Woburn Abbey |
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Visitors will experience living history at Woburn Abbey - the Russell family has lived here for almost 450 years and it is still their family home.
The history of the house begins in 1145. Hugh de Bolebec founded a religious house for a group of Cistercian monks, with the monastic buildings following the usual Cistercian pattern.Thus, the north wing is on the site of the monastic church and the present courtyard is on the site of the great cloister and garth. In 1538 the Abbot, Robert Hobbes, was found guilty of treason and the monastery confiscated. Legend states that he was hanged from an oak tree at the Abbey's gate.
Edward VI granted Woburn Abbey to Sir John Russell in 1547, though it did not become a family home until 1619. In 1747, the Fourth Duke commissioned Henry Flitcroft to rebuild the west range, including the grand series of staterooms. In 1802, Humphry Repton landscaped the park as it appears today.
Successive Earls and Dukes of Bedford have, with their love of art, created one of the finest private collections in England. Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Velasquez are just some of the great artists represented here. There are over 250 paintings to enjoy on the three floor tour of the House. In the Private Apartments, the Venetian Room is one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world with 21 pictures of Venice by Canaletto. The paintings were commissioned by the 4th Duke while on The Grand Tour in 1731. The visitor will also see beautiful French and English furniture, a famous collection of Sèvres porcelain, gold and silver.
There are three different ways to enjoy your tour of Woburn Abbey. Visitors may follow the route around the House in their own time , asking questions of the Room Wardens, and referring to the legends in the rooms or the guidebook. There is also an audio tour, with a room by room narration. There is an escort warden on duty, who if available, will be delighted to take visitors around the House, free 
of charge.
The Deer Park and Grounds
The 3,000 acre Deer Park was landscaped by Humphry Repton in the late 18th century. Nine species of deer roam here, including the Milu or Père David deer, who were saved from extinction here at Woburn. As you enter the Park you will pass the splendid range of farm buildings, designed by Robert Salmon and Henry Holland, built in 1780. These incorporate the Bedford Estates Office and the Bloomsbury Stud. The famous purple and white colours of the Bloomsbury Stud have been carried with great success on race courses around the world. To the left you will see the Dairy completed in 1900.The gardens at Woburn were also landscaped by Humphry Repton. His style can be seen in the natural use of the grounds. The gardens contain many rare and champion trees. The private gardens and the Hornbeam Maze are open at certain times throughout the year.
Woburn Safari Park
Woburn Safari Park is an ideal day out for families, who will enjoy the exciting drive through the reserves where some of the world's most exciting animals roam, including lions, tigers, wolves, rhinoceros, elephants, giraffe and many others. The Wild World Leisure Area has a range of attractions including the giant indoor playground Adventure Ark, toddler play areas and the opportunity to encounter some of the animals and birds.
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Opening Times
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(2008 times)
Abbbey Grounds and Deer Park:Daily except 24th to 26th December 10.00am - 17.00. Abbey: 15th March to 28th September: Daily 11.00am - 16.00 Last entry (closes 17.30). |
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Admission Charges
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(2008 prices)
Abbey grounds and Deer Park Only:Car and M/cycle passengers, Cyclists and Pedestrians £2.00 per person. Visitors from Safari Park Free of charge (on production of voucher). Woburn Abbey: Individuals Groups Adults Private Apartments open £10.50 £9.00 Private Apartments closed £10.00 £8.50 Senior Citizens & Students Private Apartments open £9.50 £8.00 Private Apartments closed £9.00 £7.50 Children (5 - 15) £6.00 £5.50; School Parties are charged at the child group rate Disabled Visitors £7.00 £6.00 GUIDED TOURS - Group rates apply to parties of 12 or more people. Tour size is maximum 8 people per guide. Open hours Normal admission price plus £17.50 per guide. Out of hours £18.00 per person. |
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Directions
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| Woburn Abbey is approximately one hour's drive from London, Oxford, Cambridge, Stratford, Birmingham and Leicester. Take exit 13 off the M1 motorway, or leave the A5 at Hockliffe for the A4012. Woburn Abbey is well signed from these locations. |
| Show map of Woburn Abbey... |
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Woburn Abbey Postcode for SatNav: MK17 9WA |
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Nearby Attractions
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Leighton Buzzard Railway
(5 Miles)*
With its sharp curves, its steep gradients, its level crossings and its unique roadside running, the Leighton Buzzard Railway takes you back to a more relaxed age of transport. |
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Ascott
(9 Miles)*
Originally a half-timbered Jacobean farmhouse, Ascott was bought in 1876 by the de Rothschild family and considerably transformed and enlarged. |
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Moot Hall
(9 Miles)*
Elstow Moot Hall (or Green House as it was formerly known) was built in the late 15th century as a market-house in connection with the village fairs. |
| more nearby attractions... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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