🌳 Dunstable Downs Blog...

✈️ Escape on a Budget: Your Passport to Cheap Flights with WhatsUp Bedfordshire, flying from Luton.

🤑 FINDING YOU CHEAP FLIGHTS
Dreaming of a getaway but your wallet’s giving you side-eye? We get it. Life’s expensive, but travel doesn’t have to be. That’s where we come in - your unofficial flight-hunting sidekick. We’re not tied to any airline, which means we’re free to chase down the best deals and share them with you, no strings attached.

Whether you’re craving sun, snow, or just a change of scenery, we’re here to help you stretch those well-earned pennies into plane tickets.

👍 WHAT WE LOOK FOR..
We look for one night to five night stay holidays so you can get away with just hand luggage to save you money on the big fees of hold luggage. We also look for the better flight times as much as possible.

🔥 REAL-TIME FLIGHT DEALS
We post live prices as we spot them - no fluff, no delay. But here’s the catch: flight prices can vanish faster than your holiday snacks. They’re subject to change or sell out at any moment, so keep checking in. We update weekly to keep the deals fresh and your travel dreams alive.

-💸 LATEST CHEAP FLIGHT FINDS FROM LONDON LUTON AIRPORT
Here’s what we’ve uncovered recently - your next adventure might be just a click away:

🗓 OCTOBER 2025
🇮🇪 Dublin, Ireland
▪️Friday 4th Oct: 16:10pm
▪️Monday 6th Oct: 18:15pm
🎟 £34.82 Click here

🇪🇸 Majorca, Palma
▪️Monday 13th Oct: 14:05pm
▪️Thursday 16th Oct: 07:10am
🎟 £21.48 Click here

🗓 DECEMBER 2025
🇪🇸 Alicante, Spain
▪️Friday 12th Dec: 06:55am
▪️Monday 15th Dec: 20:15pm
🎟 £31.98 Click here

🗓 JANUARY 2025
▪️Gran Canaria, Spain
▪️Sunday 11th Jan: 13:25pm
▪️Sunday 18th Jan: 18:45
🎟 £40.48 Click here

🛎 BOOK A HOTEL/VILLA/TRANSFERS
Want a hotel to add and/or transfers you can find them here via:
➡️ Expedia
➡️ Hotels.com
➡️ Booking.com

Want to be the first to know when a new deal drops? Stay tuned, stay savvy, and let’s make travel affordable again.

💡 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY AT THE AIRPORT.

🥛 Water or squash? Bring an empty bottle to the airport and fill it with free water at the water stations, if you don't like plain water you can take a mini concentration juice that you can add to give you flavour also as it's small you can fit it easily in your hand luggage. You can buy these for around £1.25 from Aldi. Self catering?  This comes in handy while your on holiday to add to your bottles of water, while saving you money at the same time.

🎒 Try to travel light: Try looking at a few days away where you can take just your hand luggage. Hold baggage can add to the expense. We've found Jet2 to be the best for hand luggage. Hand luggage can weigh no more than 10kg and can be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including wheels and handles). You can take another small personal item such as a bum bag or laptop as long as it fits under your seat (40cm x 30cm x 15cm).
We found an amazing bag on Amazon, you can fit so much in it and is perfect for Jet2 flights.

Click below to view the Rucksack - the best one I've ever brought with so many compartments and space. As a women travelling this was brilliant, I could get away for five nights with this bag without having to buy hold luggage.
➡️ https://amzn.to/4g4L67v

💳 Boots Advantage Card: Do you have a Boots Advantage points card? If you do and you have enough points you can get a meal deal for free using your points. A meal deal at Luton Airport costs around £5.00. You can get a drink, sandwich/salad/wrap and a snack like a chocolate bar, crisps, fruit. I like to save my meal deal for a little picnic for in the plane. You can also get essentials like toothpaste, deodorant etc with your Boots Advantage Card.

