Set at the junction of the 4,000 year old Icknield Way and ‘Roman’ Watling Street, this ancient market town was started in the 12th C. by Henry I. The Grade I listed Augustinian priory was founded in 1131, and was the scene of the annulment of Henry VIII’s marriage to Katherine of Aragon. Later the town became a major coaching centre, and was noted for its straw plait and hat making industries.
The Dunstable Downs are the highest point in the East of England at 244m (801 feet), providing superb views over Bedfordshire and the Vale of Aylesbury. Part of the Chiltern Hills, they were formed by chalk deposited on the seabed when the area was still underwater about 70 million years ago. This is a great place for a picnic, and for flying kites - you can buy them from the countryside centre, which also has a downs exhibition. There are miles of footpaths, ancient remains (burial mounds), and an abundance of plants and wildlife. Look out for the famous chalk lion, which marks the location of the famous Whipsnade Wild Animal Park, home to over 2,500 animals set in 600 acres of beautiful parkland.