabout and take the first right down the driveway signposted Sutton Hoo.
- By bus
The 71 service operated by First Buses from Woodbridge stops outside the entrance to Sutton Hoo.
- Cycling
The easiest way to get to Sutton Hoo by cycling is from Woodbridge, which is on Routes 1 and 51 of the National Cycle Network. The journey between Ipswich and Woodbridge is 18km long and takes just under an hour. About a third of the journey is traffic-free. The distance between Woodbridge and Sutton Hoo is around three miles. From the centre of town, follow the road signs towards Melton and then turn right at the traffic lights. Follow this road past the train station and over the railway bridge and then take the second exit at the roundabout. The road will go up a fairly steep hill and Sutton Hoo is signposted on your right. Follow the National Trust signs to Sutton Hoo and park your bike in the cycle rack at the front of the Visitor Welcome building. From Woodbridge, the journey takes around 20 minutes.
Planning your visit
Article
Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo
With indoor activities and outdoor adventures, there are loads of way to play at Sutton Hoo.
Article
The Dig: A Story Unearthed at Sutton Hoo
Find out all about our new exhibition for 2025, which explores the real story behind the Netflix's hit film, The Dig.
Check out our events at Sutton Hoo
See what events may be happening during your visit or what's coming up at Sutton Hoo.
Article
Accessibility at Sutton Hoo
We are committed to making Sutton Hoo accessible for all our visitors.
Article
Visiting Sutton Hoo with your dog
Sutton Hoo is a three pawprint rated place. With 245 acres to explore, there are lots of adventures to be had with your pooch. Here's all the information you need to make your visit a happy one.
Article
Group and school visits to Sutton Hoo
Whether you want to visit Sutton Hoo with a club or society, with a group of friends or as a school or college, we can accommodate you. Find out everything you need to know here.
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Highlights
Royal Burial Ground
Anglo-Saxon burial ground, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time and with a 17-metre high viewing tower.
High Hall exhibition
Exhibition exploring the world of the Anglo-Saxons, featuring replica and original objects discovered at Sutton Hoo.
Tranmer House
Former home of Edith Pretty, built in 1910. Displays exploring the archaeological work that has taken place at Sutton Hoo.
Eating
King’s River Café (in main courtyard) is open every day, serving a tasty selection of hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cake.
Shopping
Shop with gifts, books, homeware and a unique range of Anglo-Saxon inspired designs. Second-hand bookshop.
Woodland
Mixed coniferous and deciduous woodlands, with a range of walking routes and views across the River Deben, towards Woodbridge.
Stay
Stay in one of our apartments in the former home of Edith Pretty, Tranmer House.
Spotlight events
Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo
Train like a warrior in the play arena, try out archery or axe-throwing and challenge friends and family to a hobby horse race at Sutton Hoo this summer.
The Dig: A Story Unearthed at Sutton Hoo
Discover the real stories of the people that inspired Netflix's hit film, The Dig, at our new exhibition this year.
Check out our other events at Sutton Hoo
See all the events coming up at Sutton Hoo.
Time Team at Sutton Hoo
Find out more about Sutton Hoo's partnership with Time Team.
Things to see and do
Article
Family days out at Sutton Hoo
There are lots of different family activities available to help you explore and discover Sutton Hoo. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.
Article
The Royal Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo
Explore the atmospheric 7th-century Royal Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo and discover the history and mystery of what lay beneath the earth at this special place.
Article
Visiting Tranmer House at Sutton Hoo
Discover more about the people behind the archaeological investigations at Sutton Hoo.
Article
The exhibition at Sutton Hoo
Delve into the world of Anglo-Saxons and discover the treasures unearthed and the story of this world-famous site.
Top trails
Trail
Accessible route to the Royal Burial Ground, Sutton Hoo
Discover Sutton Hoo's Royal Burial Ground, and its varied history, on a circular half-mile trail, for personal mobility vehicles, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Trail
River View walk at Sutton Hoo (green walk)
Explore the estate surrounding the Anglo-Saxon royal burial site at Sutton Hoo on the circular River View Walk, which runs through woodland and offers views across the River Deben.
Trail
Pinewood Walk at Sutton Hoo (blue walk)
Explore the estate of Sutton Hoo on the Pinewood Walk, an easy circular woodland walk that takes in views across the River Deben.
