As befits a place with a very busy international airport, Luton has superb transit links. If you’ve flown into the airport, Airport Way links to Kimpton Road and the A505 to take you directly into the centre of Luton itself and the University of Bedfordshire campus. Alternatively, you can take the A1081 west which leads you to the M1.

The M1 south is a simple drive to London, bypassing the towns of Hemel Hempstead and Watford before reaching the outskirts of London. Heading north-west on the same motorway, you’ll pass towns and villages before reaching Woburn Safari Park and onwards to Watford Gap, the Midlands and the North.

The Chilterns can be reached either by heading south on the M1 then west on the A41, or by taking the M25 and eventually finding the A413. The equally picturesque university town of Oxford lies to the west of Luton – again, head south on the M1 before joining the M25 (the London Orbital) counter-clockwise and then taking the M40 west. It makes for a perfect day trip if you’re staying in Luton itself.

Central Luton is easily navigable, with clear sign-posting and ample parking, including over 1,600 places at The Mall shopping centre. Some bus lanes are in operation, as in most UK town centres, and there a few pedestrianised areas to be aware of.

The expansion of nearby Luton Airport has led to a growth in tourism in the city itself, both domestically and from overseas. And visitors here will find plenty to get their teeth into, from sporting pride to magnificent architecture.

Guess Hoo

The drop dead gorgeous Luton Hoo lies on an estate that has played host to grand houses since the early 17^th century. Luton Hoo itself was first built in 1767 for the 3^rd Earl of Bute, the then Prime Minister. Following a fire, it was rebuilt in its current form in 1843.

Purchased by the prominent South African diamond family the Wernhers, it has since played host to many royal occasions, including part of the Queen’s honeymoon and subsequent wedding anniversaries.

Its history stretches to Capability Brown-designed gardens and addresses by Winston Churchill. The grade one listed building has recently undergone extensive redevelopment as a luxury hotel. Stay here if you fancy some pampering or leisurely walks in the extensive landscaped grounds.

The happy Hatters

Luton Town Football Club’s nickname of ‘The Hatters’ stems from Luton’s history as a centre for millinery.

The club itself was founded in 1885 and was the first in the south to turn professional - it moved to its current home at Kenilworth Road in 1905. Attending a game here is a slice of old-fashioned football culture – especially when playing rivals Watford.

Animal magic

The 600 acres of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo lie the west of Luton, and as Britain’s largest zoo, it certainly packs in the attractions.

A stunning Butterfly House, tigers, lions, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes and more jostle for attention, while educational talks and feeding times draw the crowds.

The Hullabazoo Farm is a child-friendly section where you can enjoy up-close interaction with pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, miniature donkeys and pygmy goats.

It’s not cheap, but their brilliant, hands-on ‘Zookeeper for a day’ experience is a chance to work closely with some of the animals, whether it’s feeding the giraffes by hand or mucking out the rhinos – there’s also a ‘Junior Keeper’ offer for 11-15 year olds. 

With even more to see – from the shopping experience of The Mall to the perennially popular Stockwood Discovery Centre – car hire in Luton is essential to make the most of your trip. If you’re here for the Spring Bank Holiday, stick around for the huge Luton International Carnival, the largest one-day carnival in the UK.