Woburn Abbey & Safari Park

Introduction

Woburn Abbey is one of the 10 Treasure Houses of England, and therefore one of the grandest stately homes in the country.

The history of Woburn starts in 1145, when Cistercian monks founded an abbey there. Henry VIII confiscated the property during the Dissolution of the Monastries, and Edward VI granted the land to Sir John Russell in 1547, later to become Baron Russell and Earl of Bedford.

His descendants became the Dukes of Bedford, and the 4th Duke constructed the present Classical-style palace in 1747. The interior boast luxurious rooms, Huguenot gold and silverwares, paintings by great masters (Reynolds, Gainsborough...), including the Venetian views by Canaletto (1697-1768).

The house is surrounded by by a 1200-hectare park, which counts ten species of deer, including the rare Père David, which became extinct in its Chinese homeland, only to be re-introduced by Lord Tavistock from Woburn stocks in 1985.

Woburn Abbey's Antiques Centre was the first such centre to open outside London in 1967, and remain one of the largest in Britain.

Interesting Facts about Woburn Abbey & Safari Park

• Woburn Safari Park, established in 1970, is the largest drive-through safari park in England, covering 360 acres of parkland on the Woburn Estate.
• The Safari Park was created by the 13th Duke of Bedford as a solution to financial problems and to help restore Woburn Abbey, which had fallen into disrepair after World War II.
• Woburn Abbey has been the family home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is currently occupied by the 15th Duke and his family.
• The concept of the Deer Park at Woburn dates back to 1661, with the earliest recorded presence of Red and Fallow Deer around Woburn Abbey in 1735.
• Woburn Safari Park played a crucial role in saving the Père David's deer from extinction, maintaining the only breeding herd in the world when the species became extinct in its native China.
• During World War II, Woburn Abbey served as the headquarters for the secretive Political Warfare Executive (PWE).
• The Safari Park is home to a variety of species, including southern white rhinos, elephants, tigers, and black bears, allowing visitors to observe them up close from their vehicles.
• Woburn Safari Park is actively involved in conservation efforts, managing breeding programmes for endangered species such as the Mountain Bongo and Rothschild's giraffe.
• The park is the only zoo in the UK to hold Vietnamese Sika Deer, a species that is extinct in the wild.
• In addition to the drive-through safari, Woburn Safari Park features a leisure area with gentle animal encounters, regular lectures, and a miniature railway called the Great Woburn Railway.

History

Woburn Abbey was founded as a Cistercian monastery in 1145 during the reign of King Stephen. The abbey thrived for nearly four centuries before being dissolved in 1543 as part of Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. Following its dissolution, the estate was granted to Sir John Russell by Edward VI in 1547, marking the beginning of its association with the Russell family, who would later become the Dukes of Bedford. Over time, the abbey was transformed into a stately home, renowned for its impressive collection of art, furniture, and ceramics. The surrounding gardens were designed by Humphry Repton in the early 19th century and include features such as a deer park and a Victorian maze.

In 1970, Woburn Safari Park was established on the grounds of Woburn Abbey by the 13th Duke of Bedford and Jimmy Chipperfield. This innovative drive-through wildlife park was created to address financial challenges faced by the estate and restore the abbey after post-war tax pressures had left it in disrepair. The park spans 360 acres and offers visitors the chance to encounter animals such as lions, elephants, rhinos, and tigers roaming freely in large enclosures. It also plays a significant role in wildlife conservation efforts, including successful breeding programmes for endangered species like Pere David's deer and Mongolian wild horses.

Today, Woburn Abbey & Safari Park is a popular tourist destination combining historical grandeur with wildlife adventure. Visitors can explore the stately home’s treasures or embark on a safari experience that showcases over 1,000 animals across expansive parkland. The site also features engaging attractions such as keeper talks, interactive animal encounters, and family-friendly activities like indoor play areas and trails. Together, Woburn Abbey and Safari Park represent a unique blend of heritage and conservation that continues to captivate guests from around the world.

Description

Woburn Abbey is a prime example of Palladian architecture and a treasure trove of art and history. As you approach the estate, you'll be greeted by the sight of the magnificent house nestled within 3,000 acres of picturesque deer park, where herds of nine species of deer roam freely across the undulating landscape.

The house itself is a testament to centuries of aristocratic living, boasting over 20 opulent rooms spread across three floors. As you wander through the State Apartments, you'll be captivated by the stunning original 18th-century architecture and décor. The Dining Room, with its crimson silk damask walls and intricate plasterwork ceiling, offers a glimpse into the sumptuous entertaining that has taken place here over the centuries.

