landmark
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
The UK's largest zoo set across 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland with drive-through animal enclosures.
9 km · about 15 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Luton is worth a stop: 10 minutes from Markyate, 9km from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
Luton is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 225,262, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Luton sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Luton to your route.
Luton ( ) is a town and borough in Bedfordshire, England. The borough had a population of 225,262 at the 2021 census.
Luton is on the River Lea, about 32 miles (50 km) north-west of London. The town's foundation dates to the sixth century as a Saxon settlement on the river, from which Luton derives its name. LutonRead more
is recorded in the Domesday Book as Loitone and Lintone. One of the largest churches in Bedfordshire, St Mary's Church, was built in the 12th century. There are local museums which explore Luton's history in Wardown Park and Stockwood Park.
Luton was once known for hatmaking and became a centre for the British motor industry with the establishment of the Vauxhall Motors factory in 1905. Car production at the Luton plant continued until 2002. Thereafter, the site focused on commercial vehicle manufacturing which in turn came to an end in 2025. London Luton Airport opened in 1938 and is now one of Britain's major airports, with three railway stations also in the town. The University of Bedfordshire was created from a merger with the University of Luton; two of its campuses are in Luton. Since 1997, Luton Borough Council has been a unitary authority, performing all local government functions in the borough.
Luton Town Football Club, nicknamed the Hatters, due to the town's connection to hatmaking, has had several spells in the top flight of the English league as well as a Football League Cup triumph in 1988. They play at Kenilworth Road, their home since 1905, with a larger stadium in the town centre at Power Court currently under construction. Luton International Carnival, the largest one-day carnival in Europe, is held on the day before the last Monday in May; the Saint Patrick's festival is held on the weekend nearest to Saint Patrick's Day as there is a large Irish community in Luton. The town also has a large Pakistani community which, along with the Irish, were attracted to employment at the Vauxhall car plant. Luton Hoo is an English country house, estate and Grade I listed building originally designed by Scottish architect Robert Adam but later transformed to the designs of Robert Smirke.
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Luton offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Luton is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.8797 latitude, -0.4175 longitude.
Luton has a population of approximately 225,262 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.
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112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
The UK's largest zoo set across 600 acres of Bedfordshire parkland with drive-through animal enclosures.
9 km · about 15 min drive
cafe
The Bedfordshire location set in a dramatic former quarry bowl, opened in 2023 as the brand's third venue.
15 km · about 30 min drive
museum
Victorian estate where Alan Turing and thousands of codebreakers cracked the German Enigma cipher, arguably shortening WWII by years. Restored huts, working Bombe machine, and the National Museum of Computing next door.
26 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
The spiritual home of Aston Martin at the original Newport Pagnell factory, offering heritage servicing, restoration, and sales.
31 km · about 35 min drive
cafe
A simple roadside tea hut in Epping Forest that has been a legendary biker gathering spot for decades.
39 km · about 45 min drive
cafe
The 1938 North Circular roadside cafe that became the home of the ton-up boys and rocker culture, reopened on its original site in 1997 and still holding weekly bike and classic car meets.
39 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
Europe's premier drag racing venue in Northamptonshire, hosting iconic events like the FIA European Finals and Flame & Thunder.
41 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
The world's oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828, located in Regent's Park in central London.
42 km · about 50 min drive
April to October
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