Trail
Sutton Hoo woodland walk
Discover the Anglo-Saxon burial site, where a 7th-century ship was uncovered, as well as the woodland wildlife that surrounds the ancient site on the circular Sutton Hoo woodland walk.
Trail
Valley walk at Sutton Hoo (red walk)
Explore the Anglo-Saxon history of Sutton Hoo on this easy circular walk exploring the area where the ancient Great Ship Burial was discovered, as well as the surrounding woodland.
Eating and shopping
Article
Eating and shopping at Sutton Hoo
Enjoy a bite to eat after you've explored the grounds, or search for your own treasure to bring home from the shop.
Places to stay
Deben View
A period apartment with a wooden veranda, surrounded by Anglo-Saxon history.
Kyson
A spacious apartment with views of the famous Anglo-Saxon burial mounds at Sutton Hoo.
Wilford
A cosy two-bedroom apartment in Tranmer House, set in 245 acres of fascinating history.
Upcoming events
Event
Festival of Archaeology: Wargaming the Age of the Anglo-Saxons
Join us for an exciting weekend of Anglo-Saxon era war games with miniature model soldiers. Feeling creative? Paint your own miniature model Anglo-Saxon thegn to take home!
Event
Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo
Enjoy a Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo. With activities indoors and outdoors there's something to entertain all ages, bring the whole family to enjoy a jam-packed summer of fun!
Event
Anglo-Saxon costume demonstration
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.
Event
The Dig: A Story Unearthed
The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new temporary exhibition sharing the stories of the real people that inspired the hit Netflix film, The Dig, and feature some of the original props and costumes from the film.
Event
Gruesome Graves
Take our free family tour to discover gruesome stories we've had to leave out of our 'normal' tours ...
Event
Theatre in the Forest: Hamlet presented by Red Rose Chain Theatre Company
Suffolk’s biggest outdoor theatre event, Theatre in the Forest returns to Sutton Hoo for another summer of Shakespeare with an unforgettable production of Hamlet!
Event
Sand Tray Archaeology
Become a family of archaeologists and learn how archaeologists uncover the past beneath our feet. Have a go yourselves and see what you discover in our archaeology sand trays.
Event
Storytelling at Sutton Hoo
Join our Anglo-Saxon storytellers as they take you on a journey through time inside the storytelling tree at Sutton Hoo.
About Sutton Hoo
This hauntingly beautiful 270 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
Walk around the Royal Burial Ground and enjoy vistas from the 17-metre viewing tower to discover the history of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions, find out about the archaeological work that took place here in Tranmer House, the former home of Edith Pretty, and visit the High Hall exhibition to see replica and original objects.
History
Article
A brief history of Sutton Hoo
Find out what was discovered beneath the earth in a quiet corner of Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, and why the Anglo-Saxon find was so significant.
Article
Digging the dirt at Sutton Hoo: The true story behind The Dig
The Dig is a film by Netflix which was released in 2021 - but did you know it was inspired by a true story? Read on to discover more.
Article
History of archaeology at Sutton Hoo
Think of archaeology at Sutton Hoo and you'll almost certainly think of the famous discoveries made in 1939. But there's a long history of archaeology here, from professional experts to treasure seekers.
Article
Who were the Anglo-Saxons?
Just who were the Anglo-Saxons? And why did they choose Sutton Hoo as a burial site?
Art and collections
Article
Historic image collection at Sutton Hoo
Discover the work carried out on archive images of the Great Ship Burial excavation. These images, captured in 1939, helped record this fascinating discovery.
Our work
Article
Time Team at Sutton Hoo
The National Trust has joined forces with Time Team on a new two-year research project at Sutton Hoo.
News
Woodland management at Sutton Hoo
Endangered songbirds and wildflowers are benefitting from woodland management techniques at Sutton Hoo.
News
Joinery apprentices help build full-size replica of famous Sutton Hoo ship
Three of our joinery apprentices are honing their heritage craft skills in a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ project. They'll be working on building a full-size replica of the famous Anglo-Saxon ship unearthed at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk.
Article
Our work at Sutton Hoo
Discover the important work that the National Trust carries out at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, from improving the woodland for wildlife to studying the geophysics of the land.
Project
Project
Releasing the Sutton Hoo Story project
Take a new look at the historic site through updated interpretation to release stories from the past. Discover how the work was funded.
Support us
Article
Volunteer opportunities at Sutton Hoo
Want to volunteer with the National Trust? Find out how to apply and the kind of roles you might carry out.