☕️ Hot drink sachets:  You could take all in one coffee sachets/hot chocolate and ask for a cup of hot water on the plane, just ask nicely, please note they may not be able to offer you hot water all the time as they have a limited amount of supply. If you can get away with it you can save £3 - £4. All in one coffee sachets from Home Bargains only cost around £1.00 for 10. Not only that but if you go self catering these sachets will come in handy.

🥪 Bring snacks: If you have enough room, remember you can bring your own snacks, crisps, sandwiches, sausage rolls. This came in so handy as we were stuck on the plane for 2 hours once before it took off and you could see people eyeing us up while we were munching away, and yes of course offered hand outs, no one fancied my cheese and onion rolls.

🛍 Duty Free: If your buying something from duty free and you get a bag (be cheeky and ask for the larger one) this acts like an extra bag where you can cram other bits and take on the plane with you.

🧣 Keep your clothes on:
Heading out from the lovely Luton weather I use my sarong as my scarf. For one it keeps me warm and secondly it saves space in my hand luggage, thirdly it acts as a blanket in the plane when the hubby is blasting out the air conditioning.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 A Day Trip to Billing Aquadrome Summer 2025: Big Vibes, Tiny Price...

Ever fancied a mini holiday without the packing, planning, or price tag? That’s exactly what we got with our spontaneous day trip to Billing Aquadrome—a splash of adventure, a sprinkle of entertainment for the whole family, including your four legged member of the family! A great day for a picnic, entertainment and fun!

🎟 YOU NEED TO BOOK A DAY PASS
You will need to book day passes before you go. There are a limited number of daily passes available so definitely book in advance. Click here

🎟️ THE DAY PASS
From 9am to 10pm, your pass unlocks a full day of fun. It’s like pressing pause on everyday life and stepping into a holiday bubble—without booking a stay.

💳 Cost Breakdown:
▪️£5 per person 
▪️Under 5s: Free 
▪️Car parking: £5 extra 

And yes, it’s absolutely worth it. You get the holiday vibe, fresh air, and a jam-packed itinerary—all for less than a takeaway.

💦 WHAT'S INCLUDED (For Free!)
Here’s what your day pass gets you—no extra fees, just pure fun:

✨️ Splash Park (cue squeals of joy)
✨️ Amphitheatre Shows (until 6pm for day pass holders)
✨️ Skate Park & Indoor Soft Play
✨️ Lake Walks & Picnic Spots
✨️ Mini Train Rides
✨️ Play Parks & Foam Fun (Wednesdays & Saturdays only)
✨️ Alpaca Spotting

♨️ BBQ's ALLOWED
At designated areas BBQ's are allowed as long as they are kept off the ground. You may need to check with the park before you go to see if there are plenty of spots available as school holidays and bank holidays may get busy.
☎️ Phone: 01604 408 181

❓️FAQS
You can check the official Billing Aquadrome FAQs for more details on dogs, BBQ’S and more here.

🎈SPECIAL DATES INCLUDED IN THE DAY PASS FOR 2025
▪️2nd August - Hot Air Balloon Tethered Rides (possibly raffle-based, but free)
▪️23rd August - Hot Air Balloon Tethered Rides (possibly raffle-based, but free)
▪️27th August - Flyboard shows

🎤 ENTERTAINMENT
With live singers, to flyboard shows to fun games for the children, this ticked all the boxes for entertainment throughout the day! You can see what's on here for 2025.

🎪 EXTRA FUN (Paid Access)
Want to level up your day? These extras are available on-site:
🔸️Funfair rides (£2–£4)
🔸️Circus performances
🔸️Bike hire
🔸️Swimming pool (off-peak only, booking required)
🔸️Shops, cafes, restaurants
🔸️Amusement arcades
🔸️Aqua fun

🎪 Circus Details
▪️ Dates: 24th July – 25th August 2025 
▪️Showtimes: 12pm & 4pm daily (no shows Tuesdays) 
▪️Relaxed (SEN) Performances: 7th & 14th August at 12pm 
▪️Prices: £8.99 each | Under 2s: Free | Family ticket: £29.99 
▪️Adult-only show: 21st August (£17.50 with a drink)

🎡 Funfair Details - Summer 2025
Weekdays: 4pm - 10.30pm
Weekends: 12pm - 10.30pm

🐶 FOR DOGS
Dogs are allowed on the park, including in, the arcade, reception, and downstairs at The Venue. The cafe by the water sports.
Dog-friendly activities such as the "Tough Mutter" agility course and opportunities to enjoy walks and even canoe or pedalo rides with your dog.

