Woburn Abbey

Historic Houses & Building

Set in a beautiful 3,000 acre deer park

Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years. It is now lived in by the present Duke's heir, the Marquess of Tavistock and his family. One of the most important private art collections in the world can be seen here, including paintings by Van Dyck, Cuyp, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Velazquez. In the Venetian Room there are 21 views of Venice by Canaletto. The collection also features French and English 18th century furniture and silver. The tour of the Abbey covers three floors, including vaults, where the fabulous SŠvres dinner service presented to the 4th Duke by Louis XV of France is on display. The deer park has nine species of deer roaming freely. One of these, the PŠre David, descended from the Imperial Herd of China, was saved from extinction at Woburn and is now the largest breeding herd of this species in the world. In 1985 22 PŠre David were given by the Family to the People's Republic of China and these are now successfully re-established in their natural habitat and number several hundred. All catering is carried out by ourselves with banqueting, conferences, receptions and company days out our specialities in the beautiful setting of the Sculpture Gallery, overlooking the Private Gardens. It is also a popular choice for wedding receptions and a Civil Wedding Licence is held. There are extensive picnic areas. Events are held in the Park throughout the summer including the Woburn Garden Show, Craft Fairs and the annual fly-in of the de Havilland Moth Club. The 40-shop Antique Centre is probably the most unusual such centre outside London. OPENING TIMES 1 January - 20 March Abbey: weekends only 11am - 4pm* Deer Park: Daily 10.30am - 3.45pm 21 March - 26 September Abbey: Mon - Sat: 11am - 4pm* Sun & BHs: 11am - 5pm Deer Park: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4.30pm Sun & BHs: 10am - 4.45pm 2 Oct - 31 Oct Abbey: Sat: 11am - 4pm* Sun: 11am - 5pm Deer Park: Sat: 10.30am - 3.45pm Sun: 10.30am - 4.45pm Abbey closed: 1 Nov - 31 De