The Abbey houses an impressive art collection, including the largest private collection of Venetian views painted by Canaletto in a single room—the Canaletto Room displays 24 views of Venice, commissioned by the 4th Duke of Bedford during his Grand Tour. Art enthusiasts will also delight in works by renowned artists such as Reynolds, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, and Van Dyck, displayed throughout the Long Gallery and various state rooms.

The Blue Drawing Room, with its delicate blue silk wall coverings and ornate gilded mouldings, houses exceptional French furniture and porcelain. Meanwhile, the Red Drawing Room showcases the family's collection of miniatures and portrait paintings. The magnificent Saloon, with its double-height ceiling and grand proportions, serves as the centrepiece of the house, featuring family portraits and exquisite tapestries.

For those intrigued by precious metals, a visit to the underground vaults is a must. Here, you can marvel at the family's exquisite gold and silver collection, including ornate tableware, ceremonial pieces, and personal items that reflect the wealth and status of the Russell family through the generations. Bibliophiles will find themselves enchanted by The Holland Library, which boasts an extensive collection of natural history books, rare manuscripts, and first editions housed in beautiful mahogany bookcases.

The Abbey's private chapel, with its stained glass windows and carved wooden pews, offers a moment of tranquillity amidst the grandeur. The Chinese Room presents an exceptional collection of Eastern artefacts, including lacquerware, porcelain, and silk paintings, reflecting the 18th-century fascination with chinoiserie.

Woburn Abbey Gardens: A Horticultural Haven

The Abbey's grounds are equally impressive, featuring 28 acres of award-winning historic gardens. These gardens represent the most complete example of landscape designer Humphry Repton's work, offering visitors a delightful blend of formal and natural garden features that have been lovingly restored to reflect his original 'Red Book' designs.

As you explore the gardens, you'll encounter a variety of enchanting spaces. The Camellia House, with its curved greenhouse design, provides a tropical oasis housing rare and exotic specimens, including some of the oldest camellias in the Western world. The structure itself is a marvel of Victorian engineering, with its elegant iron framework and glass panels creating the perfect microclimate for these delicate plants.

The Kitchen Garden offers a glimpse into traditional horticultural practices, with geometric beds filled with heritage vegetables, fruit trees trained against warm brick walls, and fragrant herbs that would have supplied the Abbey's kitchens for centuries. The recently restored Folly adds a touch of romantic whimsy to your stroll, providing a picturesque resting spot with panoramic views across the landscape.

One of the highlights of the gardens is the hornbeam maze, perfect for those who enjoy a playful challenge. Unlike traditional yew mazes, this hornbeam creation offers changing perspectives throughout the seasons, from the bright green of spring to the russet tones of autumn. The Chinese Dairy, overlooking a serene pool, provides an exotic touch to the landscape with its pagoda-style roof and delicate oriental details.

For flower enthusiasts, the herbaceous borders, known as the 'fireworks of the gardens', offer a spectacular display of colours and textures. These carefully planned borders provide visual interest throughout the growing season, from early spring bulbs to late autumn perennials. The Rose Garden presents a feast for the senses, with heritage and modern roses creating waves of colour and perfume during summer months.

Nature lovers will appreciate the woodland garden, where dappled shade creates the perfect environment for collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias, underplanted with swathes of bluebells in spring. The various ponds dotted throughout the grounds attract wildlife and add reflective qualities to the landscape. The Rockery with its pagoda-topped design adds an element of architectural interest to the natural beauty, featuring alpine plants and cascading water features.

The Bog Garden provides a habitat for moisture-loving plants, with boardwalks allowing visitors to get close to the lush vegetation without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. For those seeking tranquillity, the Sensory Garden offers a space designed to stimulate all five senses, with fragrant plants, tactile surfaces, and the gentle sound of water creating a meditative atmosphere.

Deer Park

Woburn Abbey's Deer Park is a stunning 3,000-acre haven, offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery and diverse wildlife. The park is home to an impressive array of deer species, including Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Muntjac, Chinese Water Deer, and the rare Pere David's Deer. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the winding paths, take in the picturesque scenery, or drive through the park for a closer look at these majestic creatures. The park's tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and families alike, with opportunities for photography and wildlife watching. Additionally, the nearby Woburn Abbey, with its historic gardens and architecture, adds to the charm of this enchanting location.