🔐 INSIDER TIP
If you’re planning to catch the evening shows at the Amphitheatre, make sure you’re already inside before 6pm—after that, security checks for holiday passes only. We lucked out by being in the area early!

💯 OVERALL...
Billing Aquadrome gave us the perfect blend of excitement and chill. Whether you're chasing foam bubbles, admiring the alpacas, or just a break from routine, this day trip delivers the goods. And at £5 a head? It’s practically a steal.

♿️ ACCESSIBILITY
We found Billing Aquadrome to be very accessible in most places. The car park is gravel though. There is a stairs lift to the swimming pool viewing area, this is also where you will find the free small soft play area. The splash park, restaurant, cafes and amusements are all accessible.

🎟 DAY TICKETS -Click here

😴 WANT TO STAY
You have a choice of caravans, lodges with hot tubs, glaming & touring campervans from £25.
Holidays - Click here

🤑 WE FOUND A DEAL...
We found a deal for stays at Billing Aquadrome this 2025, saving you up to 55% off. Be quick though, dates will go quickly. Click here for the deal.

🌐 BILLING AQUADROME WEBSITE
https://meadowbay.com/billingaquadrome/

😍 Stoke Bruerne a beautiful location in Northamptonshire, just a mere 15 minute drive from Milton Keynes. Although all of its amenities are convenienly close together, it is a charming, scenic location that feels like you have stepped back in time.

😌 WHAT DOES STOKE BRUERNE HAVE TO OFFER?
From picturesque english cottages, from a historic scenic canal or calming woodland walk, delicious eateries, fun boat trips, a pub/restaurant with a play area and even peacful camping available, Stoke Bruerne has something to offer for everyone!

🕳 THE 9TH LONGEST CANAL TUNNEL IN THE WORLD....
Blisworth Tunnel: Deep beneath the peaceful waters of the Grand Union Canal lies a masterpiece of engineering—Blisworth Tunnel. Stretching an impressive 3,075 yards (2,811 meters), it’s not only the longest wide, freely navigable tunnel in Europe but also spacious enough for two narrowboats to pass side by side in opposite directions.

This subterranean passage ranks as the third-longest canal tunnel in the UKand an impressive ninth-longest in the world. Carved through the earth, it plunges 143 feet (43 meters) below ground level, making it one of Britain’s most fascinating hidden waterways.

Whether you’re exploring the canal by boat or simply marveling at its history, Blisworth Tunnel is a quiet giant, connecting past ingenuity with present-day adventure.

🛝 A PUB WITH A PLAY AREA
The Navigation is a pub/restaurant with indoor as well as outdoor seating directly next to the canal features a fenced off play area with climbing equipment and a double slide for probably for ages a 5+. Serving food and drinks. Also The Navigation is dog friendly in the bar & beer garden.

📖 THE FREE CANAL MUSEUM
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm
Note: Please check the website to keep updated on opening times incase of closing for private events.

The canal museum is free and accessible (accessible via the side entrance of the cafe and is only accessible on the lower level not level 2). Parking charges do apply. There is a green with numerous
benches to sit on, a great location for a picnic to watch the world slowly pass by!

Nestled in the charming canal village of Stoke Bruerne, The Canal Museum stands as a testament to Britain’s rich waterway heritage. Housed within a beautifully preserved Grade II listed corn mill, this pioneering museum—the first of its kind in the country—unlocks the fascinating stories of the Grand Union Canal. 

