Woburn
Woburn is a delightful Bedfordshire village which manages to pack an impressive amount into a relatively small area. At its heart is the village itself, with attractive Georgian buildings, traditional pubs, independent shops and a pleasantly unhurried atmosphere. It is the sort of place that rewards simply wandering around rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.
The village's fortunes have been closely linked to the Dukes of Bedford for centuries, and the great attraction just outside it is Woburn Abbey. Although the present house is largely an 18th-century creation, its origins go back to the 12th century when it was founded as a Cistercian monastery. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, it became the home of the Russell family, later the Dukes of Bedford.
The Abbey contains an impressive collection of art, furniture and historic treasures, while the surrounding grounds are every bit as important. The gardens include formal areas, woodland and landscaped parkland, making it an excellent place for a stroll. It is a grand country estate in the traditional English manner, but with the added attraction of some rather more exotic inhabitants.
The Woburn Deer Park surrounds the Abbey and has been home to deer for centuries. Several species roam freely across the extensive parkland, including red and fallow deer, and seeing these magnificent animals in such a setting is one of the pleasures of visiting Woburn. The park itself is wonderfully atmospheric, with ancient trees and open countryside providing a classic English landscape.Then, for something considerably less sedate, there is the Woburn Safari Park. Opened in 1970, it was one of the first drive-through safari parks in Britain and remains one of Woburn's major attractions. You can drive through large enclosures where animals roam freely, including lions, tigers, giraffes, elephants, bears and various species of deer and antelope. It is a very different experience from a conventional zoo, particularly when you find yourself sharing the road with animals that clearly have no understanding of the Highway Code.
Woburn therefore offers a rather unusual combination: a charming historic village, a magnificent aristocratic estate, a huge deer park and a safari park all within a few miles of each other.
For a relatively small corner of Bedfordshire, Woburn certainly punches above its weight. Whether your interest is history, gardens, wildlife or simply enjoying a traditional English village, there is plenty here to keep you occupied for a very good day out.
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