Sutton Hoo Burial Mound Walk , near Woodbridge, Suffolk.
This hauntingly beautiful estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Walk around the ancient burial mounds and discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions.
Suitable for active families. Unsuitable for buggies and/or wheelchairs.
Map
Start:
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, grid ref: TM288487
1
Turn right out of Reception and head down the length of the building, bearing left after the café terrace and following the signpost towards the burial mounds, heading into the trees.
2
After about 100yd (90m) or so, look down at the Deben River valley, and what's known as the Rabbit Field, to your right. Continue through woods until reaching a gate, which effectively creates a T-junction in the path.
Deben Valley and Rabbit Field
Just ahead of you, you'll come across the Deben valley on your right. This old river valley is known as the Rabbit Field, as its been home to rabbits for many years. They ransacked a lot of the burial mounds before Basil Brown (at that time employed at Ipswich Museum) arrived in 1938, at the request of Mrs Edith Pretty, to excavate the mounds on her property at Sutton Hoo. Mrs Pretty agreed to pay him at his usual weekly rate at the museum of £1.12.6d.
3
Cross straight over the farm track - whilst being cautious of farm vehicles - and through the gate on the other side, into the burial ground. Head forward before bearing left to walk round the burial mounds.
Anglo-Saxon Burial Mounds
Mound 1 was excavated in the early summer of 1939, initially by Basil Brown from Ipswich Museum. He uncovered the remains of a 90ft-long, clinker-built wooden ship of the seventh-century, outlined by its iron rivets in the sand. Further excavation in the following years up to 1971, led the excavators to believe that this was the burial site of Raedwald, leader of the Wuffing dynasty of the East Angles, dated to c.625 AD. To find out more, why not join one of our guided tours whilst you're here at Sutton Hoo.
4
Continue to make your way around the burial ground route, following the rope. About half way around is a bench and makes for a great spot to gaze backwards and take in the sight of the burial mounds before you and Tranmer House beyond them. Head out the gate at the other side and turn right and right again, up towards the viewing platform.
5
Take your time to look out over the burial grounds, with Mound 1 - the famous ship burial - now right in front of you. Then, carry on across the platform, past the shepherd's hut and carry on up the track, bearing to the right. After a short while, head back through the gate you entered through now on your left, heading back through the trees.
6
Now follow the path back towards Tranmer House looking out for the Gar Seat on the way.
Gar Seat
Look out for the Gar seat before the end of the walk. Cleverly crafted to link in with the royal ship burial, it was commissioned by Dick and Lisa Robinson in memory of Elizabeth Robinson, Dick's beloved mother known affectionately as Gar. Elizabeth was a volunteer at Sutton Hoo until her death in 1997. The carvings on the seat echo the beautiful Anglo-Saxon designs found in Mound 1 (site of the ancient ship burial site).
7
Have a peep into Tranmer House (removing any particularly muddy boots first), relax for a while soaking up the 1930's atmosphere, and then make your way back to the reception and exhibition centre (where you started your walk).
Tranmer House
Built in 1910, this Edwardian house was Edith Pretty’s home. It's the place where it is said that she saw a vision that led to the excavations of Sutton Hoo. Enter the dark, wood-panelled hallway and relax in the lounge. See if you can spot a burial mound from the drawing room.
End:
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, grid ref: TM288487
