Woburn
is most widely known for its twin attractions of Woburn Abbey and Woburn Safari
Park, but the village itself deserves some attention. There are over 200 listed
buildings in the village, most of the Georgian period. 
The village has made a concerted effort to maintain an atmosphere of Georgian elegance, which is evident in the collection of shops selling gifts and antiques. Old St. Mary's church houses a small heritage centre which tells the story of the village and its famous landlords, the Dukes of Bedford.
A more modern piece of ecclesiastical architecture is St. Mary the Virgin, built by the 8th Duke of Bedford in 1865-68. The church originally had a tower, but this proved unsafe and was removed in 1890.
St.
Mary's takes its inspiration from the French Gothic style, but is blessedly
restrained - at least by the standards of Victorian mock-Gothic. Note the gargoyles
and other strange creatures peering from the tower.
Woburn
Abbey is a place where Visitors can experience living history. The Russell family
has lived in Woburn for almost 450 years and it is still their family home.
Successive Earls and Dukes of Bedford have, 
with
their love of art, created one of the finest private collections in England.
This includes Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Velasquez. These are just
some of the great artists represented here. There are over 250 paintings to
enjoy in the Abbey. In the Private Apartments, the Venetian Room is one of the
most beautiful dining rooms in the world with 21 pictures of Venice by Canaletto.
The paintings were commissioned by the 4th Duke while on The Grand Tour in 1731.
Woburn Safari Park is the largest drive-through safari park in England, Woburn provides an opportunity to study African wildlife close at hand - through a car window. Lions, and tigers roam through the park, and visitors can also try their hands at feeding nectar to lorikeets in the glass aviary.
This
is the hotel where Zoe is still working
how many good memories!
