Family activities at Sutton Hoo

Climb to the top of the viewing tower, try out a sword and shield for size and explore life as an Anglo-Saxon.

Find out what it’s like to be an archaeologist on the eve of a discovery as you explore Tranmer House, the home of Edith Pretty. Build your own models using LEGO® bricks in the Discovery Room, explore the cinema room with images from the world-famous dig, then get out and about in the great outdoors.

Festival of Archaeology 2024

Celebrate this year's Festival of Archaeology at Sutton Hoo, home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Explore the sights and sounds of Anglo-Saxon England with the Sae Wylfings re-enactment group, dress up like an archaeologist in Tranmer House and get creative with our archaeology-themed arts and crafts.

On Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July, why not join us for an epic tabletop battle? Command a warband of Anglo-Saxons - or their enemies - and enjoy the spectacle as hundreds of beautifully painted model warriors are lined up for combat. You can even paint your own to take home!

Summer of Play

Visit Sutton Hoo during the school holidays and enjoy a Summer of Play! We’ll have lots of activities to keep little explorers busy, from dressing up, colouring in and craft activities inside the house to outdoor adventures on our free family trail.

Dress up like an Anglo-Saxon warrior in the High Hall exhibition space, then test your observation skills with our summer challenge.

Explore Sutton Hoo's incredible landscape and record what you see, hear and feel in our family-friendly art activities. Follow our Design and Legend Sculpture Trail through the shaded woodland, then build a den and hop, skip and jump your way across the adventure playground.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Feeling peckish?

King’s River Café will be serving cold drinks, sandwiches, hot meals, homemade scones and cakes. It is open every day from 10am-4pm.

Plan your visit

There are toilets and baby-changing facilities available in the shop/café building and in Tranmer House.

The courtyard, paths to Tranmer House and the route to the Royal Burial Ground are all pushchair and buggy-friendly.

The High Hall exhibition, Tranmer House, café, shop, bookshop and estate walks are open every day.

Family friendly events coming up

Time Team Live at Sutton Hoo | various dates | free*
See Time Team in action throughout June as a new archaeological dig gets underway.

Anglo-Saxon costume making | various dates | free*
Meet our historic costume volunteers as they demonstrate the craft skills of the Anglo-Saxons and how they created clothing and accessories using natural materials.

Gruesome Graves | various dates | free*
Travel back in time with our tour guide and discover the gruesome secrets of Sutton Hoo's Royal Burial Ground on this fun tour.

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.

Riddlequest | 28 and 29 June | adults £15, children £6
Solve real early medieval riddles in this immersive escape game as you try to return an object, formerly belonging to King Rædelwul, to its rightful place – but be warned, you only have an hour! This game can be played by all ages but is most suitable for those aged 10 and up.

Forest Babes at Sutton Hoo | 20 July | £20
Relax and connect with nature through a guided, meditative walk through the woodland with your baby.

Festival of Archaeology: Anglo-Saxon living history | 27-28 July | free*
Enjoy the sights and sounds of an Anglo-Saxon camp as the Sae Wylfings join us with craft displays and weapons demonstrations.

Festival of Archaeology: Wargaming the Age of the Anglo-Saxons | 27-28 July | | free*
Join us for an exciting weekend of Anglo-Saxon era war games with miniature model soldiers.

*This event is free but normal admission fees apply.