Things To Do in Woburn Abbey

At teatime, head to Capriocoli, 15 Market Place (tel. 01525/290464; www.townhallantiques.co.uk); it's inside a B&B with low-beamed ceilings that add to its intimacy and charm. A pot of tea with clotted cream and cake is £3.50. Baked goods include scones (chocolate, lemon, and Victoria sponge), Italian pastries, and cake (carrot, coffee, and fruit), as well as daily specials. The tearoom is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, but it's a good idea to call on weekends between January and Easter, as it may be closed if business is slow.

In a wonderful old building, Town Hall Antiques, Market Place (tel. 01525/290950), is a treasure-trove of collectibles and antiques, including Early English porcelain and pieces from the 1940s. Some unusual commemorative items are also sold, such as an array of Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian memorabilia. There's something here to suit a wide range of pocketbooks, including clocks, Victorian jewelry, brass, copper, "kitchenalia," paintings (originals and reproductions), guns, and swords.