Releasing the Story of Sutton Hoo

We've spent the last few years planning an exciting transformation of your visit to Sutton Hoo. Work on a wide range of developments is now underway on site and we can't wait to show you everything we've been doing when we re-open in 2019. 

With thanks to the £1.8million National Lottery grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and all the support from our visitors and supporters through our fundraising events, Sutton Hoo is embarking on major changes across the site this autumn, transforming the way we tell the story of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

The project, called ‘Releasing the Sutton Hoo Story’, will enable the National Trust to create an experience that helps visitors discover more about this internationally significant site and how its stories have captured the imaginations of people the world over.

Plans include building a 17 metre high observation tower to give views over the entire burial ground and to the River Deben beyond, revealing the fascinating story of this evocative landscape.

It was from the River Deben that an Anglo-Saxon ship was hauled up the valley before it formed the burial chamber found in Mound One, where the famous treasure was discovered by Suffolk archaeologist Basil Brown.

Work on the observation tower began in May and June 2018 with our archaeological excavation of the tower’s footprint marking the first physical work to take place on site. The excavation marked the first time a dig has taken place so close to the Royal Burial Ground in almost 30 years.

Led by a team of archaeologists from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), the dig also saw Sutton Hoo staff and volunteers taking hands-on roles to work alongside the experts throughout the work.

As well as the tower, a new route around the site will allow visitors to walk in the steps of the Anglo-Saxons, tracing part of the route the ship may have taken up towards the Royal Burial Ground.

Tranmer House, the former home of Edith Pretty who instigated the dig that would lead to the discoveries, will be transformed with a new exhibition exploring a timeline of multiple discoveries and the ongoing research at this and other archaeological sites.

Enhanced guided tours, thought-provoking activities and installations, innovative interpretation and creative programming will all sit alongside a school education programme.

In addition, partnership working with archaeological bodies, the British Museum and the local community will all help to bring both the landscape and Exhibition Hall to life.

The Trust has also been given permission for plans to transform the welcome centre, café and shop.

In total, £4million will be invested at Sutton Hoo thanks to the generosity and support of National Trust members and visitors. As well as the NLHF Grant, the National Trust is aiming to raise a further £560,000 in order to complete the project.

Now that we're closed the Sutton Hoo team are instead embarking on a county-wide Roadshow, bringing our beautiful replicas to libraries and East of England Co-op's across Suffolk and north Essex. Our volunteers will be on hand to chat about the site – both its fascinating history and exciting future – with a range of extra activities and events planned at select locations across the closure period.

With multiple elements to the new experience, we'll be gradually revealing it to visitors in stages throughout the late spring and summer of 2019. Early visitors will be able to see behind-the-scenes work continuing, such as the viewing tower being constructed, whilst those planning their visit for the end of the summer will be able to explore the complete new Sutton Hoo experience.