Sutton Hoo, Pinewood Walk (blue circular walk)
This hauntingly beautiful estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. Explore the surrounding landscape of the site with a walk through the woods; keep an eye out for ferocious beasts straight from the legends!
Suitable for active families. Unsuitable for buggies and/or wheelchairs.
Map
Start:
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, grid ref: TM288487
1
After either obtaining a car park ticket (weekdays) or seeing the Visitor Welcome team for your admission (weekends), head across the courtyard towards the shop and café building. Next to the outdoor seating area behind the café there is a gate entrance into Garden Field. Go through the gate, turn right and follow the edge of the field, passing the overflow car park on your right. Sometimes there are sheep grazing here, so please shut the gates after you.
2
Go through the gate at the far end of the field into Browns Plantation and you will see a sign ahead directing you to turn right for Pinewood Walk or left for River View Walk. Turn right and follow the path, which turns to the left after a short distance. Watch out for dragons!
Flower carpets
During the spring, these woodlands are transformed from one colour to the next, creating stunning natural displays. From the white of snowdrops, the yellow daffodils and then the blue of bluebells, every visit can be different!
3
Continue through the woodland, down a short flight of steps before the path turns slightly to the left and carry on until you reach a road.
4
Turning left, follow the road up a gentle incline with Chestnut Walk on your left. Shortly before a left-hand bend in the road, take the path on the left, then turn left again before the path rejoins the road. Keep right and you will come to a clearing in the woods with a picnic area on the right, where you can rest and enjoy the scenery.
River views
See if you can spot the tall Scots Pine tree at the top of the hill as you walk towards the bend in the road. To your right you will be able to see through the trees to the River Deben with boatyards on the opposite bank. When you reach the clearing and picnic area, the river is revealed completely. Lots of wildlife can be seen on the river from here, as well as in the fields and surrounding woods.
5
Take the path immediately to the left of the picnic area (facing the river) and the track will take you down the valley. Continue across the vehicle access at the bottom of the valley and up through the woods on the other side.
6
Look out for a clearing with a bench on the right, which offers perfect views across the river towards Woodbridge.
7
Continue along the path through the woods and you will catch a glimpse of Tranmer House to your left, before descending to the track in the valley.
8
Turn left onto the track and up an incline to the courtyard. Why not treat yourself to a well deserved piece of cake from King's River Café (next to the ship sculpture), open Friday - Sunday 10am - 4pm.
End:
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, grid ref: TM288487
