Sutton Hoo woodland walk
Follow in the footsteps of Anglo-Saxon ancestors on the Sutton Hoo woodland walk. This circular trail lets you explore the mounds of the ancient royal burial ground where a 7th-century ship was discovered, as well as discovering the surrounding woodland and spotting its resident wildlife.
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: 9
Total steps: 9
Start point
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ. Grid ref: TM289493.
Step 1
After arranging your admission, walk through the courtyard and turn left, heading south into the woods. Head through a gate and pass the Gar Seat on your right.
Step 2
Continue south on the woodland path, past some circular benches. Follow the path until you reach a gate and a sandy track. Go through the gate and turn right up the track. Watch out for any farm vehicles and please ensure you close the gate behind you.
Step 3
You are now in the royal burial ground. Follow the sandy track, keeping the burial mounds on the left. Stay left at the fork and you'll eventually reach the viewing tower. Alternative route: To see the burial mounds from every angle, cross the sandy track and head through a second gate opposite into the field. Continue along the path that borders the roped-off perimeter around the burial mounds. Follow this around to the right, through a gate and up to the viewing tower.
Step 4
From the viewing tower, head west into Top Hat Wood and then north to join the track. It's worth noting that the route through the wood changes seasonally, as one path closes during ground-nesting-bird season to help protect the nightingales that breed here.
Step 5
Turn left up the track and keep right to walk past the privately owned house, Little Sutton Hoo. Follow the road as it bears to the right and keep straight for about 200m until you reach a vehicle access track.
Step 6
Cross the track and continue along the woodland path as it heads upwards, passing through Home Wood with glimpses of the River Deben on the left. After another 200m, follow the path as it bears right through Brown's Planting.
Step 7
Continue along the path through Brown's Planting until you reach a signpost.
Step 8
At the signpost, take the marked footpath to the right heading south through the woods. Follow the path left where signposted and then, after about 10m, turn left and out into Garden Field.
Step 9
Walk along the left-hand edge of the field until you reach a gate behind the visitor centre. Head through the gate and back to the courtyard.
End point
Sutton Hoo reception and car park, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ. Grid ref: TM289493.
Trail map
More near here
Accessible route to the Royal Burial Ground, Sutton Hoo
Discover Sutton Hoo's Royal Burial Ground, and its varied history, on a circular half-mile trail, for personal mobility vehicles, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
River View walk at Sutton Hoo (green walk)
Explore the estate surrounding the Anglo-Saxon royal burial site at Sutton Hoo on the circular River View Walk, which runs through woodland and offers views across the River Deben.
Pinewood Walk at Sutton Hoo (blue walk)
Explore the estate of Sutton Hoo on the Pinewood Walk, an easy circular woodland walk that takes in views across the River Deben.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in Suffolk
From strolls around famous historic sites to wanders through patchworks of purple heather, these are some of the best winter walks in Suffolk.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
The Royal Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo
Explore the atmospheric 7th-century Royal Burial Ground at Sutton Hoo and discover the history and mystery of what lay beneath the earth at this special place.
Visiting Sutton Hoo with your dog
Sutton Hoo is a three pawprint rated place. With 245 acres to explore, there are lots of adventures to be had with your pooch. Here's all the information you need to make your visit a happy one.
Eating and shopping at Sutton Hoo
Enjoy a bite to eat after you've explored the grounds, or search for your own treasure to bring home from the shop.