Try your hand at creating your own iconic roses and castles, slip into a boater’s costume, and soak in the sights, scents, and sounds of life on the water.

Then, meet Sculptor, the museum’s historic narrowboat. Built in 1935, she carried cargo, fought fires in WWII London, and worked the waterways until her retirement in 1984. Now, she’s moored outside, ready to share her incredible story.

🚤 BOAT TRIPS (Dog friendly)
1️⃣ Charlie: There are two boat trips available one being Charlie located directly outside the museum. This is open
▪️April - October every weekend and everyday in the school holidays
▪️11am - 3.30pm (last trip)
▪️Trips depart every 30 mins
▪️Trips lasting 25 minutes.
▪️Adults: £5, Children: £4
(Please note: Prices can change at anytime)

2️⃣ Santa Cruises in December are available leaving from The Boat Inn across the canel opposite the museum.

🌳 WOODLAND WALK
If you find yourself wandering past the museum with curiosity in tow, head straight down toward the tunnel—just a short five-minute walk will lead you to the woodland walk, a tranquil path tucked away beyond the canal’s edge. This may not be accessible for wheelchairs in some locations and the it is has a slight raised path.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t explore too far this time (blame an off day!), but even in my brief adventure, the woods had plenty to offer—sculptures hidden among the trees and playful lambs bouncing through the fields, radiating the kind of joy that makes you pause and smile. 

I can’t say for sure how far the trail stretches or what surprises lie further ahead, but if you’re up for an unplanned meander, this could be the perfect little detour. Just a heads-up: the gravel path might pose a challenge for wheelchair users, so some extra consideration may be needed. 

Whether you’re looking for a serene escape or simply enjoying a moment with nature, the woodland walk holds its own quiet charm—perhaps next time, I’ll venture deeper and uncover more of its secrets! 

🚙 CAMPING SITE FOR CARAVAN CLUB MEMBERS
Home Farm Camping site is a camping site for members only and just steps away from the Navigation pub/restaurant and a minute walk to the other canal restaurants such as an Indian, museum and walks.This site is ideal for golf, fishing and Star Gazing. Dogs are welcome. This site has battery charging facilities. Costing from only £14 a night. Book me a pitch here.

💯 RECOMMENDED BY WHATSUPBEDS.COM
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or simply seeking a picturesque escape, Stoke Bruerne invites you to step into the rhythm of the past and experience the legacy of Britain’s canals and scenery, a memorable place to visit, enjoy, relax, an adventure and to explore.

✅️ Free museum
✅️ Canal walk
✅️ Woodland walk
✅️ Restaurants
✅️ Dog friendly locations  
✅️ Scenic location
✅️ Accessible (in most areas)
✅️ Pub with a play area & accessible 
✅️ Camping (members)
✅️ Historic location 

☀️ Looking for a Free Day Out In the Summer? When the sun's blazing and the kids are bouncing off the walls, Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire is the perfect escape. Whether you're wrangling toddlers, teens, or dragging nan out for some fresh air, this spot ticks all the boxes. Just 35 minutes from Dunstable or 27 minutes from Biggleswade — it’s practically begging you to pack your towels, grab the swimwear, and dive into the day.

-💦 SPLASH PARK FUN & PLAY PARK
Get ready for giggles galore! The free splash park features spinning sprinklers and water blasters, while the pirate ship-themed play area is overflowing with slides, swings, climbing frames, and sit on bouncy fun. While the space is enclosed, it’s pretty vast — so don’t blink, or your mini-adventurer might be halfway up a rope ladder.

🍦 THE CAFE & FACILITIES
There's a café for caffeine emergencies, and snacks like crisps, ice-creams (always  a bonus treat), accessible loos with a radar key (you can purchase through amazon), and changing rooms to wrangle those soggy swimsuits. Toilets close around 6pm - 6.30pm.

