Suffolk

Valley walk at Sutton Hoo (red walk)

Sutton Hoo landscape in the mist | © Justin Mimms

Discover the Anglo-Saxon history of Sutton Hoo on this easy circular trail. The walk explores the royal burial ground, where the 7th-century Great Ship Burial was discovered, before heading through the woods and exploring the valleys of the surrounding landscape.

Near to

Sutton Hoo

Start point

Sutton Hoo reception and car park, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ. Grid ref: TM289493.

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.26 (km: 2.02)

Duration 50 mins

Dog friendly***

*An easy walk with some inclines. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Route is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***All dogs should be kept on leads. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Remember your membership card

You'll need access to Sutton Hoo to enjoy this walk so you should either bring a National Trust membership card or pay for entry. Why not make the most of the your visit by visiting the Sutton Hoo exhibition?

Address
Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3DJ
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Melton Station is about 1.25 miles (2km) from Sutton Hoo.
Woodbridge Station is 3 miles (4.8km) from Sutton Hoo.
By bus
From Ipswich, catch the number 64, 65, or 70A service to the stop called 'Church View Close' in Melton. It's a 25-minute walk to Sutton Hoo from here.
By road
From Ipswich take the A1214 east before heading north on the A12. Continue on the A12 through Woodbridge and then come off to follow Woods Lane (A1152) for about 1.7 miles (2.7km). After going over the River Deben take the second exit at the roundabout onto the B1083. After about half a mile (0.8km), turn right into Sutton Hoo.
Dogs
All dogs welcome outside, but must be on a lead.
Car park
Parking available at the visitor car park.
Toilet
Toilets in the visitor centre, including baby-changing and feeding facilities.
Play area
Children's play area outside.
Shop
Explore the gift shop and second-hand bookshop.
Guided tour
Free guided tours of the Royal Burial Ground available daily from March to October. Please book with the Visitor Welcome team when you arrive.
Total stages: 8
Total stages: 8
Start point
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ. Grid ref: TM289493.
Stage 1
After arranging your admission, walk through the courtyard and turn left, heading south into the woods. Head through a gate and pass the Gar Seat on your right.
Stage 2
Continue south on the woodland path, past some circular benches. Follow the path until you reach a gate and a sandy track.
Stage 3
Go through the gate, cross the track and head through another gate opposite. Follow the path through the field. (Beware of farm vehicles and make sure to close both gates behind you.)
Stage 4
You are now in the Royal Burial Ground. Follow the path around the roped-off perimeter with the burial mounds to the right. Exit through the gate at the far end and head up to the viewing tower.
The Royal Burial Ground
The burial mounds are roped off to protect them from being eroded by footsteps. Mound 1 was excavated in 1939 by Basil Brown from Ipswich Museum. He uncovered the remains of a 27m-long, clinker-built wooden ship, outlined by its iron rivets in the sand. Later excavations led experts to believe this was the burial site of Raedwald, leader of the Wuffing dynasty of the East Angles, dating from about AD 625.
Stage 5
After exploring the viewing tower, head west into Top Hat Wood. It's worth noting that the route through the wood changes seasonally, as one path closes during ground-nesting-bird season to help protect the nightingales that breed here.
Stage 6
Head north out of the wood and turn left when you reach a track. Keep right to walk past the privately owned house, Little Sutton Hoo, on your left.
Stage 7
After passing Little Sutton Hoo, follow the road as it bears to the right and keep straight for about 200m. When you reach a track, turn right and head up a gentle incline with Tranmer House on your right.
Stage 8
At the top of the hill you'll reach the courtyard.
End point
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ. Grid ref: TM289493.
Trail map
Valley walk at Sutton Hoo map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Place

Sutton Hoo

Awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Trail

Sutton Hoo woodland walk

Discover the Anglo-Saxon burial site, where a 7th-century ship was uncovered, as well as the woodland wildlife that surrounds the ancient site on the circular Sutton Hoo woodland walk.

Trail

Pinewood Walk at Sutton Hoo (blue walk)

Explore the estate of Sutton Hoo on the Pinewood Walk, an easy circular woodland walk that takes in views across the River Deben.

The sun rises behind a clump of trees beyond the Royal Burial Ground, a grass-covered mound surrounded by a field of long grass, at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk

Trail

Accessible route to the Royal Burial Ground, Sutton Hoo

Discover Sutton Hoo's Royal Burial Ground, and its varied history, on a circular half-mile trail, for personal mobility vehicles, wheelchairs and pushchairs.