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Summer of Play: The Dunstable Downs Sports Village

Visit our very own Sports Village and inspire a spirit of play that can be continued throughout the season and beyond.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Summer of Play returns from Monday 21 July - 31 August!

This year, see our Estate transform into a Sports Village with free, outdoor activities like football, cricket, hockey, tennis, table tennis, athletics, frisbee golf, mini croquet and Wednesday soft archery for you to get stuck into.

Activities are self-led, just pick up the equipment from the Sports Village.

Alternatively join one of our coach-led activities delivered by local sports groups*

Suggested £2 donation. Car parking charges apply, free for National Trust members.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

*Pepperstock Archers soft archery sessions: 10 August, 12.00pm-4.00pm

*Let’s Get Going nature-based games: 01 August, 10.00am-12.00pm 08 August, 10.00am-12.00pm 15 August, 10.00am-12.00pm 22 August, 10.00am-12.00pm 29 August, 10.00am-12.00pm

Summer of Play SEND offer Every day Mon 21 July- Sun 31 August- all free to take part: • Sensory sports equipment available to borrow- including sensory rocking chairs and SEND friendly dual line kites. • Accessible benches and outdoor furniture available to use. • Accessible drive up and drop off point- the Summer of Play field is around half a mile from our car park. Get in touch or speak to staff to arrange access. • Specialist disability sports coaches drop in sessions run by Panathalon on Tuesday 5 and Tuesday 19 August from 11am- 2pm-drop in no booking needed and free of charge.

Times

The basics

Meeting point

Head to our Visitor Centre or Sports Village to pick up your map and activity sheet.

What to bring and wear

This event is outdoors. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Accessibility

The field is flat and accessible.

Other

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Contact info

Chilterns Gateway Centre

Upcoming events

Event

Summer of Play: Let's Get Going 

Feel good with nature-based coach-led games using play, movement and creativity.

Event summary

on
15 Aug to 29 Aug 2025
at
10:00 to 12:00
+ 2 other dates or times
Event

Big Camp August - Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate 

Big Camp is back! Join us from 12.00pm on 15 August to 2.00pm on 17 August to camp out overnight beneath Dunstable Downs' famous skies!

Event summary

on
15 Aug 2025
at
12:00 to 15:00
Event

Summer Nights 

For a new way to experience Dunstable Downs, join us for BBQ evenings every Wednesday during August!

Event summary

on
20 Aug to 27 Aug 2025
at
17:00 to 19:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Circular Walk of Dunstable Downs 

A 9k walk taking in all the sites and views that Dunstable Downs has to offer.

Event summary

on
27 Aug 2025
at
10:30 to 13:00