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Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
It is set in 3,000 acres of beautiful gardens complete with a deer park and fabulous buildings and really is a must-see if you find yourself in Bedfordshire. The abbey has been home to the Dukes of Bedford for more than 300 years and is now occupied by the 15th Duke and his family. There are many things to do at the Abbey: if the weather is nice maybe a picnic lunch in the stunning grounds watching some of the ten species of deer, or you can join one of the tours looking at the many paintings collected at the Abbey, including those by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Van Dyck and Cuyp. There is also a fabulous Tea Room where you can enjoy traditional afternoon tea in true English style and the Woburn at War exhibition, which illustrates the impact of wars on Woburn Abbey.
Woburn Abbey, occupying the east of the village of Woburn, Bedfordshire, England, is a country house, the family seat of the Duke of Bedford. Although it is still a family home to the current duke, it is open on specified days to visitors, along with the diverse estate surrounding it, including the historic landscape gardens and deer park, as well as more recently added attractions including Woburn Safari Park, a miniature railway and a garden/visitor centre. It was built by William Russell, 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Alms houses built in 1762 and rebuilt 1850.
An amazing safari adventure where you might least expect it! Drive around in your own car (no dogs). Experience the beauty of wild animals up close and personal... but watch out for those mischievous monkeys! Aside from seeing sea lions, birds of prey, elephants, giraffes, tigers, lynxes, penguins and snakes, to name but a few, you can also book a special experience: VIP Tour with a Ranger, walk with elephants or breakfast with the carnivores. There is also the Great Woburn Railway, Swan Boats and the Mammoth Play Ark to keep you and your family occupied.