Wonderful Woburn!

As the weather (hopefully) brightens up and we all feel a bit more of a spring in our step, the forthcoming events at the Abbey will pique your interest in getting out and about with the family.

Easter weekend will see three famous characters from the Abbey’s past – Lord George William Russell, Duchess Anna Maria and Duchess Mary ‘the flying duchess’ – brought to life to tell visitors their stories.

Lord George William served with Sir Arthur Wellesley, the future Duke of Wellington, while the great British custom of taking Afternoon Tea is credited to Duchess Anna Maria, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria.

She who was ‘not amused’ was keen to combat ‘that sinking feeling’ between lunch and supper – hence a cuppa and some dainty morsels.

Meanwhile, qualified theatre nurse Duchess Mary developed her love of flying in her 60s, set and broke flight records and then vanished in 1937.

The trio will entertain visitors and show you around the great house.

Art lovers can amuse themselves with the world renowned art collections, which span three floors and include paintings by Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Reynolds and Van Dyk, not to mention the stunnning collection of Canaletto’s.

Youngsters will be keen to know that this year’s Easter egg trail will be held in the Abbey Gardens from Good Friday (29 March) to Easter Monday (1 April) between 10am until 5pm.

Later in the season, car enthusiasts will flock to the Abbey for the return of the Bedfordshire Classic Motor Show.

A stunning display of classic cars and lots of fun activities ensure the perfect family day out, from 10am until 6pm.

Looking even further ahead, plan to attend the country fair on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June – a weekend full of opportunities to experience and try out different country pursuits in the Abbey’s beautiful grounds.

For more information call 01525 290333, email [email protected] or visit www.woburn.co.uk/abbey