Overview

This is my third visit to Sutton Hoo. I went for a specific exhibition, namely the Swords of Kingdoms: The Staffordshire Hoard at Sutton Hoo and was not disappointed. The staff and the volunteers were very good; knowledgeable, interesting and helpful. The site is welcoming and accommodating to most disabilities. The Changing Place bathroom is planned for Winter installation with operation at next season in 2023. I really like the fact that on all three visits were members of the learning disabled/learning difficulties communities, independent or with a PA/family member.

Transport & Parking

Has disabled parking spaces but not marked out or WAV friendly. Also the spaces have gravel. Investment in the disabled parking spaces required ( i.e. marked out, long and wide). Needs to think about ambulant visitors as poor parking by drivers of ambulant visitors in disabled spaces can cause friction. Has a lot of visitors from the neuro diverse community and some members need priority parking. A system of reserving a disabled parking space would be great.

Access

The Sutton Hoo museum is wheelchair friendly and spacious. The exhibition, Swords of Kingdoms: The Staffordshire Hoard is wheelchair friendly but dark and cramped. Access to the burial sites requires powerchair and the viewing tower does not have a lift. Despite all of this it is worth the effort.

Toilets

Cramped disabled bathroom. Changing Place bathroom is coming with planned install this Winter and operating next season in 2023. Could not remember if red cord was displayed correct. Current disabled bathroom was disappointing even with changing tray for disabled parents.

Staff

Kind, helpful and accommodating. No disablist behaviours especially towards the neuro diverse, learning disabled and/or those with learning difficulties.