Discover the local sights of Luton before heading out to discover what this southern pocket of the UK has to offer. With London on its doorstep and many historic cities within easy reach, it’s the ideal place to begin your English adventure.
Life in Luton
A historic town founded on a settlement dating back to the 6th century, Luton today is a busy and vibrant community.
Whipsnade Zoo is one of the top billed attractions in the area and perfect if you’re visiting Luton with little ones in tow. Spot elephants, zebras and lions as you explore the sprawling complex. You can even watch a troupe of ring-tailed lemurs being fed their breakfast, become a zoo keeper for the day or spend the night at the Lookout Lodge.
Enjoy a dose of country air when you head to nearby Dunstable Downs, part of the Chiltern Hills. As the highest point in east England, these picturesque chalk grasslands are the perfect place to take a relaxing stroll and soak up the views of rural Bedfordshire. Pull on your hiking shoes and pack a picnic, as these plains are made for outdoor adventures.
Capital culture
Luton boasts excellent road links to London and if you have some free time during your visit it’s well worth heading into the capital to see some of its iconic sights.
You’ll fall in love with the unique energy of the city as soon as you arrive. Head into its heart and make for the River Thames. Here you can take snaps of the Gothic Houses of Parliament, take a ride aboard the London Eye and visit Westminster Abbey, the grand 12th century church that’s hosted royal weddings and coronations for hundreds of years.
Speaking of royals, a trip to Buckingham Palace is a must while in London. Stand outside the regal gates of the residence of Queen Elizabeth II and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by its splendor. The palace is open to the public, so you can head inside to see the ornate ballroom, the magnificent throne room and manicured palace gardens.
London is without doubt one of the best shopping destinations on the planet. After a morning sightseeing, dedicate an afternoon to visiting Covent Garden to explore the fashion boutiques or the huge flagship stores on Bond Street. As evening arrives, take a trip to the West End where you’ll find musicals, comedies and other theater performances of all kinds on offer.
Roman remains
Just outside London and 11 miles south of Luton is St Albans, an ancient city that boasts impressive medieval architecture and Roman ruins.
Take a trip back in time when you visit St Albans Cathedral, which dates back to 1077. It’s one of the largest churches in the UK and punctuates the city skyline, visible for miles around. Marvel at the blend of architectural styles that form the façade, including Norman, Romanesque and Gothic details, before heading inside to catch a glimpse of the enormous medieval nave.
Also well worth a visit is the Verulamium Museum, built on the site of the ancient Roman city that gave the museum its name. Wander the exhibitions and discover preserved mosaics, recreated roads and jewelry from the era – outside you can even see the ruins of the city walls and a basilica.
Just a short distance from the museum you’ll also find the remains of a Roman theater from 140AD, the only structure of its kind that can still be seen in the UK.
Car rental in Luton makes it possible to explore all of this and many other attractions in the endlessly vibrant south-east of England.