Rendlesham: Anglo-Saxon History and Walking Routes

Rendlesham brings together an Anglo-Saxon royal settlement, church and monastic history, and several walking routes. One important distinction to bear in mind when planning your visit is that the archaeological site is on private farmland and is not open to the public. However, you can explore the area’s history through a virtual exhibition and along described routes.

The royal settlement and its history

The Anglo-Saxon royal settlement at Rendlesham existed from the 5th to the 8th century. From 570 to 720 AD, it was the centre from which a significant province of the Kingdom of East Anglia was governed. These two date ranges highlight different aspects: together, they outline the settlement’s longer history and identify a period when it played a central political role.

The virtual exhibition “Rendlesham Revealed” traces the settlement’s development over a 400-year journey through time. It includes more than 150 archaeological objects from Rendlesham, including food remains and gold jewellery. As well as political history, everyday objects and precious finds are at the heart of the exhibition’s exploration of the site.

Churches and monastic past

The Church of St Gregory the Great has a square west tower, a nave, a chancel and a 14th-century porch. Above the porch is a parvise chamber. The description of the church therefore covers both its main architectural features and this distinctive room above the entrance.

Another part of the area’s history is the Augustinian nunnery. It was founded in 1195 for 21 nuns, lasted almost 400 years and was dissolved in 1536. St Felix of Dunwich in Rendlesham also has its own origins: in the 1940s, the church began as a chapel at Bentwaters Air Force Base. These episodes complement the Anglo-Saxon focus with later religious and local history.

Walking routes and bringing history to life

The “In the Footsteps of Kings” circular route is 7 miles (11 km) long and passes across open fields, through meadows and into woodland. The “Through the Deben Valley” long-distance trail is 9 miles (14.5 km) long. It partly follows the circular route before continuing from Rendlesham to Melton railway station (IP12 2PA). The routes therefore differ both in length and in their layout: one is a circular walk, while the other continues as far as the railway station.

The “Rendlesham Revealed” trail follows the “In the Footsteps of Kings” circular route. Along the way, QR codes unlock audio and video content about discoveries at Rendlesham. The audio trail also includes a listening section about the history of the 14th-century Church of St Gregory the Great, Anglo-Saxon burial rites and the burial places of Anglo-Saxon kings. In this way, the route and audio content explore local architectural and settlement history, while the route’s length helps you gauge the walk.

Rendlesham Forest nearby

Near Rendlesham, outside the immediate village centre, is Rendlesham Forest in Tangham, Suffolk. The area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has walking and cycling trails, play areas and picnic spots. These offer a separate focus for an outing alongside the history of the royal settlement.

The forest is also home to the UFO Trail, an easy 3-mile (4.8 km) route. It passes through woodland, heathland and wetlands. It is shorter than the two longer routes and also stands out for the landscapes it traverses. Together, the routes described here offer a range of lengths and themes to help you plan a stay focused on Rendlesham’s history and surroundings.

Discover more destinations: Rickinghall, Ilketshall Saint Margaret, Wenhaston, Hessett, Saxmundham, Walberswick, Drinkstone, Bury Saint Edmunds

For the main travel overview: Suffolk.