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Visit information

 

West Stow Anglo - Saxon Village
 
Anglo-Saxon Museum

The 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.

Due to the presence of livestock we regret that dogs are not permitted into the village.


 
Adventure playground
The Anglo-Saxon Museum
In the Museum you will see fascinating 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.

Cafe

Visit the cafe for a restful place to get a hot or cold drink or snack.


Shop


West Stow's shop sells all kinds of souvenirs, replicas and resources, many of which are unavailable anywhere else. There's something to please everyone, from families with young children to academics.


Adventure playground

Based in the country 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. 

West Stow Country Park
 
Heritage Open Day
 
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The country park

Beyond the car park, play area, visitor centre, shop and cafe 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 lot's 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.


How long is a visit?


Most people spend well over an hour exploring the Anglo-Saxon village and centre, longer during special events. If you want to make a day of it, don't forget there are walks in the 125 acre country park, a play area, shop with all kinds of unusual gifts and the spacious cafe.


Will there be people in Anglo-Saxon costume?

"Anglo-Saxons" may be living in the village on 
special event daysonly. Click for forthcoming dates.


How do I get there?

The Anglo-Saxon Village and Anglo-Saxon Centre are 7 miles north west of Bury St Edmunds, off the A1101 (Map reference TL801715). Follow the brown tourist signs to the Anglo-Saxon Village. For satellite navigation the postcode is IP28 6HG. For public transport information please contact Traveline.

Page last updated September 2009