What was it like in early Anglo-Saxon times? At West Stow you can walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, explore their homes, see the evidence for yourself - then make up your own mind.

West Stow Country Park received a Green Flag award in 2012 (see the Green Flag website and Press Release 17 July 2012)

Anglo-Saxon Village:
Lets you explore the way our ancestors lived. The early Anglo-Saxon village (c.420-650AD) has been carefully reconstructed where it was excavated. Experimental archaeology has provided new ideas on what life was once like at West Stow; you can explore these houses, smell the wood smoke, feel the solid wood, you might see, wildlife, crops, pigs or hens and absorb yourself in the atmosphere, imagine living in early Anglo-Saxon times.

Children and adults love trying out the furniture, working out what objects are for and seeing how each building is different. There is an introductory video before you go in, which tells the story of West Stow. There is no hurry on this journey through time.

'Anglo-Saxons' may be living in the village on special event days - see the Heritage website.

Anglo-Saxon Museum:
You will see displays of some of the objects found during the excavation of the village telling the fascinating story of this settlement and the people who lived here (try to match them up with the replicas you have seen in the village), plus see an exhibition of Replica Anglo-Saxon costume. Every aspect of life is covered, from fashion to farming, crafts to cremation. Early Anglo-Saxon material from West Stow, Icklingham, Westgarth Gardens and Eriswell is displayed.

Café:
Enjoy hot and cold refreshments at the café which is open from 10am to 4pm every day. These facilities are managed by Realise Futures who are a Suffolk based social enterprise. For all enquiries you can contact Jackie Curtis on  01473 242500. 

Shop:
Sells all kinds of souvenirs, replicas and resources, many of which are unavailable anywhere else. There's something to please everyone, rom families with young children to academics.

Adventure playground:
This exciting playground will keep your children occupied and with plenty of picnic tables you can sit back and relax while your children enjoy exploring the adventure playground.

Country Park:
Beyond the car park, play area, visitor centre, café and shop is a 52 hectare country park bursting with life. There are plenty of opportunities for picnics, walks and trails in woodland and heathland, along the river Lark and around the lake. There are two bird hides, a nature trail and lots of other walks in the park or across the road in Thetford Forest. Due to the presence of livestock, dogs must remain on a lead in the country park.