About Dunstable

The Market Cross and Crier

Introducing Dunstable

Dunstable is the oldest charter town in the county of Bedfordshire and is currently home to approximately 35,000 residents, who regularly elect their own Town, and Central Bedfordshire Council representatives to manage local affairs. The earliest recorded residents of Dunstable lived on the Downs, the northern most point of the Chilterns, on hills that originated at the same time as the Himalayas. Nowadays the ‘settlement’ nestles between the downs, modern man no longer needing to keep watch for sabre-toothed tigers wandering close to their door! Dunstable 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. Opened in April 2007, The Grove theatre provides Dunstable with a 780-seat purpose built arts and entertainment centre. The development which includes accompanying bars and restaurants overlooking the beautiful re-landscaped Grove House Gardens, provides a striking heart to the cultural identity of the area. You can also enjoy a visit to Priory House Heritage and Tourist Information Centre and take a walk today, through Dunstable’s amazing past.

Environs

Dunstable is contained by its countryside within a natural gap in the northern Chiltern Hills. To the east you will find Blows Downs, acquired on behalf of the public by the Wildlife Trust, with funding from Dunstable Town Council and the National Lottery. To the west are Dunstable Downs, with ancient history and modern pastimes, providing another large open public area with breathtaking views. Miles of green lanes lead to Sewell, the prehistoric camp at Maidenbower, and the earthworks at Totternhoe Knolls. Other areas of the town are well served by marked rights of way such as Dog Kennel Walk, which is a favourite route from the town centre to nearby Houghton Regis.

19/05/10