Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate

Excercising in the fresh air is the best way to get - and stay - fit. Where better to do that than at Dunstable Downs where you can take in the wonderful views as you run or walk. Some of you already know about our monthly 10k runs and now we have our weekly parkrun, but for those who want something more gentle we also have 'Walking Wednesdays' too. These are graded to suit each person's needs. Find out more in our 'What's on' section.

Take your choice of our downloadable walks. Lace up your walking boots for a really long trek or enjoy a relaxing stroll through the stunning countryside close to the café. There are interesting historical sites created by humans living here over thousands of years. Take your pick.

Summer is the busiest time for most people at the Chiltern Gateway Centre but for the countryside team the main conservation work is carried out as the weather gets colder. Whilst birds are nesting and the chalk grassland plants are in flower, the team are careful not to disturb them but from late August the real work begins.

Although Father Christmas is very busy getting ready to deliver presents to children everywhere, he is making sure he will be here to meet you for breakfast in the lead-up to Christmas. Lots of people have booked already so don't miss out!

If you can't make breakfast in the weeks before Christmas, then there is our delicious festive afternoon tea to enjoy. You will have a selection of scrummy sandwiches, fancy cakes and a drink to go with it.

Whether it is a walk to work off Christmas excesses, to kick-start a New Year resolution to take more exercise or just for the sheer pleasure of it, you will enjoy these ranger-led walks on the Downs.

Autumn has clothed our trees in glorious colours so don't miss out on a bracing walk across the downs then come into the welcoming warmth of the View Cafe. Sit and admire the wonderful view whilst you enjoy a hot meal or maybe just coffee and cake.

Our Christmas goodies are coming in thick-and-fast and Christmas cards are selling like hot cakes! Only six weeks to Christmas so no time to waste pop into our shop today and when you've finished shopping treat yourself to a hot drink and a slice of freshly made cake in the cafe. If you book on our wreath-making workshop (November 30), you get the chance to shop out of hours.

If you enjoy being outside come and join our band of countryside volunteers. Make new friends and have some fun as you help our countryside team with their conservation work

If you are looking for something different to do, look no further. We have a variety of volunteering roles for anyone with a few hours to spare who would enjoy meeting new people and helping us give our visitors the very best experience whenever they visit.

Wildlife on the Downs is not easy to spot but you might see one of these lovely creatures near the wildflower meadows. Just walk quietly and keep looking around you.

The Red Kite is quite possibly the most beautiful bird of prey in Britain. It is certainly a wonderful sight as it wheels above the Downs.

As autumn gets under way look out for fungi. There are many different varieties on the Downs but please don't eat anything you find as some can be extremely poisinous.

The view may be tranquil these days, but Dunstable Downs is home to a wealth of history. From Neolithic burial mounds to a Saxon execution site and much more...

The forerunners of today's Territorial Army would train at the rifle range at the foot of the Downs.

Find out why hundreds of visitors would gather on the downs to roll their oranges!