Free play sessions at Anglo-Saxon burial site

Free play sessions will be held at one of the country's most famous Anglo-Saxon archaeological sites.

From March, the National Trust is opening up its Sutton Hoo site, near Woodbridge, in Suffolk, for children aged between two and four.

Sutton Hoo is famous for the discovery of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship in 1939, which has been described as one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

The "Little Hoo-ligans" 90-minute sessions will include craft activities, games and songs, as well as outdoor trails and play.

Sutton Hoo is thought to be the final resting place of King Raedwald, who ruled in the 7th Century.

While toddlers might not appreciate the archaeological significance of the site, Sarah Camplin, senior programming and partnerships officer at the National Trust, said: "We know how important it is for parents and toddlers to get out and about, particularly in their early years.

"Our free parent and toddler group encourages that, offering a welcoming environment for parents and toddlers to play together, get outside and meet others."

This year's first 90-minute play session will take place on 13 March and run on the second Thursday of every month after that.

The site is also offering a new activity called "Little Strollers" for parents and carers of babies under the age of one.

The group will meet on the fourth Thursday of every month to take "a relaxed walk around the estate... led by volunteers".

"Many of us at Sutton Hoo are parents ourselves and know that it can be a difficult time," Ms Camplin said.

"Getting some fresh air and meeting others can really make all the difference."

She added all walks would be suitable for prams and strollers and taken at a leisurely pace to encourage "gentle exercise and the opportunity to get to know each other".

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