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Dunstable Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History of Dunstable

    Dunstable is a civil parish and market town located in Bedfordshire, England. Evidence of flint implements and bones of Palaeolithic era animals suggest the settlement dates from prehistoric times. During Roman times a posting station was built here and they named the settlement Durocobrivis, which survived until the Romans left Britain. The area is likely to have been taken ov...Read moreer by the Saxons, who ruled over this region of Bedfordshire in around 571. Read less

  • 2. Now in Dunstable

    Today Dunstable is a town with a rich cultural identity, and despite being steeped in history, is very much in the present. New development The Grove Theatre provides the town with a 780-seat entertainment and arts venue. Its accompanying bars and restaurants overlook the Grove House Gardens, which have been beautifully re-landscaped.

  • 3. Events in Dunstable

    Priory House Heritage Centre provides the location for a variety of different events every year, including Ghost Walks, History Talks by local experts, and a Heritage Motor Rally. Over 2000 people visit the Rally, which is held annually every June.

  • 4. Attractions in Dunstable

    Dunstable’s focal point for access to heritage activities in the town is Priory House Heritage Centre. The main exhibition, ‘Dunstable; the Town at the Crossroads’, gives a look into the history of the area, and regular events, temporary exhibits and demonstrations make sure there is always something new and exciting for its visitors.

  • 5. Things To Do in Dunstable

    Priory House also offers a Tourist Information Centre for Southern Bedfordshire. This provides access to the house itself as well as the attractions in the local area. The Rose Garden Tea Rooms gives a welcome break, with various drinks, snacks and hot meals on offer, with a beautiful view of the well-kept Priory Gardens, across to Priory Church of St Peter.

  • 6. Business in Dunstable

    The market town of Dunstable offers a wide variety of business, with some good retail areas to visit. Dunstable Market is an old charter market that takes place in the pedestrianised Market Square. It is held on a Wednesday and Saturday. There’s also a regular weekly car boot sale held here too.

  • 7. Transport in Dunstable

    Dunstable’s main transport infrastructure is based around the A5 trunk road, which directs movement north and south. The M1 motorway is located to the east of the town. The town is also served by two main bus operators: Arriva and Centrebus, which run services to Luton, Milton Keynes and St Albans.

  • 8. Entertainment in Dunstable

    The Grove Theatre has, since opening in April 2007, replaced the Queensway Hall as Dunstable’s primary arts and entertainment centre. There are regular productions here by both national and local groups, within the 1000 seat auditorium. As well as this is the Little Theatre, which is located next to Chews House on High Street South: the Dunstable Rep Theatre Group host perfor...Read moremances here throughout the year. Dunstable Leisure Centre, which is operated by Leisure Connection Ltd on behalf of the council, offers a 25-metre swimming pool, fitness studio, squash courts and a multi-use outdoor pitch. It is situated near to the Grove Theatre, a modern bowling alley and Dunstable College. Read less

  • 9. Famous Landmarks in Dunstable

    Dunstable town is overlooked by the Dunstable Downs, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and popular kite-flying destination managed by the National Trust. The area is a chalky escarpment rich in wildlife, which also provides a site for paragliding and hang-gliding. The Priory Church of St Peter was founded alongside its monastery in 1132 by Henry I for Augustinian Canons. St...Read more Peter’s is an imposing and impressive building and is the nave of all that still remains of an originally far bigger Augustinian Priory Church. The monastic buildings included dormitories, stables and workshops, as well as a hostel for pilgrims, now known as Priory House. Read less

  • 10. Interesting Facts about Dunstable

    Dunstable Priory was the scene for the end of Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. In May 1533 it was declared illegal and void by Thomas Cranmer on the grounds that Catherine had been previously married to his brother Arthur.

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