Group Visits 2016

woburnabbey.co.uk

A DEDICATED GROUPS CO-ORDINATOR

As Groups Co-ordinator, I will make booking your visit to Woburn Abbey and Gardens effortless. I will help you with everything from standard admission to bespoke private dining experiences. You will only ever have one point of contact throughout the process - giving you more time to focus on enjoying a day out with your group.

For more information or to discuss your booking, please contact me on 01525 292101 or email lisa.weaver@woburn.co.uk.

Lisa Weaver

Visit Woburn Abbey and Gardens to discover the history of Afternoon Tea, enjoy priceless treasures, uncover fascinating stories and stroll through beautiful gardens. Begin your visit with a two-mile drive through our deer park, where nine species roam freely.

Group booking benef its include:

* Discounted entry * ‘Meet and Greet’ service* Free parking* Free group organiser pre-visit and entry* A £10 refreshment voucher for the driver* Options for talks and guided tours* Discounts for pre-booked refreshments and meals

WELCOME

Accessibil ity: Within Woburn Abbey there are f ive rooms on the ground floor that are wheelchair accessible. Rooms on the f irst floor and underground levels require the use of stairs. Upstairs, seating is provided in many of the rooms for visitors who may need to take a break during their tour of the Abbey. Ground floor guided tours can be arranged.

WOBURN ABBEY

Discover Woburn Abbey, the historic family home of the Earls and Dukes of Bedford for nearly 400 years. Discover our tales of imprisonment, beheadings, love affairs, grand tours, political reform and Royal visits.

Explore the family’s fascinating stories set against the backdrop of over 250 works of art displayed in more than 20 rooms.

Find out how Woburn came to display the largest collection of Venetian views by Canaletto; what was so extraordinary about Duchess Mary; the history behind the extensive silver and gold collections and Sèvres porcelain gift service; see the rooms Queen Victoria used when she

Alternatively, take a guided tour to reveal further secrets of the history, the family and the extensive collections. Tours last approximately 1½ hours and can be tailored to your group’s interests.

Visitors should allow at least one hour to explore the house.

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stayed here and where former Prime Minister John Russell wrote his speeches.

ABBEY GARDENS

Accessibil ity: There are a number of different path surfaces, including gravel, paving and grass. The majority of these are traversable in a wheelchair and a map can be provided showing accessible routes. We welcome assistance dogs within the Gardens. For visitors with visual impairments, you may like to download our free audio tour to an MP3 player prior to your visit or why not book a guided tour?

Explore 28 award-winning acres, inspired by the designs of landscape gardener, Humphry Repton, and developed by our dedicated team. of gardeners.

Explore the elegant horticultural designs, woodland glades and wild biodiversity areas. Discover the tropical Camellia House and take in the splendid views from the Rockery Pavilion.

now combined with an exciting 3D cinema (seperate charge).

Take a tour of the gardens with one of our RHS qualified gardeners. Choose from a standard tour, behind the scenes, Repton’s Red Book tour or explore the history of the gardens. Tours last 1½ hours and are on foot.

Alternatively, enjoy a Practical Garden Tour. This 1½ hour tour includes an introduction to the gardens as well as a hands on session on ‘Pruning and Propagation’ or ‘Kitchen Gardening’.

Explorers and animal lovers will want to take advantage of the great value ‘Woburn Experience’ ticket. This gives you a chance to discover both Woburn Safari Park and Woburn Abbey and Gardens on your visit .

At Woburn Safari Park, travel through grasslands teeming with extraordinary wildlife and spot carnivorous predators before you journey through jungles and forests inhabited by troops of monkeys - all from the comfort of your coach! Once on foot you can visit Elephant Meadow where you’ll be close enough to touch, then take your seat in Sea Lion Cove for the indoor sea lion show, now combined with an exciting 3D cinema (additional

charge applies).

There is a full programme of keeper talks, feeding times and demonstrations where you will learn more about our endangered animals and our conservation work. Book a Tour Guide to join you on your coach and find out so much more about the animals in the Road Safari. The drive through the Road Safari will take approximately 1 hour.

WOBURN SAFARI PARK

now combined with an exciting 3D cinema (seperate charge).

