A Bedfordshire Getaway

Between 2 of England’s principal motorways, the M1 and A1(M), Luton is best known as an arrival point for cheap flights to London. A low cost carrier hub, Luton Airport is home to the unmistakable orange headquarters of Easyjet.

Booking.com offers hotels on the airport grounds, as well as accommodations including guesthouses in the town nearby, many of which offer free parking. But that isn't the only reason to visit.

Luton once had an important role in hat-making, an industry which has given its name to the Hat Factory performing arts venue. The town’s huge carnival is based in leafy Wardown Park, home of Luton Museum and Art Gallery.

Local crafts from yesteryear are displayed in the discovery center at Stockwood Park. Also here is one of the golf courses surrounding the town, and just east is a spa and swimming pool at the Luton Hoo country house hotel. Another golf course borders the Dunstable Downs to the west, and a third is by Whipsnade Zoo, the largest in the UK.

Luton shopping options include The Mall (previously the Arndale Centre), and the nearby station offers direct trains to London St. Pancras. Available restaurants cover everything from Indian to Caribbean and Malaysian.