Visiting Sutton Hoo with your dog

Visitors with dog enjoying an autumnal walk at Sutton Hoo — Visitors walking at Sutton Hoo | © National Trust Images/John Millar

No matter what time of the year it is, you can enjoy a day out with your pooch at Sutton Hoo. With 245 acres to explore, there are plenty of adventures to be had. On this page, you'll find all the information you need to make your visit together as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Our pawprint rating system

We’ve been working on making it easier for you to find out how dog-friendly your visit will be before you and your four-legged friend arrive. To help with this, we've created a new pawprint rating system and given all the places in our care a rating. You can find this information in the National Trust members’ handbook.

Sutton Hoo is a three pawprint rated place.

Three pawprints shows the very best places you can visit for a day with your dog. You'll be able to take your dog to most areas, including indoors for a cup of tea and a treat. There'll be clearly signed dog zones and dog-friendly experiences.

Where can my dog go at Sutton Hoo?

We love dogs at Sutton Hoo, and your canine companions are welcome to explore all the estate walks. Please keep your dog on a short lead at all times, though – this is to protect the sheep and their lambs that are currently grazing on site. If you've forgotten your lead, they're available to purchase from the shop.

Dogs are allowed inside the shop and café; the latter has designated seating. Simply look out for the pawprint logo on the table or ask a member of the team.

Where can’t my dog go?

Only assistance dogs are allowed inside the High Hall Exhibition, Tranmer House and the second-hand bookshop.

What do I need to be aware of at Sutton Hoo?

There are ticks on the site, especially in the long grass, so please make sure you check your pooch over when you get home.

Also remember that dogs left in cars can die, even on cool days. There are tether points for leads outside the High Hall Exhibition and Tranmer House for you to use.

The Canine Code

We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:

Keep them close: using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds and farm animals. It's essential to use a short lead around sheep. But if cattle approach you, it's best to let your dog off the lead, and call them back when it's safe to do so.
Pick up the poo: please always clear up after your dog. If you can't find a bin nearby, take the poo bags home with you.
Watch the signs: keep an eye on local signs and notices wherever you're walking. They'll tell you if a beach has a dog ban, for instance, or if a path has been diverted, or if you're in an area where dogs can run off-lead.
Stay on the ball: remember that not everyone loves dogs, and some people fear them. So make sure your dog doesn't run up to other people, especially children.

Dog with its owner — Explore Sutton Hoo with your four-legged friend | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

What facilities are there for my dog?

Water bowls are available for thirsty pups. They’re located in the courtyard, outside the High Hall Exhibition, behind the café, near Tranmer House and close to the bookshop.

There are two dog bins at Sutton Hoo: one in the car park and another on the path leading towards the Royal Burial Ground.

What if my dog gets lost?

While visiting Sutton Hoo, your dog should be kept on a lead, have a collar on and be microchipped. If you lose your dog on site, please advise a member of staff as soon as possible.