Minimum group of 15 is required for the Woburn Experience visit .The entire group must visit both Woburn Abbey and Woburn Safari Park together; the group cannot be dropped separately at each site. You must travel in one vehicle around the Safari Park. This must be your own booked vehicle; transport is not available on site. No animals are permitted at the Safari Park.

THE DUCHESS’ TEA ROOM

On arrival, choose from a selection of teas and coffees, complemented by a variety of cakes and biscuits. Fancy something a little more substantial? Then opt for a freshly prepared Cream Tea. The English social custom of Afternoon Tea was popularised in the 1840s by Duchess Anna Maria, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey. Be part of this continuing tradition and try an indulgent Duchess Anna Maria Afternoon Tea: a selection of homemade cakes, sandwiches and scones with jams and clotted cream, served with your choice of tea or coffee.

Tea/Coffee with Homemade Biscuits £3.00Cream Tea £5 .75Duchess Anna Maria Afternoon Tea £14.25

During your visit enjoy a delicious lunch and select from a range of hot and cold meal options. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Soup and Sandwiches (including Tea/Coffee) £8.50Two Course Lunch (including Tea/Coffee) £15.25

Full Duchess’ Tea Room Groups menu is available upon request.

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THE WOBURN HOTEL

The Woburn Hotel is located at the heart of Woburn village.

Need more than a day? Book overnight accommodation at The Woburn Hotel. With 55 bedrooms and an award-winning restaurant, it effortlessly combines courteous service with modern comfort and facilities. Visit www.thewoburnhotel.co.uk for more information or contact our Groups Co-ordinator.

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We can also provide catering for your group at The Woburn Hotel. Start your visit with tea and coffee, stop off for lunch or finish your day with a delicious Afternoon Tea.

Tea/Coffee with Biscuits £3.25Two Course Lunch £21.95Afternoon Tea £17.25

A BESPOKE VISITWe can tailor any visit to your group’s exact needs. You can combine the elements outlined below in any way you wish. Call our dedicated Groups Co-ordinator who will assist you in planning a day to meet your requirements. Prices are valid for any booking to take place during 2016.

Abbey and Gardens Gardens OnlyAdult £13.00 £5 .75Concession £11 .50 £4 .75Child (3 - 15 years) £6.50 £3.50Child Under 3 FREE FREE

Guided Tours (in addition to admission)Abbey Guided Tour £5 .00 per personGardens Guided Tour £5 .00 per personPractical Garden Tour £10.00 per personVIP Garden Tour £50.00 per personSafari Guide £75.00 per guide

Terms and Conditions: Discounted entry is available for groups of 12 or more to Woburn Abbey & Gardens or groups of 15 or more to Woburn Safari Park. All group visits must be pre-booked. Payment can be taken upon arrival via cash, cheque, credit or debit card or invoiced before or after the visit.

Please contact us to discuss admission rates and accessibility for visitors with disabilities and their carers. Woburn Abbey reserves the right to alter dates, times and prices, facilities and items on display for any reason without prior notice. Dogs are allowed in the Deer Park but not within the Abbey Grounds or Gardens (except assistance dogs) and must be kept on a lead at all times. All details are correct at time of printing.

Woburn Abbey 2016 Opening Times The house opens at 11am with last entry at 4pm, closes at 5pm

Gardens 2016 Opening TimesDuring the Main Season the gardens are open daily from 10am with last entry at 5pm, closes 6pm.

During the Winter Season the gardens are open Fridays to Sundays from 10am with last entry at 4pm, closes 5pm (or dusk whichever occurs earliest)

2016 dates to be confirmed, please contact the Groups Co-ordinator for further information.

SUGGESTED PACK AGESTavistock

Relax with tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, then experience a private tour of the Abbey before it is open to the public. Enjoy a sumptuous Afternoon Tea and tour the gardens with one of our RHS qualified gardeners. £52.25 per adult

Russell

Make your way around the Abbey in your own time. Join one of our gardeners for a guided tour of the gardens before finishing your day with a cream tea at The Duchess’ Tea Room.

