THE TOWN HERITAGE TRAIL
The name of Henry I continually appears in references to the origins of Dunstable as a town of note. Undoubtedly he was instrumental in putting the 'new' town on the map by awarding it its first charter. Any heritage trail will inevitably start by tracing the steps of this Norman King the son of William the Conqueror.
Henry gave patronage to the Priory of Augustinian monks and created the environment in which the Priory of St Peter was created - although it took over a Shundred years to complete... and it was Henry who caused a hunting lodge to be built within the shadow of the church to accommodate his court whenever he visited the area. These buildings remain in the form of a hotel and public house and stand as the most obvious reminder of medieval activity in the town.
How the Royal Hunting Lodge looks today |
DUNA, the Anglo - Saxon
Alias 'Dun the Robber' |
Artist's impression of Henry I |
Much of the Priory complex was demolished following the reformation (brought about largely at the hand of another Henry, HenryVIII, who chose the church for the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon). Any number of the shops and commercial buildings around the crossroads owe their structure to rubble from the Priory.
Queen Eleanor, Edward I, Dun The Robber? They all made their mark on Dunstable's history, to find out how, collect a copy of 'Henry's Dunstable' from the Library or the Grove House Offices and it will explain all.
Manshead - digging for history
The Manshead Archeological Society has done much to uncover (literally) the hidden history of the area and are responsible for many of the most significant finds, many of which are displayed at their centre in Winfield Street.
Tel: Mr Mark Morgan 07768 851015
• Web: www.manshead.org.uk
e-mail - markmorgan13@hotmail.com
History Society
The Dunstable and District History Society enjoys a thriving membership and provides a full programme of trips and lectures as well as supplying a series of local publications and providing summer outings and winter walksTel: 01582 663384
Book Castle
As bookshops go The Book Castle in Church Street has a greater affinity with tradition than most. Not only does it sell the best collection of publications about the history of Dunstable and its surrounding areas it stands literally on the site where most of it began! Plus they publish many local books themselves. Tel: 01582 605670
email -bc@book-castle.co.uk
Website - www.book-castle.co.uk
SCHOOLS
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Dunstable is very fortunate in the fact that it has a wide selection of schools, catering for all age ranges. Currently there are 10 lower schools, five middle schools and 3 uppers as well as a college of further education. For full details of all schools please click here and you will be re-directed to the education section of Bedfordshire County Councils website.
Living and Learning
A cluster of schools in Learning Community 1 have developed the Living and Learning project. It is designed to meet the diverse needs of parents and children in the schools and local community through a wide range of activities, events and training opportunities. These are linked directly to the 'Every Child Matters' document and draw on the knowledge and expertise of a wide range of professionals from different agencies and services.
direct link - www.livingandlearning.org.uk
SHOPPING
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Something for all the family
For a town of its size, Dunstable has a surprising variety of shopping options, with five principle shopping areas within walking distance of the crossroads.
Whether your preference is for modern precincts, retail parks or open air shopping, the town offers you a choice... with plenty of things to create a most interesting day out.
If you have the time you might like to visit the recently reconstructed clocktower in the market area, stroll in the parks or walk the Downs which form part of the Chiltern Hills. For the more energetic there's a host of leisure facilities from Superbowl to golf, fitness centres to childrens playgrounds, and plenty of pubs, fast food outlets and restaurants.
The Outdoor Market operates every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
A leaflet detailing the relevant shopping outlets in the town can be obtained from the Library, from the Council's Grove House Offices.
EATING OUT
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It is to Dunstable's benefit that its historical tradition has created a legacy of interesting buildings, ideal for conversion to hotels and eating places. By way of contrast, the town has its fair share of modern fast food outlets, cafe's and continental restaurants which reflect a more modern era and a much extended range of options... In short, Dunstable caters for all tastes!
You can hop from a Norman King to a Burger King... and from a Black Cat to a Hungry Horse in a matter of minutes!
Rose Garden tearoom |
McDonald`s
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Dragon City'
Chinese Restaurant |
LEISURE AND PLEASURE
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Libraries
Dunstable's main library is located in Vernon Place just behind the North / South high street and adjacent to Asda Supermarket.
