Sutton Hoo National Trust

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An awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site with views over the River Deben.
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28/10/2026

With Halloween just around the corner, we couldn't resist sharing this picture of some jelly ear fungus, spotted by the Royal Burial Ground just the other day.

It's no surprise where jelly ear, also known as auricularia auricula-judae, gets its name from: its gelatinous, jelly-like flesh that looks almost exactly like an ear!

It can be found growing on dead and dying branches of elder, ash, beech and sycamore trees and is common across the UK. And even freezing temperatures can't stop it - once temperatures plummet, it will still thaw out and continue to grow.

📸: Louisa Champion

27/10/2026

Escape into autumn at Sutton Hoo! Head to our play arena, located near Tranmer House this October half-term and enjoy a variety of autumn-themed play activities! Here's everything you need to know: https://rebrand.ly/VisitSuttonHoo

🍂 Let your imagination run wild on the outdoor stage
🍂 Challenge friends and family to a broomstick race
🍂 Make your own potion in the mud kitchen
🍂 Try your hand at stump hoopla!

And if it's raining, there are plenty of play activities indoors too. Visit Tranmer House and dress up like an archaeologist, make an Anglo-Saxon inspired LEGO® or DUPLO® creation and settle down in the Discovery Room with a range of craft activities. Over in the High Hall, you can dress up like a warrior - or a king - and get hands-on with how the Anglo-Saxons made textiles.

With hot and cold drinks and snacks served in King's River Cafe, a second-hand bookshop to discover your next great read and miles of walks, weather permitting, we really do have something for everyone at Sutton Hoo this half-term.

📸: Claire Naylor/National Trust Images

26/10/2026

Cor, that was a bit windy! Sutton Hoo is back open today, with some very minor closures to footpaths. Thanks for your patience!

Please note that due to reduced daylight, Sutton Hoo now closes at 4pm.

📸: National Trust Images

25/10/2026

SITE CLOSURE: SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER
Due to forecast high winds, Sutton Hoo is closed on Sunday 25 October. We'll reopen as soon as our rangers have carried out post-storm checks following the high winds. Please keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates.

24/10/2026

SITE CLOSURE: SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER
Due to the forecast of high winds, Sutton Hoo will be closed on Sunday 25 October.
This decision has been made for the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff.
Thank you for your understanding.

23/10/2026

Due to high winds from Storm Austen, Tales by Torchlight is cancelled tonight, Friday 23 October, and tomorrow, Saturday 24 October.

Ticket holders should have already received an email from the Box Office and refunds will be issued automatically.

Stay safe out there!

22/10/2026

Storm Austen is on its way! Please note that due to high winds in the forecast, Sutton Hoo will be closing at 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 23-25 October. Stay safe out there.

16/10/2026

Escape into autumn at Sutton Hoo this weekend! Our play arena, located near Tranmer House, is back open and jam-packed with autumn-themed activities to keep little explorers busy! 🍂

Let your imagination run wild on the outdoor stage, challenge your family to a broomstick race or add a spoonful of this and a cupful of that to make your own potion in the mud kitchen. Try your hand at stump hoopla or settle down with a word search for a moment of quiet.

If it's a rainy day there are plenty of play activities indoors, too. Visit Tranmer House and dress up as an archaeologist, make an Anglo-Saxon inspired LEGO® or DUPLO® creation and settle down in the Discovery Room with a range of craft activities.

In the High Hall exhibition, dress up as an Anglo-Saxon, design your own cloisonne patterns and discover how the Anglo-Saxons made textiles.

Plan your visit here: https://rebrand.ly/VisitSuttonHoo

📸: National Trust Images

10/10/2026

At this time of year, cooler temperatures and increased moisture trigger the appearance of fruiting bodies, revealing a remarkable diversity of fungi - but did you know that most of a fungus exists hidden from view, beneath the ground or within decaying wood?

Pictured here are: Yellow jelly, scarlet elf cap, white slime mould, stinkhorn, birch bracket and chicken of the woods.

Keep an eye out on your next walk, these fascinating organisms play a vital role in nutrient cycling and supporting healthy ecosystems.

📍 Pin Mill, Northey Island, Sutton Hoo

📸: David Mason/Jonathan Plews/National Trust Images

08/10/2026

Robert Pretty, Edith’s son, was just nine years old when the Great Ship Burial was being excavated at Sutton Hoo. We can't imagine how it must have felt, watching one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time get unearthed in your back garden.

Kate Massey is the daughter of Paul Ashbee, who co-directed further excavations at Sutton Hoo during the 1960s and 70s. “I would have been about eight or nine when first at Sutton Hoo – overawed by the mounds, the setting and the story,” she says. “I realise now that I was a similar age to Robert Pretty in 1939."

From the evidence of Robert’s roller skates in Mound 2, both played in the area as well as being witnesses to the excavations, and you can read more of Kate’s recollections – including how she was lowered into the ship to help prepare it for photos - in our exhibition, The Dig: A Story Unearthed.

Currently on display in the High Hall at Sutton Hoo, it also features props and costumes from the hit Netflix film, which featured Archie Barnes as Robert Pretty, pictured here, and tells the real stories of the people that inspired the story.

Plan your visit now: https://rebrand.ly/VisitSuttonHoo

📸: Netflix/Brouhaha Entertainment

Address

National Trust
Woodbridge
IP123DJ

Telephone

+441394389700

Website

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo

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