Sutton Hoo long 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. This walk links the visitor centre with the river and the wider surrounding landscape. Look out for the Tide Mill complex over the river, and visit the Gar Seat before making your way back to explore Edith Pretty's House, Tranmer House.
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 towards the rear of the restaurant and terrace. From the rear of the restaurant, head down the valley following the path
Path down the valley
In spring, look out for a show of daffodils on the path that leads down the valley.
2
When reaching a T junction at bottom of the valley turn left and follow the path past the Dairy Farm on the right hand side.
3
Immediately after the Dairy Farm take the signed footpath on the right.
4
Follow the path between gardens; cross the meadow and ascend the path to the river wall. Now turn left and carefully follow the path along the river wall to Ferry Cliff Woods
5
At the end of Ferry Cliff climb some steps, turn left and follow the steps to the top of cliff. Turn left and follow the bridle path to the right around the edge of the woods keeping to the treeline.
Deben Valley
You can get fine views over the Deben from this viewpoint. Can you see the Tide Mill complex on the opposite side of the river? It was the last working Tide Mill in the UK. The wheel last turned in 1957, when the 22 inch square oak main shaft broke. It was descending into a perilous state of decay but with the help of a lottery grant was fully refurbished in 2004 and now welcomes visitors.
6
Ignoring all other paths, at end of field where the track goes through the trees, turn right (do not go through trees) and follow the track along the field keeping the wood to your left.
7
When reaching the end of the wood, follow path across the field to a gap in the hedge and turn left onto a tarmac bridleway until reaching estate road. Follow the estate road for at least one mile, until reaching the main road.
8
When reaching the main road, (with a wooded section to the left) turn left to follow the road (take care) for about 250 yds.
9
When reaching the end of the woods, turn left and follow the track to the top of the field.
10
At the top of the field look out for the National Trust sign signifying entrance on to our land. Walk past the sign taking a sharp right through the gate.
National Trust land
You are now re-entering the Sutton Hoo Estate
11
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).
12
Have a peep into Tranmer House (removing any muddy boots first), relax for a while soaking up the 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
