West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village image

West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village

Tourist attraction Archaeological museum Archaeological site

Open-air living-history museum with a reconstructed 5th–7th c. village, visitor centre & cafe. People often mention visit, history, Anglo, village, cafe, good,


Address

Icklingham Rd, West Stow, Bury Saint Edmunds IP28 6HG, United Kingdom

Website

www.weststow.org

Contact

+44 1284 728718

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: visit (7) history (7) Anglo (6) village (6) cafe (6) good (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ben C. 2 years ago on Google
    A wonderful, historical gem we just happened to come across. A site of historical importance that stems from the stone age through to the Anglo Saxons. We got taking to a member of staff who was working in the allotment, she was extremely friendly and helpful. We had a lovely time here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Susan B. 7 months ago on Google
    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit today (two 65+ people). Initially it seemed like there wasn’t a lot there, but both the museum areas were very interesting and informative, and had a lot of original artefacts and reconstructions on display. The experimental archeology village has about seven buildings, each showing slightly different construction methods and uses. The cafe and toilets were good, and there was good wheelchair access to all parts of the site. Though if you are using a manual wheelchair the rough ground in parts could make it difficult. We spent about four hours there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joey H. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely loved this little Ango-Saxon village in west Stow. Stopped on the way back from Cambridge and were pleasantly surprised how inexpensive the tickets was. The village was built fully decorated and the staff were very friendly Cafe is a little overpriced but very nice and you do need to pay for parking
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glenys B. 2 years ago on Google
    A great experience for all. The recreated Anglo Saxon Village is truly amazing. It certainly gives you a feel as to how they lived. Very interesting museum displaying lots of items and artefacts from the period. There are some lovely walks to suit all abilities. It certainly makes a great day out at a very reasonable cost. Would certainly recommend.

  • 5/5 Jon C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place! There's a couple of very good museums with artifacts from around the local area, a decent cafe, toilets, a gift shop, good parking, wheelchair access (although it would be hard work around where the Anglo-Saxon houses are) and adventure playgrounds for kids. The houses are part of an ongoing archaeological experiment to help interpret evidence in the ground, and each one has a different feel. It really gives a sense of history and how people used to live. There's also a short video explaining about the site, as well as a special archaeological dig section for kids to uncover artifacts in sand. We'll worth a visit.

  • 3/5 Kristian S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little snapshot into a time so long ago. The museum was interesting and not too much to absorb. Just a peaceful place (apart from the children who were playing football between the huts, seriously??) The cafe was good, but get there early, they run out of food quickly, even on a weekday.

  • 5/5 Cheynella C. 2 years ago on Google
    This was our first visit and we loved every minute of it! It's well kept, there's a play area for kids, a picnic area if you prefer not to use the onsite cafe and parking is £3.00 for the day and plenty of history to keep you absorbed for the whole day! The reconstructed Anglo-Saxon houses are an excellent glimpse into what life would have been like in those times, we can't wait to come back hopefully at a time when there's a living history event on as well. Definitely a great day out for all ages!

  • 3/5 Zoanne L. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting, but it looked very run down and uncared for. I expected some living history going on.

  • 5/5 Sara T. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely fascinating and informative. History brought to life. Excellent educational visit fir Adults and children.

  • 5/5 Richard C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great for a family day out or just to have some downtime. It's great for all, has toilet and food facilities too.

  • 3/5 Chris 7 months ago on Google
    Great walks in wonderful countryside. The car park is very large and is pay and display. Cash or through an App. The price is very good. £2 for 2 hours or £3 for all day. There is a place sit and enjoy your packed lunch. The area is clean and there is plenty of different walks to enjoy. I would only say that the walks need to be better sign posted. Will go again and enjoy the sites walks. You can walk around the lake or within the heath land, plenty to do. A nice and large children's play area.

  • 5/5 Bleu C. 8 months ago on Google
    I've been coming here for nearly 30 years and I never get bored. The walk around the lake is beautiful. You'll encounter numerous wild flowers, mushrooms, beautiful butterflies and lots of interesting bugs and critters. It's a wonderful little nature walk for all ages, and it's a great place to get kids exploring. Even if you don't get a chance to visit the Anglo Saxon village. There's lots of events that happen so it's always worth checking their website.

  • 5/5 Mark M. 9 months ago on Google
    Interesting walk through history. Very impressive displays of stone, bronze, iron, and roman artefacts before you even get to the Anglo saxon finds. Blown away by the depth of some of the displays. Great access to the site. You can enter all but one of the buildings. All of them gave little details that made them come alive. Good disabled parking. Nice cafe set for lunchtime snacks and treats, not full meals. Toilets in the car park and in the cafe. Nice 2 hr family adventure. If no activities may struggle to hold a teenagers interest at times. Would love to visit on a themed event day.

  • 5/5 Rachel A. 5 months ago on Google
    We turned up one day, just past closing time and in the pouring rain. We were en route to our holiday in Norfolk so unlikely to return and, when we explained this, the manager very kindly let us go round anyway. What a lovely place, the passion for history was evident and having the place to ourselves in the rain was actually magical. Thank you so much! 😁

  • 4/5 Robin S. 5 months ago on Google
    Faithful reproduction of an Anglo Saxon village. Very much a walk round and try and read and discover the history for yourself. A guide or two would be helpful but well worth a visit

  • 5/5 Elspeth S. 8 months ago on Google
    Had a wonderful afternoon at the West Stow Anglo Saxon village. Lots to do & experience. I got a real feel of life in that period & the various people who volunteered/ worked there were enthusiastic & knowledgeable & obviously love what they do. I took part in a drumming session which was bliss!


Call +44 1284 728718 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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