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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.

Head to our play arena, located near Tranmer House where you'll find a whole host of play activities in our Anglo-Saxon warrior inspired Summer of Play.

Practise your sword and shield techniques, race on the Anglo-Saxon hobby horses, challenge yourself in the games zone, relax in the storytelling tree and get creative in the early years zone.

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. Return to our 'What's On' page for special event dates.

Keepers Cafe, situated within the play area next to the early years play zone will be open serving a range of food and drink.

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 prices

The basics

Accessibility

The play arena, Tranmer House and High Hall exhibition are wheelchair accessible. There are some noisy activities within the play arena. Ear defenders available to borrow within the play arena. Quiet indoor play space available in the Stables. For full access information, please see our AccessAble guidance document: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/sutton-hoo-national-trust

Meeting point

After seeing the Visitor Welcome team for your admission, head across the courtyard towards Tranmer House to reach the play arena.

Suitability for children

Suitable for all ages

What to bring and wear

Some activities are outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather.

Upcoming events

Theatre in the Forest: Twelfth Night 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 Twelfth Night!

Event summary

on
12 Aug to 22 Aug 2026
at 19:30 to 22:00+ 8 other dates or times

Archery with East Coast Adventures at Sutton Hoo 

Channel your inner warrior this summer in an archery session with East Coast Adventures at Sutton Hoo.

Event summary

on
13 Aug to 14 Aug 2026
at 10:30 to 11:00+ 15 other dates or times

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
13 Aug to 10 Dec 2026
at 10:30 to 12:00+ 4 other dates or times

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
13 Aug 2026 to 24 Jan 2027
at 10:30 to 16:30+ 119 other dates or times