Dunstable

The chalky escarpment of the Chiltern Hills rises dramatically above this former market town, offering some of the finest views in Bedfordshire. Dunstable sits at the foot of the downs, where Roman Watling Street once cut through on its way to St Albans. These days it's the hang-gliders and paragliders who own the skies above Dunstable Downs, taking advantage of the updrafts that make this one of England's premier flying sites.

Climb up to Dunstable Downs Beacon and you'll understand why this spot has drawn people for centuries. The view stretches for miles across the vale below. Just a short walk from the beacon, the Tree Cathedral provides one of the area's more unusual attractions - a living cathedral of trees planted in the 1930s that recreates the layout of a medieval church. It's properly atmospheric, especially on a misty morning.

Whipsnade Zoo lies just over the hill, making this area brilliant for families. The zoo's own miniature railway connects to Whipsnade Central station, though most visitors arrive by car. Grove Theatre in the town centre puts on a decent mix of touring productions and local shows, while the Little Theatre offers more intimate performances.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the M1 runs right past Dunstable, and London is less than an hour away by train. Luton Airport sits just 10 minutes down the road, making this surprisingly convenient for European city breaks.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're ideally placed for exploring both the Chilterns and the broader region, with easy access to attractions like Woburn Safari Park and the historic town of St Albans. The downs themselves offer cracking walking straight from your doorstep, and after a day tramping the hills, there's nothing quite like returning to a proper campsite rather than fighting London traffic.