
Discover more at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Find out when Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
15 - 23 December | 10.30am - 3.00pm | £3 per trail*
Santa’s lost a letter! Embark on a quest to assist his elves find and recover its missing pieces.
Every day between 15 and 23 December. Booking isn't required, simply turn up at the visitor centre anytime between 10.30am and 3pm.
2 - 23 December |9.00am - 11.00am | £5.95 per child, £9.50 per adult*
Another magical Christmas season awaits as the elves return for breakfast at the View Café! Join in the festive fun, meet the elves and complete your Christmas colouring whilst enjoying your meal with winter view.
*Car parking charges apply, free for National Trust members.
15 and 22 December |5.00pm - 7.00pm | £6 per person*
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.
*Car parking charges apply, free for National Trust members.
The elevated position of Dunstable Downs makes it a perfect location for flying kites. You can bring your own or you can purchase one from our shop with kites priced from £8 each.
You can borrow a balance bike from our visitor centre free of charge. Perfect for pre-school children learning to ride a bike.
Venture into Chute Wood and tick off no. 4 of our '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' at our new den building area! Castle, cave or pirate ship... let your imagaination run wild and build the hideout of your dreams using an array of specially placed deadwood!
Up for a challenge? We have hidden six camouflaged geocaches across the Downs, taking you to places you may not have visited before. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt which you can take part in using one of the free geocache apps, including one at geocaching.com. It will guide you to within a few metres of the geocache hiding place and once there, you will need to use your eyes to seek out the cache.
Get your free geocaching account and start hunting today.
Find out when Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
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.
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.
There are lots of things to do when you visit one of our family-friendly places. Find inspiration for days out and discover a range of activities for everyone.
Explore a variety of enjoyable days out with the family in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, from building dens in Hatfield Forest to flying a kite at Dunstable Downs.
Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.