Woburn Safari Park

Like Longleat House in Wiltshire, Woburn has developed its own Safari Park. If Longleat was the first of its kind, Woburn is now the largest drive-through animal reserve in the UK, spreading over 360-acre, and has rhinos, hippos, elephants, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, lions, tigers, wolves, black bears and monkeys. The park is divided into two main sections: the Road Safari and the Foot Safari, each offering unique wildlife encounters in naturalistic settings.

In the Road Safari, you'll drive through various zones designed to mimic different habitats from around the world. The Northern Plains showcase Chapman's zebras, North American bison, and Bactrian camels coexisting in a landscape reminiscent of the great steppes. The striking black and white stripes of the zebras contrast beautifully with the russet coats of the bison, creating a photographer's paradise.

As you venture into the Savannah Grasslands, you'll encounter Southern white rhinos, elands, and ostriches roaming freely across 40 acres of land. These magnificent creatures can be observed engaging in natural behaviours, from the graceful galloping of the elands to the curious approach of a rhino investigating passing vehicles. The park's successful breeding programme for Southern white rhinos represents an important contribution to conservation efforts for this near-threatened species.

The Kingdom of the Carnivores provides thrilling close encounters with Amur tigers, North American black bears, and African lions. The tigers' enclosure features deep pools where these naturally water-loving cats can often be seen swimming—a rare sight in most wildlife parks. The lion pride is particularly impressive, with males sporting magnificent manes as they patrol their territory or lounge in the shade during the heat of the day.

In Giraffe Junction, you'll be delighted by the sight of towering Rothschild's giraffes and rare species like the Somali wild ass. The giraffes' graceful movements and gentle curiosity make them particular favourites among visitors, especially when they stretch their long necks to peer into vehicle windows. The Monkey Jungle houses various primate species, including Barbary macaques and Patas monkeys, known for their playful antics and occasional interest in car windscreen wipers!

After your drive-through adventure, the Foot Safari allows for a more intimate animal experience. Here, you can observe playful lemurs in their walk-through enclosure, where these charismatic primates from Madagascar might leap overhead as you stroll along the pathways. The Australian Walkabout lets you mingle with Bennett's wallabies and emus in an environment reminiscent of the Outback.

The park's penguin colony provides entertaining displays as these aquatic birds dart through the water with astonishing agility. The endangered red panda, with its striking russet fur and adorable appearance, can be spotted among the trees in its specially designed habitat. The Foot Safari also houses several smaller species, including meerkats standing sentinel on their lookout posts, playful Asian short-clawed otters diving for fish, and various primates swinging through their tropical enclosures.

The Desert Springs area showcases creatures adapted to arid environments, including fennec foxes with their oversized ears and porcupines with their impressive quills. The Reptile House offers close encounters with snakes, lizards, and tortoises from around the world, while the Butterfly House provides a magical experience as hundreds of colourful specimens flutter around visitors.

For those seeking more active pursuits, the park offers a high ropes course where adventurous visitors can navigate obstacles while enjoying treetop views of the animals below. Boat rides on Swan Lake provide a peaceful perspective of the park's waterways and their inhabitants, including graceful swans and various waterfowl. The miniature railway winds its way through specially designed landscapes, offering rest for tired legs while still enjoying wildlife sightings.

Educational talks and feeding demonstrations throughout the day provide insights into the animals' natural behaviours, conservation status, and the park's involvement in breeding programmes for endangered species. These sessions offer fascinating facts about the residents and highlight the important role that modern zoological collections play in wildlife conservation.

Getting There

To reach Woburn Abbey, located in Central Bedfordshire, you have several options. By car, it is conveniently situated about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway. Simply enter the postcode MK17 9WA into your SatNav and follow the signs to the Abbey once you enter Woburn village. For those using public transport, the nearest train station is Flitwick, which is about 50 minutes from London King's Cross. From Flitwick, you will need to take a taxi to Woburn Abbey as there are no direct buses. Alternatively, you can use local buses such as the 47, FL12, or 49, which stop near Woburn village, requiring a short walk to the Abbey.

Best Time to Visit

Visiting Woburn Abbey is best done during the warmer months when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is favourable. However, please note that Woburn Abbey itself is currently closed until spring 2025 for renovations. The surrounding estate, including the 3,000-acre deer park, remains accessible year-round, offering a serene backdrop for walks. For those interested in the safari park, it is open daily from February, with operating hours typically from 9:30 AM to 4 PM, though these may vary depending on weather conditions. The safari park offers an exciting drive-through experience with a diverse range of animals, making it an ideal visit for families and wildlife enthusiasts.