In addition to acting as a reference library and housing a substantial collection of publications, the library acts as a focal point and catalyst for a significant variety of arts functions including the town's art gallery, Citizone and photo archive. To obtain more details of the Library's activities 'phone 01582 608441
or click here for web site • www.bedfordshire.gov.uk
Community Activities and Centres
'The Place' Youth & Community Centre High Street North Tel: 01582 477445
Downside Community Centre Suffolk Close Tel: 01582 476449
Youth Outreach Tel: 01582 890614
Childrens Play Tel: 01582 890614
Older Peoples Healthy Living Project Tel: 01582 890608
Local Pubs and Clubs
Jumpin Jaks Night Club
Friday, Mixture of commercial pop and party sounds with resident Friday Dj Nim open till 3
Saturday, Commercial pop with Chiltern Fm's Ben Dudley. Giveaways every night open till 3
Sunday, Mixture of RnB, Hippop and commercial dance with Pressure and Huggie open till 2
Strictly over 18's, Id required, group bookings welcomed
Local Organisations
Dunstable And Leighton Buzzard Civil Service Retirement Fellowship - a local group of retired Civil Service Members (and their spouses). We are part of a
countrywide membership (if you wish to check us out, their website is: www.csrf.org.uk where you can read all about the background to the hundreds of little clubs all over the country).
email - michael.muridae@gmail.com
Recreation & Fitness Facilities
Dunstable is fortunate in having an a wide variety of activities in the local area, and Bedfordshire County Council produce an extremely comprehensive 'Directory of Clubs' which includes contact points. To obtain a copy visit http://www.galaxy.bedfordshire.gov.uk/cgi-bin/infopoint.sh
Telephone 01234 363222
Council operated services include:
Dunstable Leisure Centre, Court Drive, Dunstable: Incorporating a multi-purpose sports hall for Badminton, Tennis, Skating etc., Squash Courts, Swimming Pools, Supergym, Aerobic Studios, Bowls Area, coffee shop. Plus external facilities including floodlit All-Weather pitches and Tennis Court Tel: 01582 608107
Snakes and Ladders: Unit 9, Blackburn Road, Townsend Industrial Estate, Houghton Regis Tel: 01582 660111
Privately Operated Fitness Centres include:
The Gym, 3 Maypole Yard, West Street, Dunstable Tel: 01582 670890
R3 Leisure Health Club: 71-73 High Street North, Dunstable Tel: 01582 477500
Harpers Gym, Dunstable Leisure Centre Tel: 01582 608107
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Extensive Leisure Facilities at Dunstable Leisure Centre
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Sports Clubs and Grounds
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There are over 180 acres of parks, gardens and open spaces to enjoy in Dunstable, thirteen which include football pitches used on a regular basis by local adult and youth football teams. In addition there are two cricket squares, a bowling green and four hard tennis courts.
Private sports clubs include Dunstable Downs Golf Club, located on the western edge of the town, Dunstable Cricket Club, now located in nearby Tottenhoe, Dunstable Football club with its ground off Brewers Hill, Dunstable Tennis Club and the Dunstablians Rugby Football Club.
Relevant points of contact:
Outdoor Sports Bookings Tel: 01582 890610
Map of Town Parks and Recreation Grounds click here • PARKS AND RECREATION GROUNDS
Dunstable Town Football Club - http://www.dunstabletownfc.co.uk/
Luton Town Football Club - http://www.lutontown.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Home
Local Environment
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Dunstable is positioned in the Northernmost area of the Chiltern Hills which presents mile upon mile of outstanding open countryside with significant environmental interest.
Dunstable Downs |
For anyone visiting Dunstable a trip to the nearby Dunstable Downs, managed by the National Trust, is a must! For a start, its free! There are stunning views over several counties on a clear day and you can watch gliders being launched skyward from the London Gliding Club, hang gliders and paragliders offering colourful displays and kite flyers testing their resolve against the natural elements.
Toilets are provided. The Visitors Centre carries an extensive stock of refreshments and houses an interesting presentation of the area's history. There's plenty of space for picnics and a host of walks along the rim and base of the slopes with a wide variety of natural fauna and flora including orchids, cowslips and rare butterflies to experience.
