Yule at Sutton Hoo
Discover what the festive period meant to the Anglo-Saxons living 1500 years ago and find out where many of our traditions came from as we celebrate Yule at Sutton Hoo.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Mid-winter has been an important time of year long before Christmas was celebrated. Many Christmas traditions we follow today would still be recognisable to Anglo-Saxons including family gatherings, decorating and feasting.
Immerse yourself in the High Hall exhibition, take a seat at the Yule feasting table and find out how the people buried at Sutton Hoo’s Royal Burial Ground might have celebrated this time of year.
Venture inside Tranmer House to discover what Christmas was like across the decades. Find out how Edith Pretty spent her Christmas on a round the world trip in 1901 with extracts from her father's travel diary in a special temporary display. Enjoy decorations created by our Busy Bees volunteer sewing team, inspired by objects discovered at Sutton Hoo. As you explore enjoy the Tranmer Tree Trail- a magical line-up of trees decorated by local schools and community groups throughout Tranmer House. Head into the Discovery Room where you can make your own Yule-themed decorations and help decorate our tree!
Our quiet play space in the Stables will be open for you to make a Yule card or relax with some colouring or reading.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Accessibility
The High Hall exhibition and Tranmer House are wheelchair accessible.
- Suitability for children
Suitable for all ages.
Upcoming events
The Dig: A Story Unearthed
The Dig: A Story Unearthed is a new temporary exhibition sharing the stories of the real people that inspired the hit Netflix film, The Dig, and feature some of the original props and costumes from the film.
Big Draw® - Hoo’s Up for Drawing?
Relax in the Discovery Room in Tranmer House where you can enjoy some mindful drawing activities as we celebrate the Big Draw® Festival.
Sketching for the Terrified
Join us at Sutton Hoo for an art workshop with a difference: this is for those who fear that they can’t draw, but who’ve always wanted to have a go!
Anglo-Saxon costume demonstration
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.