Luton: Charm beyond the Airport
Luton is more than just an airport. Alongside being used as a stop-off point at one of its numerous hotels before catching a flight, the town has a variety of enticements for travellers. From museums to acclaimed restaurants, the area has plenty of things to do over an extended vacation. And with it being near London, staying in Luton can also prove to be a convenient – and relatively cheap – option for exploring England’s capital.
Rich with History
As its earliest settlements can be traced back to beyond 250,000 years ago, it should be no surprise that Luton has a rich history behind it. Whilst there is too much information to generalise this past within a single paragraph, it should be noted that the town was previously famous for the manufacturing of both cars and hats. The latter of which is one of the featured subjects at the Wardown Park Museum. This museum, which is situated in Wardown Park, has a wide range of displays that will pique your interest. Temporary exhibits throughout the year also keep things fresh for frequent visitors to the museum. Another highly rated attraction in a similar vein is the Stockwood Discovery Centre. Positioned within walking distance of Luton town centre, this free to enter museum contains picturesque gardens and collections revolving around topics such as rural crafts, geology, social history and archaeology. This place also boasts the largest UK collection of its kind, when it comes to Mossman carriages.
Attractions to Visit
Away from museums and historical sites such as St Mary’s Church (also well worth a visit), there’s also a small collection of other attractions that are recommended when travelling to Luton. One of the most revered is Wrest Park. Despite being on the outskirts of town, this park – which is a treat for the senses with stunning landscape design to explore – is a top pick with both locals and travellers alike. For some family-friendly fun, the Woodside Animal Farm and Leisure Park is one of the best options that Luton has at its disposal. This attraction is the ideal place to meet a whole range of animals while engaging in various activities. On the other end of the spectrum, you can also enjoy a spot of late-night gambling at either the Grosvenor Casino Luton or Genting Casino Luton. And for another area of scenic nature, the Barton Hills National Nature Reserve is often seen as one of the hidden gems of Luton.
Dining & Nightlife
It is fair to say that Luton has a healthy and vibrant restaurant scene. Spread throughout the area, the town has a charming collection of independent eateries and well-known chains. And with that, there is also a diverse selection of cuisines covered – ensuring that all palates and appetites are covered. So, whether you fancy some upmarket Asian flavours or some traditional British fare on the cheap, one of the 250+ restaurants the town has to offer, will provide you with what you crave! Finished your evening meal yet want to keep going before retiring to your hotel room? Or maybe you want a quick drink to relax the nerves before going to the airport? Well Luton has a range of nightlife options to make that possible. From quaint pubs to lively nightclubs, there are plenty of venues in or near the town centre that are open throughout the night.
Shopping Fun
Now while it can’t compete with nearby London in terms of shopping diversity, you still have plenty of choices available when it comes to acquiring gifts and essentials when in Luton. This is highlighted by what is simply known as The Mall Luton. Centred in the heart of the town and dating back to 1972, you will discover many of your favourite high street retailers residing within the mall. That’s because this shopping centre has well over 100 shops and dining options overall – ensuring you can get hold of nearly every type of item you could need! Although if you are searching for something a little more unique, heading to the town centre’s surrounding streets is your best bet. This is due to the fact that most of Luton’s independent stores can be found in this area. So whether it’s a recently released book, original piece of jewellery or even some toothpaste, you can find all this – and much more – when in Luton.