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Sutton Hoo on a misty morning, Suffolk. This beautiful estate was home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
Sutton Hoo on a misty morning, Suffolk | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns
Suffolk

Sutton Hoo Ferry Cliff walk

This hauntingly beautiful estate, with far-reaching views over the River Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time. This walk links the visitor centre with the river and the wider surrounding landscape. Look out for the Tide Mill complex over the river, and visit the Gar Seat before making your way back to Edith Pretty's House, Tranmer House.

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?

Total steps: 11

Total steps: 11

Start point

Sutton Hoo reception and car park

Step 1

On entry, head towards the courtyard and past the sculpture of the Great Ship Burial, down the valley following the path.

Path winding down the valley from the Reception Centre at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Path winding down the valley from the Reception Centre at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk | © National Trust Images/Justin Minns

Step 2

When reaching a T junction at bottom of the valley turn left and follow the path past the dairy farm on the right-hand side.

Step 3

Immediately after the dairy farm take the signed footpath on the right.

Step 4

Follow the path between gardens; cross the meadow and ascend the path to the river wall. Now turn left and carefully follow the path along the river wall to Ferry Cliff Woods.

View of the River Deben from Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
River Deben from Sutton Hoo | © National Trust Images/Sarah Haile

Step 5

At the end of Ferry Cliff climb some steps, turn left and follow the steps to the top of the cliff. Turn left and follow the bridle path to the right around the edge of the woods keeping to the treeline.

Step 6

Ignoring all other paths, at end of the field where the track goes through the trees, turn right (do not go through trees) and follow the track along the field keeping the wood to your left.

Step 7

When reaching the end of the wood, follow path across the field to a gap in the hedge and turn left onto a tarmac bridleway until reaching the estate road. Follow the estate road for at least 1 mile, until reaching the main road.

Step 8

When reaching the main road, (with a wooded section to the left) turn left to follow the road (take care) for about 250 yds.

Step 9

When reaching the end of the woods, turn left and follow the track to the top of the field.

Step 10

At the top of the field look out for the National Trust sign signifying entrance on to the land in our care. Walk past the sign taking a sharp right through the gate.

Sutton Hoo walk National Trust sign re-entering National Trust land
Re-entering Sutton Hoo Estate | © National Trust Images/Michael Graham

Step 11

Now follow the path back towards Tranmer House looking out for the Gar Seat on the way.

End point

Sutton Hoo reception and car park.

Trail map

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk long walk map
Sutton Hoo Ferry Cliff walk route map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3DJ

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