Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo
Enjoy a Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo. With activities indoors and outdoors there's something to entertain all ages, bring the whole family to enjoy a jam-packed summer of fun!
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Get ready for a jam-packed Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo, sponsored by Starling Bank.
Head to our play arena, located near Tranmer House where you'll find a whole host of play activities from free play through to Anglo-Saxon warrior training. Practise your sword and shield techniques and race on the Anglo-Saxon hobby horses.
On select dates there will be special events taking place in the play arena including archery, axe throwing, arts and crafts, Anglo-Saxon living history, wargaming and storytelling. All these events are free with site admission. Head back to our 'What's On' page to book for archery, axe throwing and to make a card Sutton Hoo helmet.
Adjacent to the play arena is Keepers Cafe which will be open serving a range of food and drink including a barbecue and soft-serve.
If it's a rainy day there are plenty of play activities indoors. Visit Tranmer House and dress up as an archaeologist, make an Anglo-Saxon inspired LEGO or DUPLO creation and settle down in the Discovery Room with a range of craft activities.
In the High Hall exhibition get dressed up as an Anglo-Saxon, design your own cloisonne patterns and get hands-on with how the Anglo-Saxons made textiles.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Suitable for all ages
- Meeting point
Summer of Play is taking place across Sutton Hoo. When you arrive pick up a Summer of Play map from the Visitor Welcome team and hear about special events that day.
- What to bring and wear
Some activities are outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
- Accessibility
The play arena, Tranmer House and High Hall exhibition are wheelchair accessible. There are some noisy activities within the play arena. Our quiet space in the Stables will be available for the duration of the school holidays. For full access information, please see our AccessAble guidance document: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/sutton-hoo-national-trust
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.
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.
Gruesome Graves
Take our free family tour to discover gruesome stories we've had to leave out of our 'normal' tours ...
Theatre in the Forest: Hamlet presented by Red Rose Chain Theatre Company
Suffolk’s biggest outdoor theatre event, Theatre in the Forest returns to Sutton Hoo for another summer of Shakespeare with an unforgettable production of Hamlet!