🐠 WILD FUN IN THE SPRINGS
Wade in! The shallow springs are sparkling, warm, and just right for little legs. My 3-year-old granddaughter toddled in — knee-deep in the shallows, giggling as fish darted past her toes. Water blasters, nets, and splashy joy abound, the children had dingys and they were having so much fun with these, I found one for only £29.99 on Amazon - Great Price! We even saw folks chilling in chairs with their feet in the water like it was their personal spa retreat. No judgment — it's genius. Forget your net for a spot of fishing? No biggie — the kiosk has you covered costing around £2.50.

🧗‍♂️ ROPE ADVENTURES
Got a daredevil in the family? The rope adventures and zip wires will get their hearts racing. Perfect for kids aged 5 or 8 and up (as long as they're over 1 metre tall). Expect squeals, harnesses, and a lot of "Look at me!" moments. Prices range from £8 to £35, and the adrenaline rush is priceless. Click here to find out more.

🦄 THEMED PEDALOS
Flamingos, dragons, unicorns — oh my! These quirky themed pedalos bob across the water just past the accessible bridge from the car park. Turn right and voilà — you're in pedalo paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for the local swans and ducks, and if your little ones want to feed them, duck food is available at the kiosk near the splash park.

🚶 SOMETHING FOR THE WALKERS WHO DONT LIKE TO SIT AROUND ALL DAY
Calling all explorers! Across the bridge lies a serene lake led by the River Lea with a circular walking route that spans 12 miles. We didn’t tackle it this time (tiny legs and snack breaks got in the way), but it's on our bucket list for the next visit. Whether you're power-walking or meandering, nature’s waiting.

🧺 PICNICS WITH FESIVAL VIBES
Stanborough Park doesn’t just serve splash zones and scenic springs — it’s also picnic royalty. With sprawling green spaces to claim, there’s no shortage of perfect setups. Fancy a tranquil patch under a shady tree? You got it. Want front-row seats to splash park chaos while the kids run wild? Sorted. Prefer the gentle hum of the springs while you snack in peace? Right this way.

And it’s not your average blanket-and-sarnie crowd either. Picture tents, gazebos, full dining sets with table and chairs, inflatable loungers — even a few shisha pipes puffing gently in the breeze. Music drifts from Bluetooth speakers, kids chase bubbles, and families kick back like it’s Glastonbury minus the mud. The whole vibe is picnic meets festival (no BBQ's allowed), and it’s kind of brilliant.

🅿️ PARKING
Here's the scoop: we parked free on Lemsford Lane and hopped onto a public footpath just right of the Lakeside School. It's around a 7-minute walk, but be mindful — some spots need permits. For ease and accessibility, the official car park is a safer bet... if you can snag a space. When we arrived, it was jam-packed. It's a pay-and-display zone, so prices may change — the info we saw was from 13/07/25.

💡 WUBTIP - Incase it is too busy and you can't get a space in the car park it maybe worth taking something like a Trolley Cart incase you have to park a little further away - it will save you those extra hands you will need for the over excited kids.

✅️ Free splash park
✅️ Play park
✅️ Easy access into the springs
✅️ Parking right next to the park
✅️ Accessible toilets
(need a key? Click here)
✅️ Circular route
✅️ Rope Aventures 
✅️ Pedalos
✅️ Picnic spot
✅️ Gathering spot
✅️ Kiosk for snack and drinks
✅️ Dog friendly (must be on a lead)

🏴‍☠️ Hitchin’s Hidden Gem: Splashin’ Around Bancroft Park

😍 FIRST THOUGHTS...
If adventure had a postcode, it would be Bancroft Park in Hitchin. We stumbled upon this delightful green spot and it instantly won our hearts with its pirate-themed playground and splashy surprises!

🛝 PLAY AREA
Scooter Humps & Monster Games -
Before we even reached the swings, the little humps circling within the play park had my three year old granddaughter zooming around like a tiny stunt performer on her scooter. And the real showstopper? A giant orange arch that doubles as an interactive monster game. It’s imaginative, quirky, and just the right amount of weird. A lover of trampolines my granddaughter loved the three mini ones in a row.

