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.
Dunstable Downs is a great place for dogs and their owners, with miles of footpaths across the chalk grasslands to explore. From September 2024 - February 2025, their Pooch Passport and stamp can also be collected here! Here’s all you need to know to make the most of your visit with your four-legged friend.
We’ve been working on making it easier for you to find out how dog-friendly your visit will be before you and your four-legged friend arrive. To help with this, we've created a new pawprint rating system and given all the places in our care a rating. You can find this information in the National Trust members’ handbook.
Dunstable Downs is a two pawprint rated place.
These places have water bowls, dog bins and dog-friendly walks. You’ll be able to take your dog into some areas, but not everywhere. If there’s a food and beverage outlet, you can have a cup of tea with them, probably outside. Read on to discover exactly where you can take your dog.
Dogs are welcome in most areas of the estate. There are two clearly marked places where visitors are asked not to take their dogs: the ground-nesting birds and kite-flying areas. Please also keep your dog on a lead around the visitor centre and car parks.
Download a map of the estate to help plan your visit.
There may be livestock grazing on the estate when you visit, so please take extra care if you find yourself walking close to these animals. Give the livestock as much space as possible and keep your dog on a short lead.
There are water bowls outside the visitor centre, and three dog bins on site at the visitor centre, car park and Chute Wood.
We’ve worked with our partner Forthglade to come up with this Canine Code, which helps to make sure everyone can enjoy their day:
Our definition of close or effective control is:
The National Trust has created the Pooch Passport in partnership with natural pet food maker Forthglade, so your dog(s) can walk their way towards a special treat while visiting some of the top dog-friendly places in our care.
You can now pick up a Pooch Passport from Dunstable Downs. Every time you visit a different place together between 1 September 2024 and 28 February 2025, you can collect a stamp.
Find out when Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade so that you and your dog can get even more out of the special places we care for.
Discover the best places for a dog walk, from coastal adventures and dramatic mountains to more leisurely walks near you. Plus, find information on dog-friendly cafés and read our Canine Code.
If you’re bringing your dog(s) to the places we care for, you'll find information on our pawprint rating system and the Canine Code to help plan your visit.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade to create the Dogs Welcome project, helping you and your dog(s) get the most out of the places in our care.
Find a place to sit and relax with your dog after a good walk. Here's a selection of great walks with dog-friendly cafés at the end to round off the day.
Unearth the history at Dunstable Downs, with the Five Knolls Neolithic burial mounds and the extraordinary events that took place at Pascombe Pit.
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.
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's nothing better than bringing your four-legged friend with you on a day out – they are part of the family after all. Take a look at which places are perfect for their next walkies.