Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Dunstable has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Dunstable.
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Sights in Dunstable
Dunstable is a thriving market town in Bedfordshire, England, situated 30 miles north of London. It lies on the East Coast mainline railway and has a population of around 36,000. The town is twinned with the German town of Lage and the French town of MeungsurLoire.
The modern town of Dunstable was founded by the Normans in the 11th century, at a time when the surrounding area was heavily wooded. The town’s name comes from ‘Dunum’, meaning ‘town on the hill’.
Dunstable is home to a number of historic buildings and sites, including the Norman Castle, which was built in 1066 and is now a Grade I listed building. The castle was once the home of King John, and later became a royal hunting lodge. Other notable buildings include the 14th century Priory Church and the 12th century St Peter’s Church.
The town’sMarket Square is the site of the weekly market, which has been held since 1214. The square is also home to the iconic ‘Dunstable Swan’, a 14th century stone statue of a swan that has become a symbol of the town.
Dunstable is a great place to shop, with a mix of independent and chain stores, as well as a monthly farmers’ market. The town centre also has a number of cafés, restaurants and pubs.
For those looking for somewhere to relax, Dunstable Downs is a great choice. The Downs are a chalk escarpment that offers stunning views across the surrounding countryside. There are also a number of walking and cycling trails to enjoy.
Those interested in history will be keen to visit the Hardy House Museum, which telling the story of the local area from prehistoric times to the present day. Dunstable is also home to the Whipsnade Zoo, the largest zoo in the UK.
Whether you’re looking to explore the town’s history, enjoy the great outdoors or do some shopping, Dunstable is a great destination.
History of Dunstable
Ruins of the Great Church of St Mary at Dunstable
Dunstable /ˈdʌnstəb(ə)l/ is a market town and civil parish in Bedfordshire, England. It lies on the eastward tail spurs of the Chiltern Hills, 30 miles north of London. These geographical features form several steep chalk escarpments most noticeable when approaching from the north.
The town has a history which dates back to AngloSaxon times: Dunstable was a burh, one of a series established by King Alfred to defend his kingdom of Wessex against the Vikings. In the 9th century it was the site of a number of battles fought between Danish invaders and Wessex forces under the command of King Alfred and his son, Edward the Elder. After the defeat of the Danes at Reading in 871, Dunstable became the focus for the Danish attacks and in887 they occupied the town.
In 1085 William the Conqueror ordered that a survey should be carried out to discover who owned which parts of the country. The resulting document, now known as the Domesday Book, reveals that Dunstable had a population of 1,500 at that time and was a thriving market town. William granted a royal charter to Roger de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Warwick, making him Lord of the Manor of Dunstable.
By the 13th century Dunstable had become a flourishing market town with weekly markets being held. It was also at this time that the priory of St. Albans Abbey was founded, just to the north of the town.
The town continued to prosper until in the early 14th century it was struck by the Black Death. This devastating disease claimed the lives of many of the townspeople and caused a period of decline from which the town never really recovered.
The Great Fire of Dunstable in 1624 destroyed much of the town, including many of the timberframed buildings which had survived the Black Death. The town slowly began to rebuilt and by the 18th century was once again a prosperous market town.
Today Dunstable is a thriving town with a population of around 36,000. It is home to a number of businesses and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Vacation in Dunstable
Dunstable is a market town and civil parish located in the English county of Bedfordshire. It lies on the east of England, 30 miles north of London. The town has a population of over 36,000 people.
Dunstable is twinned with the German town of Hockenheim and the French town of Le Vésinet.
The town is situated on the chalk escarpment of the Chiltern Hills at their southeastern end.
Dunstable Downs, part of the Chiltern Hills, are immediately south of the town.
There are a number of natural springs in the area, which rise through the chalk and eventually reach the surface as brooks and streams.
The spring at Dunstable has been girls from time memorial and is now surrounded by a welltended garden. It is said that if you drink the water of this spring you will be cured of all ills and will never grow old.
The downs were once used as pasture for sheep and cattle. Now they are covered with grass and only the odd cow can be seen grazing.
The town is home to Priory Country Park, which was formally the site of Dunstable Priory. The priory was founded in 1132 by Henry I.
The priory was dissolved in 1539 during the reign of Henry VIII.
The park is now home to a number of events throughout the year, including an Easter Egg hunt,oof!
The park also has a children’s play area, a café, and a number of walks through the ancient woodland.
If you are looking for a more active vacation, there are a number of golf courses in the area, as well as tennis courts and horse riding stables.
There is also an indoor swimming pool and a number of gyms if you fancy getting fit on your vacation.
And if all that activity makes you hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from in the town. There is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
So, if you are looking for a relaxed vacation with plenty of activities to keep you busy, Dunstable could be the perfect destination for you.
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