A large Bedfordshire town with a history of car manufacture, the success of present day Luton is helped by the presence of an international airport situated so close to London.
This large town in Bedfordshire is only about 30 miles northwest of London. Bordered by the M1 motorway, it has its own international airport, making accommodation in Luton ideal for those who are perhaps coming into the country needing easy access to London and other areas. Luton Railway Station runs regular services into London’s St Pancras International, as well as to a whole host of other locations that include Gatwick Airport and Brighton.
Although once a centre for hat-making, in recent history Luton is probably best known for car manufacture, as well as for the production of commercial vehicles. Vauxhall made cars in Luton until 2002 and still makes vans there, as well as having its headquarters in the town. For many UK towns, the decline of such a major industry – at its peak employing more than 30,000 people – could have been the sort of blow from which it never really recovered. Luton, however, is making a successful transition to a service economy, in large part with the help of its airport, which is a major base for Easy Jet and Ryanair.
Shopping in Luton for those staying in our serviced apartments is an experience of two parts. Having a major international airport – which is, by the way, not at all far from the town centre – means that there is plenty of good shopping and eating options there. In the town centre, however, The Mall Luton is where its at. This enormous mall right in the heart of the town has over 120 units, plenty of parking and a good range of stores, including Argos, River Island, Topshop, M & S, Debenhams, GAME, WHSmith and many more. Food and drink at The Mall Luton centres largely around the area known as ‘Feast Street’ and, while there are a few more restaurant-style options available, much of what’s on offer is about ‘grabbing a bite’. From familiar favourites like Greggs, Burger King and Krispy Kreme, to slightly different options like Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, NuCrema creperie and Abi’s Indian Street Food.
If you’re looking for something to do on a spare day during your visit to our Luton extended stay apartments, Stockwood Park Discovery Centre towards the southwestern edge of town has free admission and plenty to see and do. There are a number of collections to enjoy, such as on local history, rural crafts, geology and more. It’s also worth taking a look around the garden if the weather permits, as they are designed to showcase garden types from differing historical periods.
And don’t forget that you don’t have to stay in the town all the time – the Chiltern Hills are just to the southwest and well within reach from our Luton corporate accommodation. Whipsnade Zoo, for instance, sits only about five and a half miles from the town.
SITU has a variety of accommodation options in Luton and aparthotels in nearby London and throughout the UK.