In Grove House Gardens there is accessible pathways, benches, metal and wooden sculptures, wildlife, an inclusive play area, and a performances area that serves as a focal point for Dunstable Town Council’s FREE community events.
Dunstable Town Council manages and maintains Grove House Gardens to a high standard Throughout the year, and have planted vibrant flowerbeds that burst into bloom with daffodils and tulips in spring to roses and dahlias in summer.
Whether strolling along the flower-lined paths, enjoying a picnic, or attending an event with friends and family, Grove House Gardens offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its scenic beauty, rich heritage, and vibrant community spirit, it remains a cherished destination for all who visit.
25th Anniversary Sculptures
The Town Council commissioned local artist Nicola Daley to commemorate the Town Council’s 25th anniversary. Nicola consulted residents to identify what Dunstable means them and four themes came to the forefront. Watling Street Roman heritage, the Priory Church, gliding at Dunstable Downs and young people identified BMXing at Grove Skate Park.
Nicola created four metal sculptures using recycled parts from an old Vauxhall car and the sculptures depict the four Dunstable themes. The sculptures are permanently displayed in Grove House Gardens, along with an interpretation lectern that explains how the sculptures were created.
The creation of the sculptures was funded by the Lottery Awards, with an additional contribution from the Town Council.
Inclusive Play Area
Designed so children of every ability can play side by side, the play area in Grove House Gardens has a range of play equipment including a wheelchair accessible roundabout, an inclusive seesaw and a sensory panel with ‘talk tubes’. The addition of the Inclusive play Area was made possible by Central Bedfordshire Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Suicide Prevention Bench
The bench offers support for those facing depression, bereavement, loneliness, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It features a plaque with a QR code linking to resources, 24‑hour support helpline numbers, and integrated lighting to guide visitors in need. Dunstable Town Council worked with charity Legend on the Bench, whose mission is to support those suffering from mental health issues and to prevent the tragic loss of life due to suicide.
W.I Flower Bed
The Women’s Institute volunteers care for the W.I. flower bed in Grove House Gardens, creating bright, seasonal floral displays. The colourful blooms that they plant each season to keep the garden looking fresh and to support local pollinators. Their hard work ensures visitors always enjoy a lovely, ever-changing display.
Performance Area
The Performance Area is located adjacent to the Grove House and faces towards the main lawns. Erected in 2000, this purpose built performance area provides an elevated covered stage with electricity for sound and lighting. Used extensively throughout the summer for the Town Council's organised music events and band concerts, the performance area makes the Grove House Gardens one of the premier outdoor entertainment and event space in Dunstable.
Ziggy Stardust Sculpture
Next to the performance area, you will see a red lighting bolt sculpture which is part of the 'Carving a Journey through Dunstable' wooden sculpture trail. The sculptures pay tribute to Dunstable’s history and this particular sculpture, celebrates David Bowie playing at Queensway Hall.
Read more about the sculptures
A Historic Treescape
Grove House Gardens is a 2.37 ha green space in central Dunstable, featuring around 80 mature and semi‑mature trees plus 20 planted in the 2007 renovation. Many date back to the gardens’ 19th‑ and 20th‑century private‑ownership era. Notable species include Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven), Metasequoia (Dawn Redwood), Quercus ilex (Holm Oak) and Liriodendron (Tulip Tree). Together with nearby listed buildings, this varied treescape creates a historic, welcoming open space.
Art & Culture
Throughout Grove House Gardens, you’ll find a number of notable sculptures and lecterns that reflect the creativity and history of Dunstable. They enhance the visual amenity of the gardens, as well as creating a sense of identity for this important open space.
Flame was one of the 32 elephants from the Big Trunk Trail that was auctioned to raise funds for a local charity and was purchased by local businessman and Councillor Alan Corkhill. He generously donated the sculpture to the people of Dunstable, and has a permanent home in Grove House Gardens.
There are three wooden sculptures, carved in situ from the stumps of trees that were felled on site. A majestic golden eagle, an owl perched on a tree with two squirrels scamper along the tree trunk and two rabbits at the base. They were created during Dunstable’s Folk & Dance Festival in September 2005.
Interpretation Lecterns
There are a series of interpretation lecterns that provide visitors with information about the heritage and wildlife aspects of the gardens. The lecterns have pictorial and written information to assist visitors to the gardens orientate themselves and to provide historical detail on the both Grove House and Grove House Gardens.
If you’re planning to visit Grove House Gardens in Dunstable, there are several convenient parking options nearby:
Grove Park Car Park (Grove Bowling and Grove View) (LU5 4JD) Approximately a 5-minute walk to Grove House Gardens.
Regent St, Dunstable LU6 1LP *Chagres apply*
Approximately a 5-minute walk to Grove House Gardens.
