Out & About in Luton

Luton lies just 32 miles North of London and historically is within the county of Bedfordshire. With its neighbours Houghton Regis and Dunstable, the three towns together form the Luton/Dunstable Urban area.

Luton Town Football Club has a proud history which includes spells at the top of English League football. Their stadium has been at Kenilworth Road since 1905. For many years, Luton was known for hat-making. It was also home to Vauxhall Motors and the head office is still in the town. Commercial vehicle production carries on there to the present day.

The City Growth Luton Strategy defines a strategy for regeneration and action. The vision for City Growth Luton 2012 and Beyond is of a town which capitalises on opportunities for nurturing business and growth, exploits innovation and drives forward for success. City Growth strategies have proved popular in other cities and it is felt that Luton will benefit greatly from the strategy by business investment and new jobs.

Part of Bedfordshire University is located in the town. On Whitsun Bank Holiday Monday, Luton hosts the largest one-day carnival in the whole of Europe. Luton is also well placed to benefit from the Olympic Games to be held in London in 2012. A programme of development and promotion is underway and this will generate around 5,000 jobs. It is felt that the Olympics could be the catalyst to move forward with tourism for the Luton area as a whole.

Shopping

In the heart of the town is The Mall Arndale which includes popular high street names such as Marks and Spencer, Boots, River Island, WH Smith, Gap and Laura Ashley as well as unique privately-owned independent stores which aim to offer something a bit different to the discerning shopper. The concept of shopping malls was brought from the USA and each Arndale centre subsequently became the largest in Europe. The Arndale Indoor Market has been located in the town centre for centuries. Situated in the heart of the town you will find a large choice of popular high street names including Debenhams, Boots, Marks and Spencers, WH Smith, River Island and many more in addition to a further selection of unique independent stores.

Food and Drink

Chinese, Greek, Italian, Thai, Indian, Caribbean and Mexican - all these types of cuisine can be found in abundance in Luton. As well as the many restaurants, there are a variety of take-away places and also fast food establishments. If you like Oriental food, try Aroma at the Galaxy Centre. Tepinyaki is served here - and in case you are puzzled - it means that you choose the ingredients for your meal and the chef will cook them for you. Nearby Nandos is a firm favourite with students as it specialises in hot, spicy chicken at reasonable prices. If it is something very special you are looking for, why not try the Old Palace Lodge Hotel at nearby Dunstable. This lovely old building, centuries old, houses a superb restaurant where you can dine in style at very reasonable prices.

Arts and Entertainment

B:Fest is an arts festival showcasing the best artistic talent in Luton. Poetry, art, theatre and design are part of the festival. There is also cutting edge dance as well as theatrical productions. The festival provides an opportunity for artists to demonstrate their skills whatever form they take and provides a showcase for new artists from the University of Bedfordshire's Media, Art and Design students.

The Hat Factory, in the centre of Luton, showcases the best artistic talent in Luton. There is dance, music and theatre. The Hat Factory was opened in April 2004. This multi-facility complex plays host to many community and workshop events. If you want to listen to dynamic music, enjoy cutting edge theatre or watch alternative films then this is just the place for you. Located in Bute Street, the Hat Factory is right next door to the railway station entrance.

Hotels and Travel

From cosy bed and breakfast accommodation to the comfort of a welcoming guesthouse, when it comes to accommodation in Luton you will find a good selection on offer. You can enjoy traditional, hearty English breakfasts at leisure and sleep in modern furnished bedrooms. If you want to stay near the airport, there are hotels there for the traveller. The Royal Hotel in the heart of the town is a welcoming large hotel with everything for the visitor and the staff are pleasant and obliging. Red Lion Lodge in Castle Street is pleased to welcome the businessman or the traveller. Look down one of Luton's side streets and you will find tucked-away hotels if it is privacy and seclusion you desire. Luton is most definitely a town that is "on the up" and you will be pleasantly surprised at what there is to see and do in and around the town.