Introducing Luton

Perhaps you’re staying here before jetting off from Luton Airport, so perhaps staying in a Luton spa hotel will set your holiday off right. Or you may be using the town as a base to explore Bedfordshire and beyond. But Luton itself is a blooming little town that sits on the cusp of the Chiltern Hills with plenty to explore. It’s surrounded by ancient parkland, has excellent golf courses and a lively arts scene at its core.

Things to do

NATURE
Luton may have an industrial past, and a strong association with the hat making industry, but there are plenty of rural retreats to escape to and countryside walks nearby. The Clappers is a wooded hill to the north of the town, while Dunstable Downs are on the edge of the Chilterns and popular with walkers.

FAMILIES
Whipsnade Zoo is just a short car journey from Luton. Activities like ‘Soak and Stroll’ with the elephants are designed to encourage children to get closer to the animals, teaching them about the importance of caring for and conservation of the animal kingdom.

FESTIVALS
If you’re here in May, Luton Carnival is one of the biggest of its kind in Europe. There’s always a huge spectacular procession of floats and costumes through the centre of town, with lively music and vibrant food to enjoy. 

Top Tip from SLH

Take a tour of the historic country houses dotted around Luton, from Elizabethan Hatfield House to Woburn Abbey and its 3000 acres of deer park.