Family activities at Sutton Hoo

Published:: 25 September 2023

A young boy dresses up as an Anglo-Saxon warrior in the exhibition space at Sutton Hoo — Sutton Hoo has loads of family activities to enjoy, from den-building, dressing up and crafts to adventures in the great outdoors | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Tales of kings, mysterious mounds and buried treasure guarantee a full day out for the whole family at Sutton Hoo.

Climb to the top of the viewing tower, try out a sword and shield for size and dress up like a warrior – or a king. There's so much to see, do and discover at Sutton Hoo, home to one of the greatest archaelogical discoveries of all time.

A young boy wearing a t-shirt chooses a coloured pencil from the Discovery Room in Tranmer House at Sutton Hoo — Be inspired by the Anglo-Saxons at Sutton Hoo | © James Beck/National Trust Images

Autumn adventures at Sutton Hoo

Escape into autumn at Sutton Hoo, where you can crunch through leaves and squelch through puddles as you explore the 255-acre estate. Spot beasts, bugs and creepy crawlies on a walk, follow a trail and even build a den.

Climb to the top of the viewing tower, look out over the Royal Burial Ground, and imagine what it was like centuries ago, when an important Anglo-Saxon king was laid there to rest. Visit the High Hall exhibition space, where you can dress up like a warrior, or a king, take part in our family-friendly trail and discover the truth about the mysterious treasure buried deep underground.

Inside Tranmer House, you can find out what it’s really like to be an archaeologist on the eve of a discovery, colour in and even build your own model using LEGO bricks.

Hear an epic tale from the past on set days throughout September and October and take part in our free Gruesome Graves tour, packed full of the gory details we usually leave out.

Girl taking pictures on a phone at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Feeling peckish?

King’s River Café will be serving cold drinks, sandwiches, hot meals, homemade scones and cakes and 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

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.