The Visitor Centre was built in 1988 to promote understanding of the Park and the Anglo-Saxon Village. The building was designed by the Timber Research and Development Association to show new ways of using wood, and was built in 16 weeks by John Hirn Construction Ltd. The displays were designed and built by the Design People. The whole project was funded by St Edmundsbury Borough Council, with help from the Countryside Commission, English Tourist Board, Suffolk County Council and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village Trust.

Today, the Visitor Centre helps to explain the nature of the Country Park and Anglo-Saxon Village using interesting exhibits and audio-visual displays. It is also the entrance to the Anglo-Saxon Village and the place where audio guides to the site are issued. As well as promoting the Park, it is also a Tourist Information Centre where details of other Countryside sites and activities are on display.

Above : Inside the Visitor Centre

A small shop provides souvenirs, books and information for teachers. A range of unique resources have been produced at West Stow to help people of all ages to understand the Anglo-Saxons who were the ancestors of the English. A mail-order service ensures these resources can be sent throughout this country and even further afield, where they are especially useful to those who cannot visit the reconstructed Village. Education has always been an important strand in the work of the Anglo-Saxon Village

A Ranger Service is based in the Visitor Center, and has many duties. The Rangers try to develop awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the Park and Village. The Rangers also manage the Site of Special Scientific Interest and try to conserve the wildlife throughout the Park. Special events are very important at West Stow for both the Park and the Village, and the yearly calendar includes a very wide range to suit different tastes. Rangers also supervise the reconstruction work for the Anglo-Saxon Village Trust, keep the Village open as a tourist attraction, and run the Education Service.

Almost 100,000 people visit the Visitor Centre every year; the figure for the Country Park is even greater. West Stow Country Park and Anglo-Saxon Village is a very special place with so many aspects of history and wildlife for the Ranger Service to promote.