Blows Downs to the West of the town was recently acquired for the community by the Wildlife Trust, funded by Dunstable Town Council and the National Lottery. The Downs area, together with acres of open public areas, marked rights of way, ample parks and well-maintained gardens, provide something in and around the town for residents and visitors all year round!.
Relevant points of contact include:
Dunstable Downs Visitors Centre Tel: 01582 608489
London Gliding Club Tel: 01582 663419 E-Mail val@londonglidingclub.com
Paragliding Centre 6 Wallingford Walk St Albans, Herts. AL1 2JJ Tel: 01727 848084
Ramblers Association Tel: 01582 703974
Parks & Gardens (Dunstable Council) Tel: 01582 890603
Archaeology (Beds County Council) Tel: 01234 270002
Country Parks & Heritage Sites - Dunstable Downs (Beds County Council) Tel: 01582 698489
Rights of Way (Beds County Council) Tel: 01234 363222
Footpaths - Towns (South Beds District Council) Tel: 01582 474126
Footpaths - Villages and Rural Areas (South Beds District Council) Tel: 01234 363222
London Gliding Club |
Whipsnade Wild Animal Park
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National Trust Wildlife |
Whipsnade Wild Animal Park
Nationally recognized as one of the largest and most flourishing animal conservation centres in the country, Whipsnade is just a ten minute drive from the Dunstable town centre (or a short bus ride).
A successful breeding programme underpins the work of the park but there's plenty of interest for all the family... areas of special interest for children, rides, demonstrations, defined feeding times, information centres, plenty of parking areas or drive through if you wish - all within the natural environment of the Bedfordshire countryside.
The park opens daily throughout most of the year. Telephone: 01582 872171 or click here for Web Site www.whipsnade.co.uk
The Arts and Entertainment
The Town Council is strong in its commitment to the arts and is amply supported by the Dunstable Arts Council which produces a Dunstable and District Directory of Arts Organisations. The Council also publishes a bi-monthly Diary of Events, copies of which can be obtained by Telephoning 01582 890613
Over 50 arts organizations are registered with the Dunstable Arts Council which ensures active participation and appreciation of a full years programme of events.
| Activities range from the staging of major 'West End' style musicals from the Dunstable Amateur Operatic Society to youth drama groups and musical workshops. These, plus a consistent supporting programme of plays by the Dunstable Repertory Theatre provide the back cloth to a wide range of Town Council-sponsored community events including charity firework displays, community carol singing, orchestral and brass band concerts plus displays of artworks with historical significance and those with local connections in the Library Arts Theatre - all aimed at encouraging the development of local artists. |
Grove House Gardens
Performance Area
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Encouragement for the young, from Playschemes to National Theatre Workshops |
Dunstable is soon to benefit from one of the very finest arts and entertainment centres in the region. Plans are well advanced for the provision of a new complex incorporating a theatre, cinema, community space with bars and restaurants to be situated on land adjoining the Dunstable Leisure Centre. Completion is due towards the Spring of 2007. Click here for a progress report
PHOTO ARCHIVE
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A full database of over 1,000 local images is freely available for inspection at Dunstable Library.
ACCOMMODATION
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Establishments in the area which have been incorporated in an overall rating scheme by the English Tourist Council,
The AA and the RAC are detailed below:
| HOTELS AND SELF CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS |
These are awarded one to five stars. The more stars a hotel has, the higher the level of service, the range of facilities and the quality of guest care you can expect. The number of stars awarded to self-catering establishments reflects the level of quality, including comfort, space, furniture and furnishing, facilities and cleanliness.
These are awarded one to five diamonds. The number of diamonds reflects levels of cleanliness, guest care, bedroom comfort, bathroom facilities and the standard of food.
These are given where quality of food is particularly recommended.
