Your Guide to Woburn Abbey

Woburn Abbey first opened to the public in 1955 and has welcomed visitors from all over the globe. The house is currently closed in order to undergo a large scale refurbishment programme and will re-open in spring 2021.

Image for Woburn Abbey Today The 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford

400 years of history

The Abbey has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford, one of England's most powerful families, since the 1620s. It is currently the home of the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford and their children. Russell family members have included Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, Lord High Admirals and philosophers over the centuries and provide a direct link to the events of the past that shaped the England of today. 

> Our Family Tree

Image for Woburn Abbey Today One of our views of Venice by Canaletto

Over 250 works of art

Woburn Abbey houses an outstanding collections of art works which will be once again be on display from spring 2021. These include:

  • The largest private collection of Venetian views painted by Canaletto on public view
  • The Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I
  • Artists such as Gainsborough, Rembrandt, Reynolds, and Van Dyck
  • Artworks by Queen Victoria and Richard Stone

> Art and the Collection

Image for Woburn Abbey Today The Grotto

Unique rooms within the Abbey

The splendid rooms include:

  • The unique Grotto which dates from the 1630s
  • The State Apartments with original 18th-century architecture
  • The Holland Library which is one of the largest private libraries with an extensive collection of natural history books
  • Underground vaults housing the family's gold and silver collection
  • The Chinese Room with its decorative wallpaper

> Must See Treasures

Image for Woburn Abbey Today Woburn Abbey is an example of Palladian architecture

At The Heart of an English Palladian Home

The Abbey has been at the centre of social and political history which includes tales of political reform, Royal State visits, imprisonment, beheading, grand tours, love affairs and more. Famous house guests have included monarchs, politicians, leading naturalists, famous designers, architects and adventurers. 

> Our Timeline

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Events & Exhibitions

Image for Major Collaboration Between The Queen’s House, Greenwich and Woburn Abbey

Major Collaboration Between The Queen’s House, Greenwich and Woburn Abbey

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The Queen’s House in Greenwich, in partnership with Woburn Abbey, has opened Woburn Treasures (13 February 2020 – 17 January 2021), a major collaboration which will see significant works from the private art collection of The Duke and Duchess of Bedford on show in the Queen’s House.
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Image for Carriage Tours with Afternoon Tea

Carriage Tours with Afternoon Tea

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Step back in time at Woburn Abbey with a horse drawn carriage tour along the tracks used by the Dukes of Bedford since the 17th century. This unique, unforgettable experience begins with welcome refreshments and a fascinating talk about Woburn's bygone era.
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Image for Woburn Abbey Garden Show 2020

Woburn Abbey Garden Show 2020

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Celebrating the intrinsic relationship between humans and horticulture, the theme for this year’s Garden Show is The Plant Connection. Taking place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2020 in beautifully landscaped gardens, the show promises to be the highlight of the horticulturalists’ calendar.
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Image for Off Road Deer Park Tours

Off Road Deer Park Tours

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Join the Deer Keepers for a 1.5 hour tour of the Woburn Abbey Deer Park where you will be able to get up close to the beautiful deer.
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