Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Extensive chalk and grassland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Facilities and access
Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Overview
Extensive chalk and grassland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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.
- Telephone
- +441582500920
- dunstabledowns@nationaltrust.org.uk
Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
How to get here
- Address
- Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
- By cycle
- bridleway from West Street, Dunstable, and Whipsnade
- Cycle route information
- On foot
- from West Street and Tring Road, Dunstable
- By train
- Luton 7 miles.
- By road
- on B4541 west of Dunstable. Sat Nav: use LU6 2GY (or LU6 2TA for older equipment)
- Parking: Dunstable Downs, off B4541 (pay and display); Whipsnade crossroads (Whipsnade Heath), junction of B4541 and B4540
- By bus
- services from Hemel Hempstead train station and St Albans train station, all Sundays only; otherwise from Aylesbury to Luton train station, to within 1½ miles
Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Opening times
Please note...
Chilterns Gateway Centre: open 9:30 to 5 until November. November to February closes at 4. Closed 24 and 25 December. Please contact the centre for extended opening times in July and August.
Wednesday 28 September
- Downs Dawn to dusk
- Chilterns Gateway Centre 09:30 - 17:00
Thursday 29 September
- Downs Dawn to dusk
- Chilterns Gateway Centre 09:30 - 17:00
Friday 30 September
- Downs Dawn to dusk
- Chilterns Gateway Centre 09:30 - 17:00
Saturday 1 October
- Downs Dawn to dusk
- Chilterns Gateway Centre 09:30 - 17:00
Sunday 2 October
- Downs Dawn to dusk
- Chilterns Gateway Centre 09:30 - 17:00
Monday 3 October
- Downs Dawn to dusk
- Chilterns Gateway Centre 09:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 4 October
- Downs Dawn to dusk
- Chilterns Gateway Centre 09:30 - 17:00