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Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Spectacular views of rolling chalk grasslands and a seemingly endless sky in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Whipsnade Road, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU6 2GY
Important notice
The National Trust does not permit drone operation above any part of our land. Due to our locality to glider clubs, it is vital for all visitors to obey this policy to mitigate danger.
Opening times for 10 December 2023
Asset Opening time Downs 10:00 - 16:00 The View Café 10:00 - 16:00 Chilterns Gateway Centre 10:00 - 16:00 MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedBook shop
Second hand book shop inside the visitor centre.
Dogs
Dogs welcome on the Downs, on leads inside the visitor centre, café and shop.
Cafe
The View Café serving hot and cold drinks, hot food, sandwiches, light bites and cakes.
Shop
Kites, books, gifts and local produce in our shop.
Car park
Main visitor car park next to the visitor centre, smaller car park available a short distance from the visitor centre.
Toilet
Internal and external toilets.
Blue Badge parking and accessible toilet. Level access to the gift shop and View Café.
Accessible route and/or map
Multi-user path across the Downs.
Level access to shop
Shop situated just off main courtyard inside visitor centre.
Accessible toilet
Accessible toilets internally and externally.
Powered mobility vehicle available
Two Trampers available to hire, please call 01582 500920 to book
Induction loop
Induction loops are available at the shop and the Café.
Seating available
Accessible benches and chairs available inside and outside.
Level access to food outlet
Café situated to the right of the visitor centre.
Wheelchairs available
Wheelchairs available to borrow.
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.
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
Sat Nav: Use LU6 2GY
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
There is a 'Circular' bus service (number 40) from Dunstable Asda to Dunstable Square stopping at Dunstable Downs. There is no service on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Please check bus services with Centrebus before travelling.
Planning your visit
Article
Christmas at Dunstable Downs
Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season at Dunstable Downs! This holiday season, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make Christmas special for all the family.
See what's on at Dunstable Downs
Check out our events at Dunstable Downs and see what's coming up.
Article
Visiting Dunstable Downs with your dog
Dunstable Downs is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome here. Discover everything you need to know when planning your visit with your four-legged friend.
PDF
PDF
Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate map
Take a look at the map of Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate to help plan your visit.
Highlights
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.
Spotlight events
Article
Christmas at Dunstable Downs
Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season at Dunstable Downs! This holiday season, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make Christmas special for all the family.
Things to see and do
Article
Explore Dunstable Downs
Discover slow-worms and mini beasties on the chalk grasslands, look out for red kites or fly your own kite from the wind-swept ridge.
Article
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.
Top trails
Trail
Dunstable Downs countryside walk
Follow this moderately difficult circular route through Dunstable Downs, discovering diverse wildlife, ancient tracks and burial mounds.
Trail
Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk
Suitable for more energetic families, the Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs walk offers wonderful views across the Downs.
Trail
Dunstable Downs Five Knolls wildlife and heritage walk
An accessible, waymarked, out-and-back route highlighting the downs' history and the rich variety of birds, insects and plant life that you'll see up here.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Dunstable Downs
Enjoy stunning views and tempting treats in the café’s large indoor and outdoor seating areas. Discover seasonal and locally sourced gifts in the shop for a souvenir of your visit.
Upcoming events
Event
Festive Lunch
Enjoy a family-friendly, festive lunch with a view at the Chiltern Gateway Centre.
Event
Festive Afternoon Tea
Get cosy and enjoy winter views as you treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea!
Event
Family Trail: Mystery Mail with the Elves
Santa’s lost a letter, and he needs you to help find it!
Event
Festive Evenings at Dunstable Downs
As darkness descends on the Downs, see us light up the courtyard for a cosy evening of music, wreath making, late night shopping and night time version of our family trail.
Event
Breakfast with the Elves
Another magical Christmas season awaits as the elves return for breakfast at the View Café!
Event
Festive Gentle Stroll with Santa Paws Competition
Calling all dogs of Dunstable - Santa Paws is coming to town! Don your favourite Christmas garments, win best in show, and take your two-legged friends on a stress-busting gentle stroll that will be sure to earn you a place on the nice list.
Event
‘Twixmas’- Post Christmas Gentle Stroll
Walk away from the stress of Christmas and join us for a gentle stroll across Dunstable Downs before the start of 2024! This walk will be led by our legendary volunteers, Geoff and Annette and will be along the multi-user path.
Event
Black to the Trails 2024
Presented by Strava, Black to the Trails is coming back to Dunstable Downs in May 2024, and it promises to be bigger and better.
About 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.
Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is 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.
History
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History of Dunstable Downs estate
Unearth the history at Dunstable Downs, with the Five Knolls Neolithic burial mounds and the extraordinary events that took place at Pascombe Pit.
Our work
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Our work at Dunstable Downs
Discover the work being carried out by our countryside team to look after Dunstable Downs and creating habitat that's rich in biodiversity.
Support us
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Volunteering at Dunstable Downs
There’s a wide variety of volunteering roles on offer at Dunstable Downs. From working outdoors, to welcoming visitors or helping out in the café or shop, there’s plenty of choice for anyone interested.