Location: Dunstable
Top Things to do in Dunstable
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5 Nature & Parks in Dunstable That You Shouldn't Miss
Dunstable (/ˈdʌnstəbəl/ DUN-stə-bəl) is a market town and civil parish located in Bedfordshire, England. It lies on the eastward tail spurs of the Chiltern Hills, 30 miles (50 kilometres) north of London. These geographical features form several steep chalk escarpments most noticeable when approaching Dunstable from the north. Dunstable is the largest settlement in Central Bedfordshire and third largest in Bedfordshire behind Luton and Bedford.
Restaurants in Dunstable
1. Dunstable Downs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 721 reviews
Soar above a breathtaking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations.Stand on top of Dunstable Downs for a view that will simply take your breath away. These Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) are designated for the quality of their chalk grasslands.As well as two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (Five Knolls and Medieval Rabbit Warrens) there are many other historical features and the site has much to offer you.The chalk grasslands of the Downs have miles of footpaths and several circular walks, a fascinating history and an abundance of plants and wildlife.Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the highest point in Bedfordshire.The wind-swept ridge provides ideal conditions for a variety of air sports, especially kite flying. On calmer days it's the ideal site to enjoy the view and a picnic.Please note: Chilterns Gateway Centre is owned by Central Bedfordshire Council and managed by the National Trust.
Reviewed By fly2thai - Exeter, United Kingdom
I took my 2 grandsons to the National Trust Summer of Sport during the summer holidays last week, and although it poured with rain, it was still a great day. It's such a beautiful relaxing area, and we plan to return next week, and hope the weather is better. We arrived at 11am and left at 4pm. The children played cricket and football, did some colouring and we ventured to Chute Woods to visit the adventure playground, which they loved, in fact I could hardly make them leave. We did the walk around the woods too and saw all the dens previous families had made. The NT are happy for you to make a den of your own or build on others, which is a great idea. Next week we plan to visit the tree cathedral and do the stone age walk, and play cricket/football again and try our hand at flying a kite. It was a free event, the staff were great especially the gentleman on reception, who couldn't be more helpful and we had lunch and afternoon tea in the cafe. The toilets were spotless, and I thoroughly recommend a visit, as even if you only visit the cafe the views are stunning. It looks as if in hot weather they open all the sliding glass doors in the cafe which must be lovely. There are some great historical photos on the back wall of the cafe too, which were really interesting. Am really looking forward to our return, and I am coming up all the way from Devon !!
2. ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,389 reviews
To help maintain social distancing we have introduced a number of measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for all. Please visit our website for more information.
Reviewed By RuthAshton65 - Manchester, United Kingdom
My son and daughter in law invited my daughter and I to the zoo for a day. It is many years since I have visited. We drove from Luton and the zoo is easy to find as it is well signposted. Whipsnade Zoo is a cross between a zoo with animals to see and a huge beautiful country park with miles to walk and an amazing view of the Chiltern Hills from the River Cottage Cafe where we had some coffee ☕️ and cake ????. There is lots to see and with the fresh air and lovely walks, it is an invigorating day even in the winter. We had a lovely day out here and according to my Apple Watch we walked over five miles. We saw Tigers ???? giraffes????elephants ???? zebra ???? lions ???? goats ???? wilds dogs ???? penguins ???? monkeys ???? bears ???? lemurs butterflies ???? and so much more. We loved seeing the red pandas in the tree houses, squirrel monkeys staring at us and Patagonian Maras just wandering free around us! The sea lions were happy and speedy and the petting zoo is cute. For People with children, there are loads of play areas and things to do as well as a picnic area and a sight seeing train. A fluffy white cockerel squared up to my daughter as we were walking round (hilarious!) and goats nibbled at our pockets. We enjoyed the butterfly house where we all walked amongst them and one even landed on us! The animals looked to have enough space and were healthy and happy. The ZSL do so much for education and conservation in our world, so where as some people may object to some zoos in the world, our UK zoos really do care for the animals and of course, they are bred in captivity and not ‘taken’ from the wild. All the keepers clearly care about their animals. There are four cafes and ample places to buy food. There are plenty of toilets and washrooms and a lovely shop. There are even cabins you can hire to be near nature. Free parking just adds to the charm. Great day out and highly recommended, wear suitable walking gear and if it is a cold day, wrap up as there is a lot of high ground.
3. Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By ArchieOlogy - Dunstable, United Kingdom
Been coming here for years, its a really nice place to walk round & there's enough different paths so you can make it a longer walk if you wish.
4. Houghton Hall Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Houghton Hall Park is a 17 hectare public park located centrally within Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire. The park has a rich heritage and plays an important role in the history and landscape of the local area. Cafe and toilet facilities are available in the brand new visitor centre, as well as an interactive discovery area. Natural play features are dotted around the park for young explorers.
Reviewed By Dollyclothespeg - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
I visited here this week with my 4 year old grandson. Free parking for 3 hours, bargain. Lovely cafe next to a play area, food very reasonable, plenty of seating indoors and out. Lovely walk, children and dog friendly, accessible for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs.If you don't want to walk the whole site they have cut grass paths through wild flower meadows. On the day we visited they had free things for children to play and face painting. We loved the gardens and my grandson enjoyed the vegetable garden as the design had be done in the style of stories which we had read, his favourite was Mr Macgregors garden from the Peter Rabbit Story.
5. The Secret Sanctuary
Tour the beautiful landscaped grounds which are a safe haven for many unwanted exotic creatures. Join a small group for up close encounters of these often misunderstood creatures. Enjoy the tropical greenhouse where animals live in their natural habitat and watch the abundance of koi carp in a giant man made lake. See the beautiful aquarium fish and meet the resident tortoises and much more!
