Great British Heritage
In Search of Old Suffolk
This tour takes us to the lovely, unspoilt and often overlooked county of Suffolk.
Here, we will explore the amazing Anglo-Saxon burial site at Sutton Hoo together with West Stow reconstructed Anglo Saxon village, and view a full-scale historic ship which is being recreated using traditional methods.
In addition is Suffolk’s more recent rich heritage – visit the beautiful castle at Framlingham and the historic market town of Lavenham with your guide, archaeologist and historian, Mike Stone.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Mike Stone
Mike is an archaeologist, historian, author and qualified Blue Badge guide with decades of experience in archaeology, education and museums. A University of London graduate specialising in the Roman period, he has lectured widely, published several history books and appeared on television and radio.
Mike has guided Travel Editions groups around Britain for many years, bringing together archaeology, architecture and social history. His specialist interest in historic buildings and their materials, combined with his engaging delivery, helps travellers see familiar places with fresh understanding.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and at tour manager’s discretion.
Day 1: Arrive independently at Hintelsham Hall
Arrive at the hotel independently from 15.00.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and a talk by Mike Stone “Highlights of Suffolk’s archaeology and Architecture.”
Day 2: Lavenham and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village
This morning we will start our exploration of this charming and fascinating county with a visit to Lavenham. One of the finest surviving wool villages in England and we will learn more about Lavenham’s history with a visit to the fascinating Guildhall followed by a guided walking tour led by Mike.
We then head to the West Stow Anglo Saxon Village, the site of an early Anglo-Saxon village, occupied from AD 420-650, over 400 years before the Norman Conquest. One of England’s great archaeological sites, West Stow has extensive indoor galleries and a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village, complete with livestock and surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside.
Dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: Sutton Hoo Ship Company, and a private cruise
Discover Suffolk’s fascinating Anglo-Saxon heritage with a visit to the Sutton Hoo Ship Company. Enjoy an introductory talk and guided tour of the Longshed, where a full-scale historic ship is being recreated using traditional methods.
After lunch (own expense) in the charming riverside town of Woodbridge, take a private two-hour cruise, offering delightful views of the beautiful River Deben and its tranquil estuary scenery.
Return to the hotel for dinner.
Day 4: Framlingham Castle and Sutton Hoo
Today we start with the pretty market town of Framlingham to see its magnificent Castle, dating back to the 12th century. Here, there will be free time for lunch (own expense) before, probably the highlight of the tour, Sutton Hoo for a guided tour of the burial mounds and Tranmer House.
One of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century in 1939, when the famous burial ship with all its treasures was uncovered. The excellent visitor centre has informative displays and interpretation of the many finds, and the story of the discovery is well told in the film, “The Dig,” starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.
Please note: The duration of the walking tour at Sutton Hoo will be approximately 1 hour with a 15min walk to the mounds (meeting point). There is nowhere to sit for the duration of the tour and the paths are all trail paths.
Post-tour extra nights at the hotel are available at a supplement.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“A very good holiday my only criticism is that on the day we went to Framlingham, Orford and Sutton Hoo it was too much for one day. I would have liked longer in Framlingham so we could have visited the church and looked at the town. and also longer at Sutton Hoo. perhaps we could have left Orford castle out.”
Anonymous, October 2024
“Excellent tour which enabled me to visit places I had long wanted to see and I particularly enjoyed the guided tours we received at Framlingham Castle and Sutton Hoo.”
Stephens, August 2024
“A very busy and enjoyable tour. I liked the fact that we did not leave the hotel too early and got back at a reasonable time. I did not see the need to spend an hour standing at the Sutton Hoo site. I would have preferred to sit down somewhere and have more time for the museum.”
Livermore, August 2024
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hintelsham Hall
Four-star country house hotel set in the picturesque Suffolk countryside, just a few miles from Ipswich. Dating back to the 15th century, the Grade I listed Hintlesham Hall combines historic charm with elegant Georgian features and is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and parkland. The hotel offers a bar, award-winning restaurant and spa treatment facilities, while the individually furnished bedrooms provide all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.
Complimentary car parking is available at the hotel. The nearest train station is Ipswich, approx 6 miles away.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
A fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits and exploration. You can expect more time on your feet, including walking between sites, longer periods of standing and some uneven surfaces, cobbles, steps or gentle inclines.
Some days may include several visits, longer coach journeys or walking from a drop-off point to an attraction. A reasonable level of fitness and the ability to keep pace with the group throughout the day will help you enjoy the experience fully.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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