Accessibility at Sutton Hoo

We believe Sutton Hoo should be open and accessible for all. Whilst the historic spaces and landscape can present some challenges, we are taking steps to make sure that as many people as possible can access the estate and its story.

We are constantly making improvements and will keep this information updated. We’d also love to hear from you with any suggestions for things that would make your visit easier.

Parking at Sutton Hoo

We have nine parking spaces available for Blue Badge holders in the visitor car park, as well as additional spaces which we make available on busy days. These parking spaces are located approximately 10-15 metres from the entrance to the Visitor Welcome building.

The car park at Sutton Hoo is made up of tarmac roads and areas of gravel, with some grassy areas in the overflow car park.

Trampers and wheelchairs

We have five trampers available to borrow on a first come first serve basis.

Trampers are electric, all-terrain mobility scooters which are designed to cover rough ground safely. They travel at a walking speed so the whole party can explore the site together.

To guarantee access to a tramper, we recommend booking by sending an email to suttonhoowelcome@nationaltrust.org.uk. Please let us know your name, contact number, arrival date and time and whether you have used a tramper at Sutton Hoo before.

We also have two powered all-terrain wheelchairs which are available on a first come first serve basis, and two manual wheelchairs which can be used in our indoor spaces. The standard wheelchairs can be either self-propelled or pushed while the trike is designed to be pushed by a companion.

Use of these vehicles is free, though donations are gratefully received to help with maintenance and up-keep. The self-drive vehicles are very easy to operate and we provide you with a briefing, test drive and route map before you set off. This takes around 10 minutes.

Viewing tower

The first level of the viewing tower is accessible by a ramp, providing easy access for wheelchairs and trampers.

Essential companions

Essential companions for disabled visitors are entitled to free entry.

Toilets

Toilets can be found in the following locations:

• Shop

These are located just behind the till point and are men’s and women’s. There is also an accessible toilet and a baby change facility available. All are well-lit and have automatic hand dryers.

• High Hall

These are located to the side of the High Hall exhibition building. There are men’s, women’s and an accessible toilet.

• Tranmer House

These are located on the ground floor of Tranmer House. There are men’s, women’s and two accessible toilets at either end of the corridor. One has a sliding door and one has a push door. All are well-lit and have automatic hand dryers.

Sanitary products are available in the shop toilets and will soon be available in all women’s and accessible toilets across the site.

Hearing impairment

Induction loops are available in all our front-facing spaces.

Visual impairment

There is a Braille map located in the main courtyard.

Large print guides are available in Tranmer House and in the High Hall exhibition.

We also have audio tour headsets available to borrow.

Food and drink

Two-handled cups and easy-grip cutlery are available in both King’s River Cafe and Keeper’s Kiosk.

Quiet hour at Sutton Hoo

On the first Sunday of every month, we hold a quiet hour for those who would enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit. Many of the activities are subtitled and printed guides are available in both the High Hall exhibition and Tranmer House. We also offer ear defenders and fidget toys for anyone who would find these helpful during their visit. These can be collected from Visitor Welcome on your arrival.

Quiet play area

A quiet play area is available during school holidays and at weekends and is located in the Old Stables, where you can find soft play toys and books to read.

Sunflower lanyards

We are part of the sunflower lanyard scheme.

Dogs at Sutton Hoo

Assistance dogs are welcome inside in all buildings, including Tranmer House, the High Hall exhibition space, King’s River Cafe, the shop and second-hand bookshop. We welcome dogs on leads across the estate, including in the shop and some areas of the cafe, although we do ask that dogs please remain on short leads.