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.

Come along on Feb 16th and join our volunteering work group to grub out small bushes and trees that invade our chalk grassland. Learn more about our conservation work and enjoy refreshments at the end of the session. Tools provided.

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.

Come along to our monthly 50 things club and tick off a different 'thing' each time. There is always a variety of different things to do, depending on the weather and the season but it is never boring!

Now that winter is here you will see a whole new view of the Downs and you will be able to enjoy our new winter menu.

Begin the new year with a bargain from our shop but hurry before we are sold out. There's up to 50% off some items and a wide choice in each section. There are calendars and books, jams and chutneys, bags and china - all at great prices whilst stocks last.

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!