Woburn Abbey and Gardens

Woburn Abbey and Gardens Woburn Abbey and Gardens are currently closed for a major refurbishment project.
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Woburn Abbey has been the home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years and is still very much a family home.

Colourful skies over the grounds.This summer has brought some unforgettable sunsets across the estate. Here are a few fa...
26/08/2026

Colourful skies over the grounds.

This summer has brought some unforgettable sunsets across the estate. Here are a few favourites, captured by our team.

The recent dry weather is resulting in parterres and parchmarks showing up across the country ... and it is happening at...
21/08/2026

The recent dry weather is resulting in parterres and parchmarks showing up across the country ... and it is happening at Woburn Abbey, too!

First, Chatsworth House shared traces of its ‘lost’ 17th century gardens, then Blenheim Palace published their hidden 18th century parterre. Since then, photographs of parterres and parchmarks have been shared far and wide - not to be missed are those at Longleat.

So, what has the prolonged hot, dry weather revealed in Woburn ... drumroll, please!

Drone footage has been captured which shows where the historic steps and terraces along the walled garden previously existed. These lines to the west of Woburn Abbey relate to the 1661 gardens as shown on the Jonas Moore survey (the map shown here forms part of that survey).

For added value, we have also included a description of Woburn Abbey and its gardens, circa 1695, from the diary of English traveller and writer Celia Fiennes (1662-1741), “Through England on a Side Saddle” (Page 97). In this extract, she speaks of the steps within the Abbey grounds.

These gardens look quite different to the ones we have at Woburn today. The boundaries of the gardens to the west of the Abbey, which can be observed through the parchmarks seen here, were all swept away by Wriothesley, 2nd Duke of Bedford, in around 1709. The house itself was also developed over the course of the 18th century.

Afternoon Tea: The legacy of Duchess Anna Maria RussellThis Afternoon Tea Week, we’re raising a china cup to Duchess Ann...
15/08/2026

Afternoon Tea: The legacy of Duchess Anna Maria Russell

This Afternoon Tea Week, we’re raising a china cup to Duchess Anna Maria Russell (1783-1857), wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who is fondly remembered for popularising this tradition - and for making Woburn Abbey "The Home of Afternoon Tea".

The habit of drinking tea in the afternoon was already a familiar custom in the Duchess’s family, so when she married Francis, the Marquess of Tavistock (later 7th Duke of Bedford) in 1808, it is unsurprising that she continued with this pastime.

Her lifelong friendship with Queen Victoria and her position at Court, where she served as Lady of the Bedchamber from 1837 to 1841, helped the custom spread far beyond the walls of Woburn Abbey.

The ritual of drinking tea became so important, that in her Coronation Year of 1837, Queen Victoria granted Twinings UK their first Royal Warrant for tea. In appointing Twinings as supplier of teas to her household, she ensured a plentiful supply to the Palace for afternoon tea and beyond.

09/08/2026

Restoration is a collective effort - guided by expertise, patience, and care.

A great number of professionals, skilled in various heritage crafts have been involved in this project, including Janet Carey Gold Gilders

Over the past five years, Janet has been carefully reapplying gold leaf to ceilings, shutters, skirting boards and more through the Abbey, renewing their brilliance for centuries to come.

Nature has been putting on quite the show in the Gardens. 🌼🦋🐝🦉From fluffy ducklings meandering among the lily pads to bu...
05/08/2026

Nature has been putting on quite the show in the Gardens. 🌼🦋🐝🦉

From fluffy ducklings meandering among the lily pads to butterflies drifting between blooms, busy bumblebees gathering nectar and tawny owls captured on trail cameras in the Estate woodland, every corner is alive with the sights and sounds of summer.🌿

31/07/2026

A moment to pause and enjoy the season.

As summer unfolds across the Woburn Estate, each week brings something new. Borders bursting into bloom, the lakes offering a welcome retreat for the deer, golden hours and spectacular sunsets.

Here's a look at summer in the grounds so far.

27/07/2026

They may be easy to overlook, but the Abbey's lead hoppers and downpipes are some of its hardest-working features.

Repaired as part of the new roof installation, they've been carefully adapted to improve drainage while preserving the character and craftsmanship of the original design.

Beautiful to look at, essential for protecting the Abbey.

One of the many privileges of working on the Woburn Estate is sharing it with some of its most iconic residents.Woburn's...
23/07/2026

One of the many privileges of working on the Woburn Estate is sharing it with some of its most iconic residents.

Woburn's commitment to deer conservation dates back to the 19th century, and today the Estate remains home to a number of deer species, each playing a part in its rich natural heritage.

Here are a few photographs captured by the team this month.

19/07/2026

Summer is in full bloom in Woburn Abbey's Gardens 🌸

From vibrant borders to delicate petals, the gardens are bursting with colour as they continue to be lovingly cared for ahead of our exciting reopening next summer.

We are so excited at the prospect of welcoming visitors back to wander these historic grounds once more. Until then, we hope you will enjoy this little collection of some of the beautiful blooms currently flourishing within the grounds.

The blue hour on the Woburn Estate.Before the sun comes up, the landscape looks a little different in the Deer Park. Mis...
15/07/2026

The blue hour on the Woburn Estate.

Before the sun comes up, the landscape looks a little different in the Deer Park. Mist settles across the park, the deer are often out, and the morning light creates moments like this.

Captured by a member of our team, this photograph offers a glimpse of the grounds at an hour that few people get to experience.

Address

1/2 Mile From The Village Of Which Interstate 13 Miles Southwest Of Bedford
Woburn
MK179WA

Telephone

01525 290333

Website

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