Groups paying Woburn Abbey a visit this year can enjoy a new exhibition celebrating the bicentennial year of landscape designer Humphry Repton’s work at the attraction.
The Bedfordshire-based abbey will run an exhibition that explores the relationship between Repton and one of his clients, The Duke of Bedford. On public display for the first time will be his elaborate ‘Red Book’, his famous presentation document of proposed designs.
His Red Book for Woburn was commissioned in 1804 and illustrates his innovative plans for the Pleasure Grounds and Park, many of which were subsequently realised by the 6th Duke of Bedford.
In addition, the exhibition will showcase Repton’s other works for the family at the picturesque Devon estate of Endsleigh, Oakley House and Russell Square in London. Groups will be able to see unexecuted designs that have never been seen before, featured alongside works of art and archive treasures, which will visually bring to life the creative legacy of Repton.
There are also a number of linked activities available to groups including guided tours of Repton garden and house.
The abbey will be open from 23rd March until 28th October, and the exhibition will open and close on these dates as well.
More at Woburn for groups
Group travel organisers taking a party to the abbey might like to coincide their visit with the annual Garden Show, to be held on 23rd and 24th June. Garden show only visits will be charged the Garden Show group rate entry. However, groups visiting the house and gardens during the show will benefit from the regular group rate entry, adding value to an abbey and gardens joint visit during this weekend.
Group booking information
Group discounts apply to parties of 12 or more and visits can be tailored to suit group requirements. Woburn offers guided tours of the abbey and/or gardens, a joint visit with Woburn Safari Park or Bletchley Park, out of hour’s experiences and free flow visits.
For more information visit www.woburnabbey.co.uk.
(Photo credit: VisitEngland and Woburn Safari Park).
