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Shield Wall - Join the Warband

Have you got what it takes to join the king's warband? Become an Anglo-Saxon warrior in our Shield Wall sessions and try your hand at shield and sword techniques.

  • Booking essential
  • Admission applies

Develop your warrior skills in an exciting 30-minute warrior training session at Sutton Hoo. Meet our Anglo-Saxon warriors who will teach you shield and sword techniques, ready to join the king's warband!

This activity is free with site admission. Book for the activity here (one ticket per participant) and pay for admission on the day. Admission is free for National Trust members. Suitable for ages 6 - 12, children must be supervised at all times.

Part of Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo.

Times

Prices

Event prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Per Child£0.00
Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Suitable for children aged 6 - 12

Meeting point

After seeing Visitor Welcome for your admission, head across the courtyard towards the play arena. Keep an eye out for the blue shield wall flag.

What to bring and wear

This is an outdoor workshop, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Please bring close-toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops).

Accessibility

The play arena is wheelchair accessible. The warrior training area is likely to be noisy, but quiet spaces are available nearby.

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
8 May 2026 to 24 Jan 2027
at 10:30 to 16:30+ 216 other dates or times

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.

Event summary

on
9 May to 31 Oct 2026
at 10:30 to 15:00+ 49 other dates or times

Guided Nightingale Walk (Sold Out) 

As the sun begins to set, the song of the nightingale fills the landscape of Sutton Hoo. Discover this bird song for yourself on our guided walk.

Event summary

on
10 May to 16 May 2026
at 20:00 to 22:00+ 1 other date or time

Little Hoo-ligans Parent and Toddler Group 

Bring your little ones along to Sutton Hoo's outdoor toddler group - Little Hoo-ligans

Event summary

on
14 May to 10 Dec 2026
at 10:30 to 12:00+ 7 other dates or times