💦 SPLASH PARK
Sure, it's compact—but don’t let size fool you. Buckets tip with dramatic flair, water sprays from mysterious places, and there’s even a moat that makes you feel like you're wading through medieval puddles. It’s chaotic in the best way. The splash park opens around May - September.

🧺 PICNIC PARADISE
Between pirate ship,  climbing frames and shaded nooks, there's plenty of space to roll out a picnic blanket and pretend you’re stranded on a a little island—with snacks, of course.

🚻 TOILET TALK
Need a loo? There’s one in the white building inside Bancroft Park. Timing? Mystery. Comfort level? Acceptable. We call that a win.

🧋THE CORNER SHOP
Across the road you'll find Blakes Corner—a humble convenience store with a legendary milkshake machine. If you haven't had one yet, are you even living? Sandwiches, crisps, emergency suncream—they’ve got it all.

🅿️ PARKING PRO TIP
We parked just a 5-minute stroll away at Hitchin Outdoor Swimming Pool. Free on Sundays—we love a free day!

✅️ Free splash park
✅️ Play park
✅️ Toilets 
✅️ Shop for convenience across the road
✅️ Picnic spot
✅️ Free day out
✅️ Half term fun

🌿 Dip Your Toes into Tranquillity: A Day Out at Batford Springs, Harpenden, Hertfordshire.

😌 THE VIBE
Tucked away like a whispered secret in the heart of Harpenden, Batford Springs Nature Reserve isn’t just a place—it’s a mood. The kind that tells your worries to take the day off while you paddle, picnic, and play or just walk around the nature paths.

💦 A waterfall, Cool Waters & Calm Vibes
The springs here are crystal clear and inviting, with shallow areas perfect for wading and splashing on warm sunny days. Follow the gentle trickle of water as it winds past green spaces, beckoning you to pause and explore.

Whether you’re dipping your toes or going full explorer mode, there’s no shortage of natural nooks to lose yourself in. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and just wild enough to make your inner nature-lover do a little happy dance. On you explore you will find a family and dog friendly pub called The Marquis of Granby.

⛲️ Waterfall Wilderness
The Waterfall is a must to find along your route where you will hear the rushing sound of water, laughter, splashing and fun! Whether you want to take the few steps into the springs to cool your feet, immerse all your body in the upper part of the deeper waters of the falls or float around in your rubber ring, this is huge natural stress reliever. We absolutely love this little gem in Hertfordshire.

🛝 Zip, Swing & Slide: The Play Park
On your walk, just by the springs, you’ll stumble upon a play park that’s an absolute gem for kids up to 13 years. There's even a zip wire—yes, a ZIP WIRE—because flying through the air just adds to the fun.

With plenty of space to picnic and run around, it’s a perfect spot to refuel with snacks and stories before heading back into the wild.

🪣 Gone Fishin’ (Tiny Nets Welcome)
Bring a bucket and net—especially for the little ones. They’ll love hunting for minnows or pretending they’re the next River Monsters presenter. There’s even a chance to catch a glimpse of folks proper fishing along the banks.

🐶 A Dogs Adventure
We saw lots of dog walkers and doggies splashing around and having fun in the springs, although it is mentioned that dogs should be kept on leads at all times and kept under control.

🅿️ PARKING
▪️Closest option: Lower Luton Road street parking (limited spots) free & roadside.
▪️Alternative: Small car park near the Amble Inn Pub.
▪️Bonus find: Marquis Lane might offer a few hidden gems too.

🚨 Heads up: If you're parked on Luton Road, there are a few entry points into the reserve—but wheelchair access can be tricky due to narrow grassy paths.

🗺 ADDRESS
Batford Springs Nature Reserve  
Lower Luton Rd, Harpenden, AL5 5AQ

✅️ Scenic walks
✅️ Play park
✅️ Fishing spot
✅️ Dog friendly
✅️ Great for walkers
✅️ Paddling spot
✅️ Picnic spot
✅️ Half term idea for free day out
✅️ Date idea