Dunstable is the oldest charter town in Bedfordshire and is fiercely proud of its rich heritage yet, whilst it may be steeped in history, it is very much a town in the present, working towards a bright future. You’ll find Dunstable on the edge of the beautiful Chiltern Hills which frame the countryside. Because of this fantastic location and its immense history, Dunstable is a popular destination for visitors to Bedfordshire and boasts a whole host of attractions and accommodation providers, as well as conference venues and a diverse list of restaurants, cafes and shops that will suit everyone’s tastes.
Being the oldest charter town in the county, it is no surprise that there have been relics from Palaeolithic humans including weapons and the bones of animals. There are also remains of prehistoric settlements and forts from the Iron Ages. In fact, there are several prehistoric sites in and around the town, avid historians should visit the Manshead Archeological Society who are based in the town to find out where to search for relics and remains themselves. Britain’s oldest road can also be found in the area, as well as several Roman roads which are still in use today. These roads can be found along Icknield Way and Watling Street where they cross at an intersection.
Aside from the historical aspect of Dunstable, there is a wide variety of entertainment and attractions for residents and visitors alike, including the Grove Theatre which provides Dunstable with a 780-seat purpose built arts and entertainment centre, which showcases a range of national and local productions and new for 2018/19, a brand new leisure centre facility. The town also boasts numerous sports and leisure facilities including a free Splash Park in Bennett Memorial Recreation Ground. For the adrenaline junkies among you, you’ll find a fantastic skate park, complete with bowl and street course and a purpose built BMX track which is open to the public. Football fans needn’t feel left out, the Creasey Park Community Football Centre, home to Dunstable FC and AFC Dunstable, is also open to the public for those of you in the mood for a kick about or wanting to catch a game.
For the fashion conscious who want to indulge in a bit of retail therapy, Dunstable offers an attractive shopping experience, which is also easily accessible by the Busway. In the town centre, there is a mix of independent and national shops, including the Quadrant Shopping Centre and the White Lion Retail Park, as well as regular markets offering everything from crafts, art, antiques and locally sourced foods.
Dunstable has a lively events calendar with events going on all year around. Many of the attractions and activities in the town are highly rated and popular with visitors. The town council works hard to make sure that there is an ever growing list of things to do in the town and organises over 20 free events every year including Outdoor Cinema screenings, Music Festivals, Classic Motor Rallies, Family Fun Days and Fireworks Displays to name but a few. When planning your trip to Dunstable, make sure to check the what’s on pages to see what events are taking place during your stay.
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