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Summer of Play: The Dunstable Downs Sports Village

This summer, enjoy a family day out with free activities, games, and play throughout the holidays.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join us for a summer of football, hockey, tennis and much more, as our Summer of Play returns on Monday 20 July-31 August.

Get the kids outside for some fresh air, to burn off some energy, to learn a new skill and simply, have fun.

We'll be transforming the fields around Dunstable Downs into a natural, green Sports Village again this summer. We'll have lots of free, outdoor activities to try including football, cricket, hockey, tennis and table tennis, athletics, soft archery, and frisbee golf.

Activities will run on all weekdays and weekends throughout the summer holidays (excluding the weekend of 1st and 2nd August when we'll be hosting our annual Kites Connect Festival and celebration).

We'll have plenty of self-led activities with equipment which you can pick up from our team at the Sports Village Welcome Area - no need to book.

Alternatively, join a coaching session delivered by one of our local partners below. Keep your eyes peeled as we'll be announcing more soon. *Pepperstock Archers soft archery sessions: 26 July, 12.00pm-4.00pm 22 August, 12.00pm-4.00pm

*Let’s Get Going nature-based games: Every Thursday 10am-12pm

Please note, on busy days you may need to wait, as these are drop-in sessions.

Car parking charges apply for non National Trust members. Free for National Trust members.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children very welcome.

Meeting point

Meet our Summer of Play team at the Sports Village Welcome Area. Follow signs from our main courtyard and visitor welcome hub and you'll find us in the field just across from the main visitor centre.

What to bring and wear

This event is outdoors so please bring weather and activity-appropriate clothes and footwear and hats and plenty of water for hot days.

Accessibility

Summer of Play activities are held just past our kite field which is accessible using our new multi-user pathway.

Upcoming events

Art Course: Watercolour Wildflowers 

Creative arts company, Something Less Boring returns for a watercolour session on wildflowers.

Event summary

on
12 May 2026
at 10:30 to 12:30

May Half Term Wildlife Trail 

Burn off some energy and learn about the great outdoors this half term with a teddy bear wildlife activity trail.

Event summary

on
23 May to 31 May 2026
at 10:00 to 16:30+ 8 other dates or times

May Half Term - Guided walks for National Walking Month 

Fancy a good dose of fresh air and stunning scenery? Then, why not join us this half term for a series of guided walks across the beautiful Downs landscape?

Event summary

on
23 May to 27 May 2026
at 12:00 to 14:00+ 4 other dates or times

May Half Term - Guided accessibility walk for National Walking Month 

Experience the beauty of the Downs with a mobility vehicle, guided by our team, along a circular 1.5 kilometre route.

Event summary

on
26 May 2026
at 14:00 to 15:00