Luton

Luton is an expansive town located in the south of England in the county of Bedfordshire. At present it is a local government district. Though the city might give you an impression of a modern city, it is deep rooted in history, which extends to the middle ages. This town is thought to have human settlements since the Paleolithic era. Romans and Saxons made up some of the early settlements that flourished over River Lea. The market and the near by villages flourished steadily and by the 16th century the predominantly agriculture based town became famous in Straw hat business and brick making.

In the 19th century, this town saw some significant developments such as the railway system, water and sewer system. Luton became a borough in 1876 and the professional league football team was founded in 1885. Luton is famous for the car plant of Vauxhall Motors, the Luton airport, which was opened in 1938 and hat making along with other light industries. Its football team is nicknamed ‘The Hatters’ that stand for its once famous lace and hat making industry. Luton has retained its lively multicultural façade for over a century to become a major British hub. It has the fastest-growing airport in the whole of Britain and Luton offers a heady mix of the new, making it an outgoing and lively place to visit.

Luton parades an impressive line up of parks and gardens such as Wardown and stockwood with a lace museum and a crafts museum respectively. Every year, Luton hosts the largest European one day carnival, which draws flocks of tourist from far and wide. There are many architectural gems such as the 12th century Luton’s St Mary’s Church, the refurbished Robert Adam Mansion of Luton Hoo and the remnants of the 15th century Someries Castle. Another must-see is the Mossman collection – the largest collection of horse drawn carriages displayed for the Public in Britain.

There are many shopping facilities that are concentrated around George Street and the Arndale Centre while the media centre of Artezium and the Library theatre and cinema are some of the other hot spots of this town. Ascott House is a stunning 19th century monochrome house set in 30 acres of land. You can flip through some of the best pictures from the collection of Anthony de Rothschild apart from an impressive line up of French and English furniture.

Luton is only half an hour’s drive from London and has a well developed transport network and classic hotels and restaurants, making it a cool destination to eat, drink and merry make! Bromham Mill and Gallery is a working watermill and art gallery, which regularly displays painting exhibitions. It is set amidst enchanting walkways and greenery ideal for a guided tour. Another attraction is the yummy home made cakes prepared from its own milled flour, which would make a sweet gift to someone special back home!

Luton has a pumping night life with a rich collections of pubs and clubs that makes it a popular party destination tailored for stag or hen weekends, corporate events and birthday celebrations.