Great War Huts - Beyond the Uniform: 10 Lives in Peace and War
Great War Huts, Brook Farm Camp, Bells Lane, Hawstead, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5NW
Discover remarkable human stories from the First World War in 'Beyond the Uniform – Ten Lives in Peace and War'
Through original artefacts of ten ordinary men and women, explore the striking contrast between their, often extraordinary, wartime service and the lives they returned to in peacetime. From soldiers and nurses to volunteers and civilians, each story reveals personal courage, sacrifice, resilience and achievement, highlighting how the experiences of war shaped individuals long after the fighting had ended.
Join us for a daily illustrated talk that brings these fascinating lives to life through carefully preserved objects, photographs and personal histories. Learn how these individuals navigated the challenges of war before returning to families, careers and communities, often carrying the impact of their experiences for the rest of their lives.
Following the talk, enjoy a short guided tour of the Great War Huts site. Discover the story of these unique, restored First World War huts and learn how they have been preserved to commemorate the people who lived, worked and served during the conflict.
This Heritage Open Days event offers a unique opportunity to explore the personal stories behind the history, reminding us that the legacy of the First World War was not only forged on the battlefield, but also in the lives lived beyond the uniform.
Timings
- Friday 11 September:
- 1100-1200
- Saturday 12 September:
- 1100-1200
- Sunday 13 September:
- 1100-1200
- Monday 14 September:
- 1100-1200
- Tuesday 15 September:
- 1100-1200
- Wednesday 16 September:
- 1100-1200
- Thursday 17 September:
- 1100-1200
- Friday 18 September:
- 1100-1200
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1100-1200
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1100-1200
Location & directions
Great War Huts, Brook Farm Camp, Bells Lane, Hawstead, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5NW
- Directions:
- Great War Huts is located in the picturesque village of Hawstead, on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds. The site is easy to reach by car or bicycle, making it a convenient destination for visitors exploring the local area. Please note that there are no public transport services directly to the site. If travelling by train, the nearest railway station is Bury St Edmunds, which is approximately a 12-minute drive away.
- Contact on day:
- Taff Gillingham
- Telephone number:
- +441284388986
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking required
- Booking conditions:
- Booking in advance required via our website or by email or phone.
- Booking contact name:
- Taff Gillingham
- Booking telephone number:
- +441284388986
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.greatwarhuts.org/events
- Booking opens:
- 17 Jul 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 20 Sep 2026 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
Great War Huts is a heritage project focusing on the restoration of original First World War buildings. As restoration and building work is still underway, some areas of our site can be a bit uneven underfoot. We recommend wearing sensible footwear, especially in wet weather - wellies might be best! We’re happy to say that most of the site is wheelchair accessible, though we do want to mention that the trenches are not. Thank you for your understanding.
Additional information
Great War Huts is a unique heritage project located in the heart of Suffolk, dedicated to restoring and preserving original First World War wooden buildings. These historic structures, which once served as vital spaces during the war, are being carefully restored to ensure that future generations can experience a tangible connection to this pivotal period in history.
- Max number of people:
- 30
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
