Name: Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Rating: 5.0

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, UK

1-99 Years

Website

Contact

Message

Description

Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate look down on 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. There are several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designated for the quality of the 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. There are miles of footpaths across the chalk grasslands of the Downs including several circular walks. The Downs have a fascinating history and an abundance of plants and wildlife.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Chalk downlands: Chalk downlands, rich with wild flowers and wildlife, with panoramic views of the Aylesbury Vale.
View Café: A café with a panoramic view. Serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, ice creams, lunches and cream teas.
Gift shop: A wide selection of kites, gifts, books, local produce, gardening accessories and seasonal plants.
Second-hand book shop: Find your next read in our indoor second-hand book shop and help fund conservation.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral: Trees, hedges and shrubs planted in the form of a medieval cathedral.
Christmas at Dunstable Downs: Get ready to unwrap the magic of Christmas at Dunstable Downs! With rolling hills and breath-taking views, our landscape is the perfect winter escape from the pressures and stress of the season. Whether you’re a keen walker, a festive foodie, or simply need some sparkle, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make this holiday special for all the family.
Explore Dunstable Downs: Chalk grassland is full of life and you may need to look closely, but there are hundreds of weird and wonderful minibeasts within this habitat at Dunstable Downs. The ridge is the ideal place for flying your kite and there are miles of chalk grassland for you and your dog to explore. Here’s a snapshot of what to look out for and things to do when you’re visiting Dunstable Downs.
Visiting Dunstable Downs with your dog: Dunstable Downs is a great place for dogs and their owners, with miles of footpaths across the chalk grasslands to explore. From September 2024 - February 2025, their Pooch Passport and stamp can also be collected here! Here’s all you need to know to make the most of your visit with your four-legged friend.
Family activities at Dunstable Downs: There are loads of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover Dunstable Downs. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.

Facilities

Parking: Dunstable Downs, off B4541 (pay and display); Whipsnade crossroads (Whipsnade Heath), junction of B4541 and B4540 Parking is £3.50 for the day. Free for National Trust Members and Blue Badge holders.
Food & Drinks: The View Café serving hot and cold drinks, hot food, sandwiches, light bites and cakes.
Toilet: Internal and external toilets.
Dogs allowed: Dogs welcome on the Downs, on leads inside the visitor centre, café and shop.

What to see

History of Dunstable Downs estate: Discover the history of the Neolithic burial mounds at Five Knolls, the only Scheduled Monument known in Bedfordshire, a look to our medieval past, the creation of a rifle range and the unusual tradition of an orange-rolling event that took place at Pascombe Pit.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate/history-of-dunstable-downs-estate

Website

Contact

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Downs: Dawn - Dusk
The View Café: 10:00 - 16:00
Chilterns Gateway Centre: 10:00 - 16:00

Address: Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, UK

Post Code: LU6 2GY

Council: Central Bedfordshire

County: Bedfordshire

By road: Please visit Dunstable Downs via the B4541 west of Dunstable. Please note Sallowsprings road is a private road with no through access onto Dunstable Downs.
On foot: From West Street and Tring Road, Dunstable.
By train: Luton train station is the nearest station to Dunstable Downs - 7 miles away.
By bus: Visit by bus for just £2 each way, and enjoy a free hot drink when arriving by bus with a valid bus ticket.
Cycling: Bridleway from West Street, Dunstable, and Whipsnade. Plan your route to Dunstable Downs using the CycleStreets journey planner via the link below (This journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent by accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you come to a footpath or other cycle-prohibited track, please don’t ride on it).
Parking: Dunstable Downs, off B4541 (pay and display); Whipsnade crossroads (Whipsnade Heath), junction of B4541 and B4540 Parking is £3.50 for the day. Free for National Trust Members and Blue Badge holders.