This Easter holiday (from Friday 30th March) Woburn Abbey and Gardens is inviting families to unleash their inner explorers to discover wildlife and historic features across 28-acres of pristine gardens, originally designed by 18th century landscape gardener Humphry Repton.
Recognised as the first person to invent and use the title ‘landscape gardener’, Repton regarded himself as the rightful successor to Lancelot ‘Capability Brown’.
His bicentenary is marked by the launch of a special exhibition this month, which visitors can enjoy until 28th October 2018.
Repton Children’s trail: Explorers of all ages can enjoy an Easter adventure to discover several species of deer and Repton garden features such as the folly grotto, the cone house, the menagerie and the striking Chinese-style pavilion, all of which have been restored to their former glory by the present Duke and Duchess of Bedford.
Kids can hop, skip and jump their way around the gardens, following the trail of puzzles, fun-filled games and a chance to have their picture taken posing as Repton himself with a life-size cut out.
Budding landscape designers can use their creativity to draw their own garden designs and children will be paid 5 (chocolate) guineas for their efforts – the price that Repton charged for a day’s work!
Humphry Repton: Art & Nature for the Duke of Bedford”: After the fun in the gardens, the whole family can learn all about Repton and his legacy at Woburn in a new exhibition on his work in the Abbey (recently opened by Alan Titchmarsh).
On public display for the first time is his most elaborate and comprehensive ‘Red Book’ of proposed designs for the Pleasure Grounds and Park. Never before seen unexecuted designs also feature alongside works of art and archival treasures, which bring to life his creative legacy.
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