| Aspley Guise - Hotel |
Moore Place Hotel
The Square
Aspley Guise
Milton Keynes MK17 8DW
Tel: 01908 282000
Fax: 01908 281888 |
No. of rooms - 54
37 double - £70-£160
10 twin - £70-£140
6 single - £55-£100
1 suite - £200
All en suite |
             
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| Dunstable - B & B |
Georgian House
23 Priory Road
Dunstable
Bedfordshire LU5 4HR
(Mrs Jean Reavey)
Tel: 01582 667396 |
No. of rooms - 3
1 double - £40
1 twin - £40
1 single - £25 |
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| Dunstable - Hotel |
Hanover International Hotel
Church Street
Dunstable
Bedfordshire
Tel: 01582 662201
Fax: 01582 696422 |
No. of rooms - 68
53 double - £115
7 twin - £115
5 single - £105
3 Family - £115
All en suite |
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| Edlesborough - B & B |
Ridgeway End
5 Ivinghoe Way
Edlesborough
Dunstable, Beds LU6 2EL
(Mrs Judy Lloyd)
Tel & Fax: 01525 220405 |
No. of rooms - 3
2 double - £46-£48
1 twin - £48
Single rate - £28
Family rate - £52
All en suite |
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| Great Billington - B & B |
The Orchard
Gaddesden Turn, Gt Billington
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire LU7 9BW
(Mr Michael Lennard)
Tel: 01525 379134 |
No. of rooms - 1
1 twin - £65
Single rate - £45
1 en suite |
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| Leighton Buzzard - Hotel |
Hunt Hotel
Church Road
Linslade, Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire LU7 2LR
Tel: 01525 374692
Fax: 01525 382782 |
No. of rooms - 15
9 double - £50
2 twin - £50
3 single - £35
1 family - £50
Breakfast extra
All en suite |
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| Leighton Buzzard - B & B |
Sandstones
4 Chamberlains Gardens
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire LU7 8AP
(Mrs Diana Davis)
Tel: 01525 376335 |
No. of rooms - 2
1 double - £40
1 single - £25 |
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| Leighton Buzzard - Hotel |
Swan Hotel
50 High Street
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire LU7 1EA
Tel: 01525 372148
Fax: 01525 370444 |
No. of rooms - 38
11 double, 4 twin,
22 single, 1 family
All en suite
Mon-Thurs - £65 per room B&B
Fri/Sat/Sun - £39.95 per room,
bedroom only |
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| Markyate - Farmhouse B & B |
Beechwood Home Farm
Off Roe End Lane
Markyate, St Albans
Hertfordshire AL3 8AJ
(Mrs Barbara Blake)
Tel: 01582 840209 |
No. of rooms - 3
2 double - £45-£50
1 twin - £45-£50
Single rate - £30-£35
1 en suite |
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| Markyate - Farmhouse B & B |
High Winds Farm
St Agnes Farm
Hicks Road, Markyate
St Albans, Herts AL3 8LW
(Mrs Amanda Green)
Tel & Fax: 01582 841198 |
No. of rooms - 3
1 double - £35
1 twin - £35
1 single - £25
Family rate - £35
(double + 1 bed) |
| guide dogs |
| Milton Bryan - Farmhouse B & B |
Town Farm
Milton Bryan
Nr Woburn
Bedfordshire MK17 9HS
(Mrs Jean Harris)
Tel & Fax: 01525 210001 |
No. of rooms - 2
2 twin - £45
Single rate - £25
All en suite |
| 12+ |
| Pulloxhill - B & B |
Tower House
74 Church Road
Pulloxhill
Bedfordshire MK45 5HE
(Mrs Angela Lawrence)
Tel: 01525 714818 |
No. of rooms - 3
1 double - £52
2 twin - £48-£50
Single rate - £28-£32
All en suite |
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| Totternhoe - B & B |
Country Cottage
5 Brightwell Avenue
Totternhoe, Dunstable
Bedfordshire LU6 1QT
(Mrs Adele Mardell)
Tel: 01582 601287 |
No. of rooms - 3
1 double - £46
1 twin - £46
(single rate £25)
1 single - £25
2 en suite |
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Other accommodation which could provide the ideal base for days out include:
The Horse and Jockey (A5 Road, South of the town cantre)
Tel: 01582 840509
The Highwayman Hotel (A5 London Road, South of the town centre)
Tel: 01582 601122
The Halfway House (A505/M1 Junction 11, East of the town centre)
Tel: 01582 609938
Holiday Inn Express (A5/M1 Junction 9, South of town centre)
Tel: 01582 841332
The Hertfordshire Moathouse (A5 South of the town centre)
Tel: 01582 449988
The Pheasant Country Inn (A505 West Street)
Tel: 01582 662706
Kitts Inn Restaurant and Motel (A5 High Street North)
Tel: 01582 662341
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