The Longshed
Witness history being built! The Longshed is an active site recreating an Anglo-Saxon ship with traditional methods. A unique glimpse into ancient cra...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More volunteers present
The Longshed
Best Time
More volunteers present
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness history being built! The Longshed is an active site recreating an Anglo-Saxon ship with traditional methods. A unique glimpse into ancient craftsmanship.
"The replica Anglo-Saxon ship is breathtaking up close, instilling a sense of awe and wonder."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! The Longshed is a dog-friendly site, making it a great outing for the whole family.
💰 Support the Project
Admission is free, but donations are vital. Consider purchasing from the gift shop to help fund this incredible historical endeavor.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Anglo-Saxon Ship Replica
Inside The Longshed
Marvel at the immense scale and intricate craftsmanship of the replica ship, a testament to ancient shipbuilding techniques.
Volunteer Demonstrations
Throughout The Longshed
Engage with passionate volunteers who share fascinating insights into the build process and historical context.
Upstairs Viewing Gallery
Above the main build area
Gain a different perspective on the ship's construction and the meticulous work involved from this elevated vantage point.
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Planning Your Visit
Witness History in the Making
Plan Your Visit Around Progress
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! The Longshed is a dog-friendly site, making it a great outing for the whole family.
💰 Support the Project
Admission is free, but donations are vital. Consider purchasing from the gift shop to help fund this incredible historical endeavor.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
The volunteers are a wealth of knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask questions; they love sharing details about the build.
📸 Capture the Craftsmanship
The intricate details of the ship and the building process make for fantastic photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Bring your furry friends along! The Longshed is a dog-friendly site, making it a great outing for the whole family.
💰 Support the Project
Admission is free, but donations are vital. Consider purchasing from the gift shop to help fund this incredible historical endeavor.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
The volunteers are a wealth of knowledge. Don't hesitate to ask questions; they love sharing details about the build.
📸 Capture the Craftsmanship
The intricate details of the ship and the building process make for fantastic photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the impressive scale and craftsmanship of the Anglo-Saxon ship replica being built at The Longshed. The passion and knowledge of the volunteers are frequently highlighted as a major draw, offering a deeply engaging and educational experience. While the site is free, donations are crucial for the project's continuation, and many visitors express a strong desire to support its completion and eventual launch.
"I’ve been following the progress of Sutton Hoo Ships Company since first being made aware of the build from a Time Team documentary a year ago.
The replica Anglo Saxon ship looked impressive on TV, but on entering the Longshed and being up close to it in person… it really does take your breath away and immediately instills a sense of awe and wonder.
Largely staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, the fine craftsmanship in this build is a sight to behold. I was met by Benjamin upon entering and immediately engaged in an easy going conversation regarding this mighty project.
I’ll be back again to see the progress. Such a warm welcome, and thoroughly fascinating.
Dog friendly, too!"
Martin Young
"We found this by chance but I was so glad we had! We had watched a programme about the building of the replica of the Sutton Hoo burial ship but had no idea we were staying only a few miles away from where it was being built. If you are interested in history and experimental archaeology, then this is definitely for you! Although it's really interesting even if you're not!
Volunteers were on hand to share their extensive knowledge of the project and people kept them very busy! It's not a big place, but you can get very close to the ship and there is a viewing gallery upstairs so you can watch the work being done. There's a couple of small gift shops, one of which sells merchandise to help raise money for the project. Free admission but donations are requested. No facilities on site."
Tricia Peters
"After visiting Sutton Hoo, we thought we would check out this project as they are building a replica of the boat here. Fascinating to see and watch it being built. We would have liked to have talked to the volunteers involved but they were busy talking to another group of people. We will likely be back another time as it will be interesting to see the progress being made and maybe next time we will be able to learn more about the project. In any case, it will be quite thrilling to see the boat finished and I think the plan is to float it which would be amazing! Free to visit but all donations are welcome."
Karen Dennis
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Longshed is located near Sutton Hoo. Visitors often combine a trip here with the nearby National Trust site. Driving is the most common method, with parking available nearby. Check local transport options if not driving.
Public transport options might be limited, so it's best to check local bus routes or consider a taxi service from the nearest town if you're not driving.
Parking information can vary, but it's generally available nearby. It's advisable to check the official website or local signage upon arrival for the most current parking details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to The Longshed is free. However, the project relies heavily on donations to continue its work, so contributions are greatly appreciated.
Opening hours can vary as it's an active build site. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on when you can visit.
Yes, weekends are a popular time to visit as more volunteers are typically present, offering more opportunities to learn about the project.
The Longshed offers free admission, but they welcome and rely on donations to support the ongoing construction of the replica ship.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can witness the construction of a full-scale Anglo-Saxon ship replica, interact with knowledgeable volunteers, and learn about experimental archaeology. There's also a viewing gallery. +1
Yes, children can find the ship build fascinating. The volunteers are often happy to explain the process in an engaging way.
Absolutely! You can get very close to the replica ship, allowing you to appreciate the scale and the detailed craftsmanship.
Currently, there are no on-site facilities such as restrooms or cafes. Visitors should plan accordingly.
Experimental archaeology involves recreating ancient technologies and crafts to understand how they were made and used. At The Longshed, it's about building an Anglo-Saxon ship using historical methods.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted. It's a great place to capture the impressive build and the dedication of the volunteers.
Focus on the intricate details of the ship's construction, the tools used, and the volunteers at work. The viewing gallery also offers unique angles.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no on-site facilities like play areas, the interactive nature of watching a large project unfold provides plenty of engagement. Encourage kids to ask questions and observe the different tools and techniques being used. It's a memorable outing that combines learning with a sense of wonder, especially if you can explain the historical context of Viking or Saxon seafaring.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The opportunity to converse with dedicated volunteers who are deeply knowledgeable about the project and its historical context is invaluable. They can provide detailed explanations that go beyond what you might find in books, offering a true 'behind-the-scenes' look at experimental archaeology. Visiting The Longshed provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to appreciate the skill and effort involved in constructing such impressive vessels.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Anglo-Saxon Shipbuilding
Visitors can witness firsthand the meticulous process of shaping timber, joining planks with wooden pegs and metal rivets, and the overall construction of a vessel that would have been vital for trade, travel, and warfare. The volunteers, often drawing from historical research and even archaeological finds like the original Sutton Hoo ship, are key to this authentic recreation. Their dedication ensures that the project is not just a replica, but a living lesson in history.
The ultimate goal is not only to build the ship but also to see it launched and sailed, a thrilling prospect that would bring the ancient craft back to life on the water. This ambitious vision makes The Longshed a dynamic and evolving attraction, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era of maritime prowess.
The Role of Volunteers and Community
Engaging with the volunteers is a highlight for many visitors. They offer detailed explanations of the construction process, the sourcing of materials, and the historical significance of the ship. This personal interaction transforms a visit from passive observation to an immersive learning experience. Many visitors report being deeply impressed by the volunteers' expertise and their warm, welcoming demeanor.
This collaborative effort also extends to the financial support of the project. While admission is free, The Longshed relies on donations and sales from its gift shop to fund the expensive materials and ongoing work. Visitors are encouraged to contribute, becoming part of the community that is making this ambitious historical endeavor a reality.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit