Family days out at Sutton Hoo

A young boy wearing a t-shirt chooses a coloured pencil from the Discovery Room in Tranmer House at Sutton Hoo — Sutton Hoo has everything you need for a great day out | © James Beck/National Trust Images

There's plenty of fun for the whole family at Sutton Hoo, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Why not try out a sword and shield for size and dress up like a warrior – or a king? There's so much to see, do and discover on a day out.

Things to see and do at Sutton Hoo

Climb to the top of the viewing tower, look out over the Royal Burial Ground, and imagine what life was like centuries ago when an important Anglo-Saxon king was laid there to rest.

The High Hall Exhibition and Tranmer House, with its interactive displays, help bring the story of Sutton Hoo to life and offer shelter from both the sun and rain.

Follow a trail and discover more about the mysterious treasure buried deep underground, dress up like an archaeologist on the eve of a discovery and head to the Discovery Room to get creative with some crafting!

Sutton Hoo also has an adventure play area for those looking for space to let off a bit of energy.

Two young boys wearing shorts and t-shirts crouching inside a den in the woodland of Sutton Hoo — Den-building at Sutton Hoo | © James Beck

May half term at Sutton Hoo

Tales of buried treasure and mysterious mounds await you at Sutton Hoo this half-term. Imagine what it was really like to be an archaeologist on the eve of a discovery inside Tranmer House or visit the High Hall to find out more about the fascinating treasures that were discovered deep underground.

Take a look at what's coming up...

Arts and crafts | 23 - 31 May | Free with admission
Have a go at making your own Manx Loaghtan sheep or a King Rædwald bird in our half-term craft activities in the Old Stables Activity Centre. There will also be self-led activities available in the Discovery Room in Tranmer House - and all are free with admission!

Sand tray archaeology | 25, 26 and 29 May | Free with admission
Fascinated by the Sutton Hoo discovery? Experience the thrill and excitement of an archaeological dig in these hands-on sand tray session - perfect for little explorers! They're free with entry to Sutton Hoo and there's no need to book.

Storytelling | Tuesday 26 May | Free with admission
Join our Anglo-Saxon storytellers and go on a journey through time! Our storytelling sessions are free with entry to Sutton Hoo and there's no need to book.

Beowulf puppet theatre | 27 and 28 May | Free with admission
See part of the Beowulf story brought to life - with puppets! Rattlebox Theatre will bring their unique mix of storytelling and puppetry together at Sutton Hoo for this small but perfectly formed adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon epic. Performances will take place at 11.15am, 12.30pm and 2pm and there's no need to book - just turn up on the day.

Finds Friday |Friday 29 May | Free with admission
Calling all budding archaeologists! Join us for a rare chance to get up close to objects gathered from real archaeological digs, as well as replicas linked to the Sutton Hoo story.

A blonde-haired woman is smiling as her daughter plays on a large swing on the adventure play area at Sutton Hoo — Finish your day with some fun at the adventure play area | © National Trust Images

Good to know

Toilets and baby changing facilities are available in Tranmer House and the café and there is also a Changing Places facility located off the courtyard.
The courtyard and many of the paths are pushchair and buggy-friendly and there are accessible routes around the site. All-terrain wheelchairs, trampers and sensory bags are available to borrow from Visitor Welcome.
Dogs on leads are welcome outside and in designated areas of the café and shop.
King’s River Café serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, hot meals, homemade scones and cakes. It is open from 10am-4.30pm.
There are plenty of shady picnic spots to enjoy your food outside.
National Trust members and under 5s go free.

Other events coming up

Little Strollers Walking Group | various dates | free
Bring your little ones for a gentle stroll around the landscape along our pram and pushchair friendly pathways.

Little Hoo-ligans Parent and Toddler Group | various dates | free
Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including trails, crafts, games and songs at Little Hoo-ligans, our monthly group for 2 to 4-year-olds and their parents/guardians.

Quiet hour | various dates | free*
Join us for quiet hour on the first Sunday of every month as we turn down the sounds for those who would enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit.

Summer of Play | 18 July-2 September | free*
Get ready for a jam-packed Summer of Play at Sutton Hoo! Head to our play arena, located next to Tranmer House, to find a whole host of play activities from free play through to Anglo-Saxon warrior training.