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Sutton Hoo at Sutton Hoo National Trust01394 389700workMuseumOnce a thriving hub in the time of Anglo-Saxon warrior kings, for some 1,300 years Sutton Hoo faded from memory. Then a curious landowner and a self-taught archaeologist restored it to international fame with a discovery that changed history.

On a ridge overlooking the River Deben are the traces of a once magnificent Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Here, the powerful aristocracy of East Anglia buried their dead in great mounds during the sixth and seventh centuries. In 1939 on the eve of the Second World War, archaeologists made a remarkable discovery at Sutton Hoo as they opened the largest burial mound and found an undisturbed Anglo-Saxon ship burial (one of only three known Anglo-Saxon ship burials.)

Today as you walk up from the River Deben to Sutton Hoo's Royal Burial Ground, you are walking in the footsteps of those Anglo-Saxon mourners that strained every muscle to haul this great ship weighing approximately 10 tonnes and measuring 27 metres in length to its final resting place. It was then buried with their late king and a vast array of treasures on board. During the 1,300 years it remained hidden in the soil, the wood gradually rotted, leaving only a shadowy trace peppered with rusty iron rivets. The ghost of a former ship.

A total of 263 finds from this burial revolutionised our understanding of the first chapters of English history including the now iconic Sutton Hoo helmet, the face of the Anglo-Saxon period. A time that had been seen as unsophisticated, was illuminated as vibrant and cultural.

As well as being home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, Sutton Hoo is also home to a rich variety of wildlife. With beautiful countryside, woodland, open fields and views overlooking the River Deben there are plenty of walks to explore across the Sutton Hoo estate.

TThe estate walks are open on weekdays with a car park machine in operation (free for National Trust members) for local visitors to access fresh air and exercise in line with government guidance. The café is open at weekends serving a limited takeaway range of hot and cold drinks and snacks. Tranmer House, the High Hall exhibition, the shop and the bookshop are currently closed. In line with government guidance, you're required to wear a face covering in most enclosed spaces. Please bring one with you.Sutton HooWoodbridgeSuffolkIP12 3DJUnited Kingdom52.0932218689001.339632866000https://www.visitsuffolk.com/?dms=3&venue=0221606

Sutton Hoo at Sutton Hoo National Trust

Museum, £6

NATIONAL TRUST

Mist over the Royal Burial Ground, by Justin Minns

In light of COVID-19, please make sure you check with your travel and accommodation providers before travelling.

Contact

Estate Office

01394 389700

suttonhoo@nationaltrust.org.uk

Address

Sutton Hoo,
Woodbridge,
Suffolk,
IP12 3DJ

Details

Discover the awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon burial site. This hauntingly beautiful 255 acre estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Opening details

The estate walks are open every day with a car park machine in operation. Members can scan their membership cards for free parking. If you are not a National Trust member PayByPhone will be in operation.

Prices

National Trust members free.

Non-members
£6 per car

Directions

See location on Google maps

Map reference: TM 288491 Lat: 52.09322 Long: 1.33963

By Road:
Follow A1152 off the A12 through Melton. Take B1083 after railway line and follow signs to Sutton Hoo.

By Public Transport:
Open top bus from Woodbridge during July and August (subject to availability). Parking for motorbikes and pedal cycles. Lockers available.

Nearby

Facilities

Baby changing facilities
Disabled toilets
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
National Trust Property
On-site catering
Picnic site
Public toilets

Children welcome
Mobility Accessibility Facilities
Smoking not allowed
Hearing Accessibility Facilities
Visual Accessibility Facilities