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Summer of Play: 'Everyone’s Green Space Sports Village' at Dunstable Downs

Dunstable Downs is a place for everyone to enjoy nature in their own way. So, what better excuse to get the kids outside, burning off energy, learning new skills, or simply, having fun than coming along to Summer of Play?

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join us for a summer packed with adventure, creativity and family fun all through the holidays. We'll have football, hockey, tennis, coach-led sessions and much more, as Summer of Play returns on Monday 20 July-31 August.

Once again, we'll be transforming the fields around Dunstable Downs into a natural, green Sports Village. We'll have lots of outdoor activities to try including football, cricket, hockey, tennis and table tennis, athletics, soft archery, and frisbee golf. All equipment is available to borrow 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. (Please note, on busy days you may need to wait, as these are drop-in sessions.)

Pepperstock Archers archery sessions: 26 July & 22 August, 12.00pm-4.00pm

Let’s Get Going nature-based games: Thursdays, 10am-12pm

Soft archery (self-led): Wednesday's 10.30am-3.30pm

Children's exploration walk: Wednesday 12th August, 10.30-11.30am

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

Accessibility

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

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.

Suitability for children

Children very welcome.

What to bring and wear

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

Upcoming events

Festival of Archaeology - Pottery making and artefact show and tell 

Join us for a weekend of ancient craft-making and artefact show and tell with a real-life archaeologist.

Event summary

on
18 Jul to 19 Jul 2026
at 10:00 to 16:30+ 1 other date or time

Have-a-go-session: Soft archery 

Challenge the family to a game, win points, and have fun.

Event summary

on
22 Jul to 26 Aug 2026
at 10:30 to 15:30+ 5 other dates or times

Have-a-go-session: Let's Get Going 

Get ready for a morning of movement, curiosity, games, creativity and play!

Event summary

on
23 Jul to 27 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 12:00+ 5 other dates or times

Have-a-go-taster-session: Archery 

Take aim and shoot for the bullseye, with an exciting archery taster session for all ages.

Event summary

on
26 Jul 2026
at 12:00 to 16:00