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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, 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 prices

The 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

Event

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
2 Jul to 1 Nov 2025
at
10:30 to 15:00
+ 35 other dates or times
Event

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
2 Jul 2025 to 25 Jan 2026
at
10:30 to 16:30
+ 163 other dates or times
Event

Thegns of Mercia Anglo-Saxon Living History 

Step back over 1000 years in time to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Anglo-Saxon life as we welcome Thegns of Mercia for a weekend full of living history at Sutton Hoo.

Event summary

on
5 Jul to 6 Jul 2025
at
10:00 to 17:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

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
6 Jul to 7 Dec 2025
at
10:00 to 11:00
+ 5 other dates or times