Adult £23.75 / Concession £22.25 / Child (3 - 15 years) £17.25

Howland

Start your day with tea, coffee and biscuits before you discover the Abbey. Space will be reserved, in our tea room, for a delicious lunch of soup and sandwiches. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful gardens. Choose from a guided tour of either the Abbey or Gardens.

Adult £29.50 / Concession £28.00 / Child (3 - 15 years) £23.00

Woburn Experience

For a great value day out, purchase a joint entry ticket for Woburn Safari Park and Woburn Abbey and Gardens.

Adult £26.99 / Concession £23.99 / Child (3 - 15 years) £16.99

EXPLORE THE GROUNDSEnjoy Our EventsWoburn Abbey and Gardens provide a magnificent backdrop for a myriad of events throughout the year, including classic car shows, open air theatre, gardening study days and the annual Woburn Abbey Garden Show.

Group rates are available for our Woburn events held each year. Please contact our Groups Co-ordinator. For up to date listings please visitwww.woburnabbey.co.uk/events.

Gif t Shop and PotteryEntry to Woburn Abbey and Gardens includes the exhibition rooms, The Duchess’ Tea Rooms, The Duchess’ Shop and The Pottery.

Browse our shops and discover our unique range of books, accessories, homewares, food and drink inspired by the gardens, house and collections.

Woburn Abbey Garden Show Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June 2016

Bring your group to ‘The Gardener’s Garden Show’. Specialist stalls, talks, demonstrations and more all set within our award-winning gardens.

Groups: Adult £8.65 Concession £7.65 Child (3-15 years) £3.65

The Sculpture GalleryThe Sculpture Gallery is available for private functions and events offering a unique dining experience or meeting room for your group.We can cater for groups of 12 to 248 people.

TESTIMONIALS

Just want to say a big ‘THANK YOU’ to you and the staff at Woburn. We all thoroughly enjoyed our day out yesterday and no matter which member of staff any of us approached either in the house, the cafe or the Safari Park, everyone showed nothing but kindness and consideration. I completely understand why you won the award for being coach friendly. You can all give yourselves a pat on the back from TESCO RSA Group 14.

Jean Feiven, Tesco RSA Group 14

As an attraction, places only have one chance to make a first impression and my first impression of Woburn Abbey was as an exceptionally coach friendly place to visit . It is a lovely building, set in a beautiful location and I have already endorsed Woburn Abbey to group organisers, my colleagues and drivers alike. Anyone visiting, by coach, can have peace of mind in knowing that a visit to Woburn Abbey will be a well-received visit with great facilities and exceptionally hospitable members of staff who go out of their way to be friendly, informative and professional.

James White, Coach Driver with Brookline Coaches

AWARD-WINNINGWoburn Abbey and Gardens were the proud winners of ‘Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction of the Year’ at the National Coach Tourism Awards 2014. This recognises a visitor attraction that demonstrates a commitment to welcoming coaches, coach groups, and coach drivers.

Just a note to say how much my group enjoyed our visit to Woburn. As a Tour Manager the meet and greet welcome that you gave to my party was much appreciated, and then when you came on board to say good-bye that was the tops. These small things that you do make a group feel special and not just part of an-other coach party. I most certainly will have no hesitation in bringing or recommending groups visiting Woburn.

Richard Ormondroyd, Tour Manager, Hanson Exclusives -Luxury Escorted Tours

Free Coach Parking is located alongside our main car park. Please follow the signs to the main entrance to Woburn Abbey and Gardens where our team will look after you.

Find us

Woburn is approximately one hour from London, Birmingham, Oxford and Cambridge, located just off junction 12 or 13 of the M1.

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Birmingham

London & South

Luton Airport

Woburn Abbey and Gardens

Ampthill

MiltonKeynes

OXFORD

BEDFORD and

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge

LondonOxford

A5

A5

A421

A421

A421

A507

A4146 A5130

A4012

A421

A4012

Birmingham& North

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12Woburn Safari Park

Flitwick

WoburnVillage

The WoburnHotel

Woburn Abbey, Woburn, Bedfordshire, MK17 9WA

Contact us

01525 290333 (switchboard)

01525 292101 (direct)

lisa.weaver@woburn.co.uk

Find out more

www.woburnabbey.co.uk

@Woburn_Abbey@woburngardeners