Place to visit

Rates

please contact for admission rates.

Opening times

please contact for opening hours.

Telephone

01525 290666

Description

Set in a beautiful 3,000 acre deer park, Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Russell Family for nearly 400 years and is now occupied by the 15th Duke of Bedford and his family. The Abbey houses one of the most important private art collections in the world including paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds, Van Dyck and Cuyp. There is a fine collection of 21 views of Venice by Canaletto in the Dining Room. The tour of the Abbey covers 3 floors, including the vaults, with 18th Century French and English furniture and silver and a wide range of porcelain on display. Amongst the highlights is the Sevres dinner service presented to the 4th Duke by Louis XV of France. Woburn Abbey is also the setting for the origin of "Afternoon Tea", a social tradition introduced in the late 1840's by Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke, when she entertained her friends in the Blue Drawing Room. Woburn Abbey is also noted for its excellent and unique Antiques Centre with over 65 shops and showcases in an 18th century setting, offering a vast range of quality antiques. The Sculpture Gallery overlooking the Private Gardens provides a splendid setting for Weddings and Wedding Receptions (We hold a Civil Wedding Licence) and also specialises in banqueting, conferences, receptions and company days.

Location

Woburn is approximately 1 hour's drive from London, Oxford, Cambridge, Stratford, Birmingham and Leicester. M1 motorway to junction 13 and follow signs for Woburn and the A4012. Address: Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA Telephone +44 (0) 1525 290333 Fax +44 (0) 1525 290271 Email: admissions@woburnabbey.co.uk Website: www.discoverwoburn.co.uk