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Family activities at Dunstable Downs

Picture frame at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire
Picture frame at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

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.

Planning your visit

The wide open spaces of Dunstable Downs make it an ideal location for a family day out, no matter your age! From kite flying and den bulding to admiring butterflies and orchids, alongside an exciting programme of events, there's plenty to do for a range of budgets and interests. 

Good to know

  • We have baby changing facilities at our Visitor Centre and high chairs and kids menus are avaliable in the café.
  • Multi-user surfaced path provides an easy walking route suitable for pushchairs. Step-free access to Visitor Centre, shop and café.
  • Thanks to Cotswold Outdoor, we have a range of outdoor clothing avaliable to borrow for ages 2 - 12 so bad weather need never be an issue again!
  • Free-to-access with £3.50 parking charge (members park for free)
Children dressed up as knights at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
Join us for A Knight's Festive Feast this December at Dunstable Downs | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Christmas at Dunstable Downs

Get ready to unwrap the magic of Christmas at Dunstable Downs! With rolling hills and breath-taking views, our landscape is the perfect winter escape from the pressures and stress of the season. Whether you’re a keen walker, a festive foodie, or simply need some sparkle, we are thrilled to bring you an enchanting array of festive experiences that will make this holiday special for all the family.

December Adventures at Dunstable Downs: A Knights' Festive Feast

Saturday 6 December - Sunday 4 January (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) 10:30am - 4pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. Prices are £3 per trail which includes the trail and prize. No booking required.

Join the grand Knight’s Festive Feast and celebrate the year’s triumphs in true medieval style! As you journey through the trail, find out who plays a part in bringing a medieval banquet to life.

Take on tasks, follow clues, and gather everything needed to complete the festive banquet table. Adventure, laughter, and merriment await—let the feast begin!

Join us for this 10 station trail with a congratualtions prize at the end!

Admission fee: Prices are £3 per trail which includes the trail and prize. No booking required.

Children visiting Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire at Christmas. They are outside so wrapped up warm and a Christmas tree is visible beside them.
Christmas Family Trail at Dunstable Downs | © National Trust/Lisa Hopkins

Breakfast with the Elves

Various dates in December, £6.95 per child & £13.95 per adult. Booking essential

This festive season, step into magic at the View Café.

As you are served a heartwarming breakfast, you'll have the chance to meet the elves and complete your Christmas activity sheet. All whilst looking out on beautiful winter views from Bedfordshire’s highest point!

With festive fuel to burn, afterwards you can embark on our family trail, A Knights Festive Feast! (Visit our events page for more details).

Book your breakfasts here

Try Geocaching at Dunstable Downs with our geocaches hidden on the downs. Waterproof camo boxes with note pads, pencil and other knickknacks in
Try Geocaching at Dunstable Downs | © National Trust / Fiona Partridge
a building on the left with benches on the right. it is low light with a clear sky and frosty

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.

Plan your visit

You might also be interested in

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.

Night time shot of the Chiltern's Gateway Centre and Courtyard at Dunstable Downs. The Centre is lit up by fairylights.

World Book Day: Young Writers Competition 

Read the winning entries from our 2025 World Book Day competition!

A young girl sits on a tree trunk in a forest, writing in a notebook

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.

Bike rider in autumn at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate, Bedfordshire

Visiting Dunstable Downs with your dog 

Dunstable Downs is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome here (and can collect their Pooch Passport and stamp!) Discover everything you need to know when planning your visit with your four-legged friend.

An image of a pale cream fluffy dog between its two owners being walked along a path in the countryside and surrounded by greenery

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.

A stylised photograph looking down on table with a cream tea for two, with scones and jam and mugs of tea.

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.

Family walking in Rowallane Garden, County Down, surrounded by autumnal colours

Family-friendly places in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire 

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.

Adult and child playing in the autumn leaves while on a walk in a park

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

A boy playing in a tree at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

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