Upcoming events
Brand new shop stock we know you'll love!
TY Beanies
As an official stockiest of TY Beanies we have lots of super cute plushies to choose from from capibaras to everyone's favorite - Bluey!
Funky socks
We have a great selection of funky socks for men and women available - perfect little gifts.
Jewellery
We have selected the most beautiful and exquisite jewellery pieces for you - we know you'll fall in love with them like we have.
Gifts for furry friends
We have lots of gifts for your furry friends including these fun dog coats.
Frenchic Paint
Don't worry we're still stocking Frenchic for all your DIY and upcycling projects.
Restoration works at Priory House
The Priory House Restoration - Project Team
Latest news
The restoration work to Priory House continues, securing the future of this important building for generations to come.
Dating to the 13th century, Grade II* listed Priory House is one of Dunstable’s oldest buildings and is of national importance.
Urgent action was needed to prevent the deterioration of this historic gem. The restoration project has taken longer than we initially expected, but the careful, methodical approach we’re applying is exactly what a building of this importance deserves. We’re not just fixing problems – we’re investing in Dunstable’s heritage and future prosperity.
The restored Priory House will become a central attraction, drawing visitors to our town centre and supporting local businesses. The enhanced facilities will enable us to host a broader programme of events and activities, creating a vibrant community hub that celebrates both our past and our future.
The partnership between Dunstable Town Council, Historic England, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund demonstrates the national recognition of our town’s heritage. When Priory House fully reopens in early 2027, it will stand as a testament to our community’s commitment to preserving our heritage while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
For further information and updates follow us on Facebook
Frequently Ask Questions
What's taking so long, and what's caused the delays?
When we began this project as part of Dunstable's High Street Heritage Action Zone, we initially planned essential repairs to address dampness and structural problems in the vaults. However, as our skilled heritage craftspeople began their work, they discovered increasingly severe structural issues that hadn't been visible from the surface.
Working with historic buildings often reveals hidden problems - we're dealing with 800-year-old stonework that requires specialist heritage craft skills and materials. Every discovery must be carefully assessed and treated with the respect this nationally significant building deserves.
Is your council tax funding this work?
This project is supported by multiple funding sources. While Dunstable Town Council is contributing funding and resources, we've secured support, advice and significant grants from Historic England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. These organisations recognise the national importance of Priory House and are investing in its future alongside the local community. The additional structural issues we discovered led to further grant funding being awarded, demonstrating the confidence these heritage organisations have in this project.
What changes are being made to the building?
We're not changing Priory House - we're carefully repairing it. Our approach focuses on sympathetic restoration using traditional heritage craft techniques. We're addressing structural instability, tackling dampness issues, and conserving the medieval vaults. The building will retain its character while gaining improved facilities, including a refreshed first-floor exhibition space and enhanced tearooms that can operate at full capacity.
When will it reopen, and will it still be tearooms?
The gift shop will reopen at the end of October. When the building is fully restored and reopened, the tearooms will continue, operating at full capacity in properly conserved surroundings. The complete restoration will finish in early 2027, when we'll fully reopen this historic gem.
Have we found anything interesting during the work?
Working on such a historic building always reveals fascinating insights into its construction and history. Our craftspeople are uncovering details about medieval building techniques and the various phases of the building's development, from its 13th-century origins through its Georgian transformation in 1743. These discoveries help us better understand and preserve Dunstable's rich heritage story.
Why are we doing this work?
We’re securing the future of one of Dunstable's most important buildings. Without this intervention, we risked losing a piece of our town's story forever. This restoration will create a central attraction that brings our community together, supports local economic growth through events and activities, and ensures that future generations can enjoy and learn from our heritage.
Has the building been unsafe?
The building has remained safe for public use in designated areas, but the significant structural issues we've discovered would have worsened over time without intervention. By acting now, we're preventing a heritage crisis and ensuring long-term safety and stability.
Priory House Restoration - more photos coming soon
Afternoon Tea at Priory House
Indulge in the timeless tradition of Afternoon Tea at Priory House and enjoy a delectable selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delightful cakes, all served with your choice of freshly brewed tea or coffee.
Whilst at the moment we are unable to offer our amazing afternoon teas due to the restoration works, we are very much looking forward to bringing them back in the near future. Updates will be provide on our Facebook page.
Associates of Priory House
Friends of Priory House and Gardens
The Friends support, promote and fund raise for the Grade II* listed Priory House and its beautiful surroundings. The Friends play an essential role in ensuring the gardens remain a tranquil haven for visitors, while also promoting educational initiatives and community engagement.
There are many ways to get involved, whether by joining the committee as an active member, volunteering for activities and workshops, assisting with fundraising events, or contributing to garden projects and planning efforts.
Contact: 01582 891420 or email prioryhouse@dunstable.gov.uk for more details.
Dunstable Town Guides
The Town Guides are a non-profit voluntary organisation passionate about local history offering walks and talks on the heritage of Dunstable for the public. Enjoy fascinating tales of local history, folklore, and community life, while enjoying the opportunity to content with other in the community who share local interest.
Tea Time Tales is held on alternate Thursday afternoons from 2.30 pm to 4 pm are currently being held at Grove House, 76 High Street North, Dunstable, LU6 1NF, due to the temporary closure of Priory House.
Each talk costs £6 with refreshments provided.
To book tickets, please call 01582 891420.
Priory House History
The beautiful Grade II* listed Priory House is built on the site of Dunstable Priory’s guest house for travellers. The ground floor contains a splendid Thirteenth Century Groyne Vaulted Stone Ceiling and there is also an original Tudor fireplace.
On the dissolution of the monasteries the building became a private house from 1545. One of the earliest owners was the important local Crawley family who later owned Stockwood Park and who used part of the building as an early hospital for the mentally ill. In 1743 the original stone vaulted hall was incorporated into a much larger house with the Georgian façade and internal details we see today. By the nineteenth century Priory House was owned by the Munt family who built a hat factory next to it on the site of the present gateway from High Street South. The factory was demolished in 1907.
Since 1956 the building was occupied as offices, firstly by Dunstable Borough and South Bedfordshire District Councils and, more recently, by a private company. With the aid of a Heritage Lottery Grant, Dunstable Town Council converted this magnificent piece of history and architecture into a Heritage and Tourist Information Centre.
