Summer fun at Sutton Hoo

A family look out over the Royal Burial Ground from the top of the viewing tower

If you're ready to get into the great outdoors for some family adventures this summer, there's plenty to get stuck into at Sutton Hoo. We've put a few of our favourite fun things to do below to help you plan your day.

Sutton Hoo burial mound and tree at sunrise

Book your visit 

To see Swords of Kingdoms: The Staffordshire Hoard at Sutton Hoo you will need to book your site admission in advance along with a free timed ticket for the exhibition. Tickets are available up to four weeks in advance. Additional weeks will be made available every Thursday thereafter. By using a booking system, we’re able to manage capacity, ensuring that those visiting have a fantastic experience.

Family adventures

Sculpture of the shield bird

Sculpture trail at Sutton Hoo 

Venture into the woods on the River View walk and discover our new sculpture trail, inspired by beasts depicted on objects discovered in the Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo. Click to discover more about how these sculptures were created and to download a guide to the sculptures and a family story trail.

Child playing on play equipment

Adventure playground

Run off some steam on the adventure playground. Fly across on the zip line, let your imagination head out to sea in a ship, or see how high you can swing.

Family in Tranmer House

Rainy day? Not a problem

Rain doesn't stop play! Head in to Tranmer House for a special free family trail or have a go at being an archaeologist with dressing up clothes. In the High Hall exhibition colour in the treasures of Sutton Hoo and try on the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet for size.

Swords of Kingdoms: The Staffordshire Hoard at Sutton Hoo

Hilt collar from an ornate seax hilt

Swords of Kingdoms: The Staffordshire Hoard at Sutton Hoo 

Seventy years separates the discovery of the Sutton Hoo Great Ship Burial and the Staffordshire Hoard. Join us for this major new exhibition, open until 30 October, where original artefacts from both sites will be displayed together for the first time in East Anglia, where some of the items are believed to have been made over 1400 years ago.

Gold and garnet pyramid fittings from Sutton Hoo

Swords of Kingdoms: Family activities

Join us for a special range of Swords of Kingdoms themed family activities this summer. Head to the Discovery Room in Tranmer House to make your own sword pyramid, colour in the hoard and try your hand at designing a sword. Pick up our free Swords of Kingdoms trail from the Visitor Welcome team when you arrive to see if you can track down the lost treasures of the hoard scattered across the Sutton Hoo landscape.

Theatre in the Forest at Sutton Hoo

Theatre in the Forest: Macbeth 

“Something wicked this way comes!” Suffolk's biggest outdoor theatrical event is coming to Sutton Hoo. Join us as we host the Red Rose Chain Theatre Company with their epic production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in summer 2022. Click to visit their website for full details and to book your tickets.

River View Walk at Sutton Hoo

Storytelling

Join our Anglo-Saxon storytellers for some special summer holiday storytelling sessions in the woods at Sutton Hoo. Sessions will be taking place from Thursday 11th - Saturday 13th August at 10.45am, 12pm, and 1.30pm. Each session lasts approximately half an hour. Stories are most suitable for children aged 10+. Free with site admission.

Anglo-Saxon Living History

Thegns of Mercia at Sutton Hoo

Thegns of Mercia: Anglo-Saxon re-enactment

Step back in time with Thegns of Mercia as they transform Sutton Hoo into an Anglo-Saxon settlement and take us back to the time when the treasures of Sutton Hoo and the Staffordshire Hoard were made. Discover how some of the objects would have been constructed through talks, live demonstrations and displays of reproduction treasures. Thegns of Mercia will be joining us from Saturday 27 - Monday 29 August.

Sae Wylfing re-enactment group at Sutton Hoo

Sae Wylfings, Anglo-Saxon re-enactment

Join the Sae Wylfing Anglo-Saxon re-enactment group as they start the Festival of Archaeology off with a bang as they set up camp for a weekend full of living history on the 20 and 21 August. Activities will include dyeing, weaving, healing, combat display, living history and rune writing.

Anglo-Saxon costume making demonstration at Sutton Hoo

Anglo-Saxon Costume Making Demonstrations

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. Demonstrations will be taking place on July 20, 23, 27 and 30.

Archaeology in process at Sutton Hoo

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. Sign up with the Visitor Welcome team when you arrive. Sessions will be taking place on August 15, 16, 22, 25 & 30 at 11.00 - 11.30am, 12 -12.30pm and 1 - 1.30pm. Free with site admission.

Guided tours for all interests

A group enjoys a burial mound tour at Sutton Hoo

Royal Burial Ground Guided Tours

Discover the story of the Royal Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo on these free daily tours led by the Sutton Hoo Society. Tours are at 12 and 2pm but spaces fill quickly. Book your space with the Visitor Welcome team when you arrive.

Sutton Hoo Mound Two and tree against blue sky

Gruesome Graves Guided Tours

Take our free family tour to discover gruesome stories we've had to leave out of our 'normal' tours... Travel back in time with an Anglo-Saxon tour guide who reveals the gruesome secrets of Sutton Hoo's Royal Burial Ground on this fun tour. Please be aware that places are limited so we would recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment. Tours will be taking place at 1pm on August 1, 2, 9, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 30.

A whitethroat at Sutton Hoo

Ramble with the Ranger

Take a ramble with our Ranger, Jonathan, and see Sutton Hoo from a different perspective, exploring the different wildlife that calls this special place home. Book your place with the Visitor Welcome team when you arrive. Tours will be taking place at 1pm on July 22, 29, August 5, 12, 19, 26.

For wandering walkers

Views over the river Deben along the Blue walk at Sutton Hoo

Walking Trails at Sutton Hoo 

Our estate walking routes are open. From far-reaching views across the River Deben towards Woodbridge to tranquil woodlands filled with wildlife and the special landscape of the Royal Burial Ground to explore there are walks for everybody to enjoy.

Golden Retriever dog sitting in Reception at Sutton Hoo

Visiting Sutton Hoo with your dog 

Bringing your canine companion? Dogs on leads are welcome across our estate walks. Follow the link for how to get the best out of your doggy day trip.

Feeling peckish?
Woman holding takeaway hot drink

Eating at Sutton Hoo 

If you fancy a bite to eat head into King's River Café next to the ship sculpture in the courtyard where you will find a selection of food and drink on offer. Keepers' Kiosk (adjacent to Tranmer House) is also open serving takeaway drinks, snacks and ice cream.