Woburn Abbey
One of England's great houses, sitting within its own magnificent parkland and with an exceptional collection of pictures and furniture.
Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Parkland / open spaces
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Picnic area
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
Set in a beautiful 3,000 acre deer park, with 10 species of deer roaming free, Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years. Today it is occupied by the 15th Duke and his family.
Woburn was set out and founded as a Cistercian abbey in 1145. Taken from its monastic residents by Henry VIII and given to John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford, in 1547, it became the seat of the Russell family and the Dukes of Bedford. The Abbey was largely rebuilt starting in 1744 by the architects Henry Flitcroft and Henry Holland for the 4th Duke.
The Abbey lies at the heart of an Estate whose activities are many and varied. Woburn is a special place full of history, ancient tales and beautiful objects.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
The Abbey is currently closed for refurbishment until spring 2025.
We offer a variety of ticket options for every day out, whether you want to take the whole day to explore Woburn Abbey and Gardens, a joint ticket with Woburn Safari Park or simply wish to take a stroll through the beautiful Deer Park.
This house is not part of the Free for Members scheme, but is one of many houses on our website that we support to promote their tours, weddings, filming and other commercial offerings. To see all the places you can visit as a Historic Houses member, please visit our ‘Free for Members’ listings page here. Or to find out more about how the membership scheme works and how it supports our work to protect independent heritage, visit our page here.
Groups of 12 or more visitors can get discounted entry to Woburn Abbey and Gardens when booked in advance. Whether you’re interested in beautiful stately homes, art, history or gardens, there is something for everyone in your party to enjoy.
Our knowledgeable staff will ensure you have a great day out, with guided tours available on request. Enjoy refreshments in The Duchess’ Tearoom and then browse our shop for that special souvenir of your visit.
We offer free admission for a pre-visit recce for group organisers, as well as a number of other benefits.
- Accessible toilets
- Access statement available
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
Getting here
Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA
Woburn Abbey is conveniently located approximately 10 minutes drive from the M1 motorway. If you are using a SatNav, please enter the postcode: MK17 9WA. There is plenty of parking for cars and coaches in our car park adjacent to the Abbey and Gardens.
The most convenient train station for Woburn Abbey is at Flitwick, where there is a taxi rank. Unfortunately there is no public transport to or from Woburn Abbey and Gardens.
By car. When you enter Woburn village, follow the sign to the Abbey down Park Road. You will pass between two gateposts with lions on top. After a couple of minutes you will cross a cattle grid. Turn right immediately after this. You are now on the entrance road to Woburn Abbey, Gardens and Deer Park.
Andrew & Louise Bedford
Welcome to Woburn Abbey which has been the Russell’s family home since the early 17th-century, and ours since December 2002. We hope you will enjoy exploring the beauty and history of The Abbey and its treasures, collected by our ancestors, who were as passionate as we are to share this experience with you. There is always something new happening in the house as we discover more about its history.
The Social History of English Afternoon Tea – Members Lecture
Using vibrant on screen displays, this talk includes the introduction of delicious tea menu items; the customs and etiquette surrounding afternoon tea, and refers to member houses such as Woburn Abbey. The lecture is presented by Gillian Walnes Perry.
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