Dunstable Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque region of England, Dunstable is a charming town that offers a delightful mix of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Located in the county of Bedfordshire, this quaint town is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking a unique and authentic English experience.

One of the town's most prominent landmarks is Dunstable Downs, a stunning area of grassland and chalk escarpments that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. A visit to Dunstable Downs is a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, who can embark on scenic walks, go kite flying, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings. The area is also known for its vibrant wildlife, with rare species of birds and butterflies calling it home.

For history buffs, Dunstable boasts a rich heritage that dates back centuries. The town's iconic Priory Church, with its intricate architecture and fascinating history, is a must-visit attraction. Built in the 12th century, the church offers a glimpse into the town's medieval past, and visitors can explore its impressive interior and learn about its significance in local history.

Dunstable is also known for its vibrant market scene. The town's market square comes alive with activity on market days, offering a plethora of stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and unique souvenirs. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, interact with friendly locals, and sample delicious treats from the food stalls.

For those interested in aviation history, a visit to the Shuttleworth Collection is highly recommended. This world-renowned museum houses a remarkable collection of vintage aircraft, including planes from both World Wars. Visitors can marvel at these beautifully restored aircraft and learn about the pioneering individuals who contributed to the development of aviation.

Alternative names: Population: 52 thous.Elevation: 472 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°53'17"N, 0°31'11"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Dunstable Top Attractions

Dunstable Attractions - What to See and Explore

Dunstable offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable Priory, Totternhoe Knolls, Dunstable Downs. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Family fun at large conservation zoo
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Nestled in the rolling hills of Bedfordshire, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo stands as the United Kingdom's largest zoo. This sprawling sanctuary in Dunstable, England, is home to a myriad of species, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the animal kingdom.
Church • Monastery • Romanesque architecture
Dunstable Priory
The Priory Church of St Peter with its monastery was founded in 1132 by Henry I for Augustinian Canons in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, England. St Peter's today is only the nave of what remains of an originally much larger Augustinian priory church.
Forts and castles
Totternhoe Knolls
Totternhoe Castle was a Norman castle in Totternhoe. Bedfordshire. Only earthworks survive. It is a Scheduled Monument, and part of Totternhoe Knolls Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Nature • Natural attraction • Hill
Dunstable Downs
Dunstable Downs are part of the Chiltern Hills, in southern Bedfordshire in England, located near the town of Dunstable. They are a chalk escarpment forming the north-eastern reaches of the Chilterns.
Church • Tithe Farm
Church of All Saints
The Church of All Saints formerly The Church of St. Michael is a Church of England parish church in Houghton Regis in the English county of Bedfordshire. It is a Grade I listed building.
51°54'5"N • 0°30'47"W
Houghton Hall Park
Park
51°53'31"N • 0°33'11"W
Maiden Bower hillfort
Maiden Bower is an Iron Age hillfort near Dunstable in Bedfordshire, England. The site, which also has traces of a Neolithic causewayed enclosure, is a scheduled monument.
Universities and schools
Dunstable Leisure Centre
Central Bedfordshire College is a British further education college located in Bedfordshire, England. The college was established in 1961 in Dunstable. On 14 January 2010, the college was renamed Central Bedfordshire College.
Protected area • North Dunstable
Sewell Cutting
Sewell Cutting is a 3.6 hectare nature reserve at Sewell in Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire. It is owned by Central Bedfordshire Council and managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.
Park
Cottage Bottom Fields
Cottage Bottom Fields is a 14.1 hectare local nature reserve in Dunstable in Bedfordshire. It is owned and managed by Central Bedfordshire Council.
51°52'8"N • 0°32'24"W
Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs
Dunstable and Whipsnade Downs is a 73.4 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest in Dunstable in Bedfordshire. It was notified in 1987 under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the local planning authority is Central Bedfordshire Council.
51°53'8"N • 0°31'39"W
Dunstable Sea Cadets
Windmill • Beecroft
Nightlife • Music and shows • Music venue
California Ballroom
The California Ballroom, nicknamed "Cali" and "Soul City", was a 2000-capacity music venue, being one of the United Kingdom's best-known soul music venues outside London.
51°52'59"N • 0°30'7"W
Blow's Down
Blow's Down is a 33.1 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Dunstable in Bedfordshire. It was notified in 1989 under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the local planning authority is Central Bedfordshire Council.
51°53'56"N • 0°32'10"W
Houghton Regis Marl Lakes
Houghton Regis Marl Lakes is a 20.1 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Houghton Regis in Bedfordshire. It was notified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in 1988.
Tower
Zouches Farm transmitting station
Zouches Farm transmitting station is a microwave radio link site located near the top of Blows Downs at Zouches Farm, Caddington, Bedfordshire, England.
51°51'58"N • 0°31'1"W
Kensworth Chalk Pit
Kensworth Chalk Quarry is a 131.3 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Kensworth in Bedfordshire. It was notified under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the local planning authority is Central Bedfordshire.

Day trips

Dunstable – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Dunstable, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Stowe House, Waddesdon Manor (Aylesbury), Natural History Museum at Tring (Tring).

23 milesNW
18th-century garden with lakes and temples
Stowe House
Steeped in history and grandeur, Stowe House is a quintessential example of British heritage and architecture. This prestigious country house, located in Buckinghamshire, England, has been transformed into a museum that allows visitors to step back in time...
18 milesW
Neo-Renaissance country house and gardens
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Waddesdon Manor, an exquisite example of French Renaissance-style châteaux architecture, stands proudly in the English countryside of Buckinghamshire, near the town of Aylesbury. This grand estate, built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the 1870s, was conceived as...
9 miSW
Victorian collection of stuffed animals
Natural History Museum at Tring, Tring
Nestled in the quaint town of Tring, the Natural History Museum at Tring is a veritable treasure trove for those with a keen interest in the natural world. Established in the late 19th century, this museum was originally the private collection of Lionel Walter, 2nd...
34 milesS
Golf
Wentworth Club
Nestled in the verdant Surrey countryside, Wentworth Club stands as an emblem of British golfing heritage. This exclusive golf course, with its meticulously manicured greens and fairways, has been a fixture of the United Kingdom's sporting landscape since its...
40 milesNE
Museum, History museum, Historical place
Anglesey Abbey
Anglesey Abbey, located in the heart of Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, is a grand country house imbued with history and enveloped by lush gardens. This Jacobean-style home, originally built as a priory in the 12th century, was transformed into a luxurious private...