Luton Information

Luton originated in the 6th century, and by the 10th century there was a town here with a population of a few hundred people, which was fairly large by the standards of those days. The 12th century saw the construction of 6 watermills, a church, a castle and two hospitals. In 1336, much of the town was destroyed by a fire, but was reconstructed and continued to thrive. The 16th century saw the growth of brick-making, and the 17th and 18th centuries were the years of the thriving straw hat-making industry.
Luton Hoo was built in 1757, designed by the architect Robert Adam. The 19th century was a time of growth, the Town Hall was built and the first Luton newspaper was published in 1854.The railway arrived in 1858, and soon new industries arrived, including engineering and car manufacturing.

Today there are many places of interest in the area. Stockwood Craft Museum and Gardens is a good place for a visit. The craft museum has interesting exhibits of Bedfordshire rural life, crafts. It is housed in stables which date back to the 18th century, and you can take a stroll in the beautiful period gardens, where you will see the Hamilton Finlay sculpture garden, and the Mossman collection, which is the largest public collection of horse-drawn vehicles in the UK.

Luton Museum and Art Gallery is particularly noted for its displays of clocks and watches, illuminated manuscripts, local history, textiles and children's toys and dolls. It was built in Victorian times, and opened as a museum in 1931. It also includes 15th and 16th century guild registers, some straw marquetry, lace and costumes, especially hats.

Sundon Hills Country Park is one of the highest points in Bedfordshire, and is a great place to go for a view of Sharpenhoe Clappers. It is managed by the National Trust, is full of ash and beech trees, is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The John Bunyan trail passes through it.
For a great day out with the children, do visit award-winning Woodside Animal Farm and Leisure Park. The farm is set in 7 acres of lovely English countryside, and there there are lots of animals to see and many different things to do, including a fantastic indoor play barn with three floors of play area and a café.

Other country parks and places of beauty in the surrounding Bedfordshire countryside include Priory Country Park, Stewartby Lake (great for bird-watching and watersports), Harrold and Odell Country Park, the Butterfly Park at Wilden, Dunstable Downs, Bushmead Priory (built by Augustinian canons in 1195), Aspley Woods, Brogborough Hill, Stockgrove Country Park, Totternhoe Knolls (a Site of Special Scientific Interest where you can see the remains of a Normal motte and bailey castle), and Whipsnade Heath.

SAVE up to 50% at Luton Airport Car Parks. Pre-book to guarantee your booking at the best price. Select your dates below & click for a quote. Pre-book to guarantee the best prices for your booking.