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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 and find out how the people buried at Sutton Hoo’s Royal Burial Ground might have celebrated this time of year. Discover how the objects link with Yule traditions, explore the Yule feasting table and share your own traditions on the Yule tree.

Venture inside Tranmer House to discover what Christmas was like across the decades. Find out how Edith Pretty spent some of her Christmases with extracts from her travel diaries in a special temporary display. Enjoy decorations created by our Busy Bees volunteer sewing team, inspired by objects discovered at Sutton Hoo. Head into the Discovery Room where you can make your own Yule-themed decorations and help decorate our tree! From 6 December you can also enjoy a magical line-up of trees decorated by local schools and community groups throughout Tranmer House.

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 prices

The basics

Suitability

Suitable for all ages.

Accessibility

The High Hall exhibition and Tranmer House are wheelchair accessible.

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.

Event summary

on
22 Nov 2025 to 25 Jan 2026
at 10:30 to 15:30+ 25 other dates or times

Gruesome Graves 

Take our free family tour to discover gruesome stories we've had to leave out of our 'normal' tours ...

Event summary

on
22 Nov to 30 Nov 2025
at 13:00 to 14:00+ 3 other dates or times

Little Strollers Walking Group 

Bring your little ones for a gentle stroll around the landscape along our pram and pushchair friendly pathways.

Event summary

on
27 Nov 2025
at 10:30 to 12:00

Quiet Hour at Sutton Hoo 

Join us for quiet hour as we turn down the sounds for those who would enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit.

Event summary

on
7 Dec 2025
at 10:00 to 11:00