Let’s be real – sometimes the best things in life (and Luton!) are free. Whether you’re watching the pennies or just fancy exploring more of our town, here’s your local guide to some of Luton’s cost-free adventures.
Explore the Wardown House Museum & Gallery
Ever wondered what life was like in Victorian Luton? This stunning mansion holds the answers. Once home to the wealthy Scargill family, it’s now packed with fascinating local history.
The UK’s largest hat collection lives here, alongside interactive displays that bring our town’s past to life.
Make a day of it – stroll through the beautiful gardens around the house, or lose yourself in the winding paths of Wardown Park.
Wardown House Museum & Gallery, Old Bedford Road, LU2 7HA
See Europe’s biggest carriage collection
Did you know we’ve got Europe’s largest carriage collection right here in Luton? Hidden in Stockwood Discovery Centre, The George Mossman collection of horse-drawn carriages isn’t just impressive – it’s a glimpse into how people travelled before cars took over our roads. And speaking of transport history, you can spot Luton’s last tram here too!
But Stockwood Discovery Centre isn’t just about wheels – the stunning period gardens change with every season, from the medieval garden to the peaceful walled gardens. Got kids? Let them burn off energy in the free outdoor play area while you explore.
Whether you’re a history buff, garden enthusiast, or just looking for a peaceful afternoon out, Stockwood has something for everyone.
Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, LU1 4LX
Take a hike up Warden Hills
One of the best things about living in Luton? Having The Chilterns right on our doorstep!
Warden and Galley Hills Nature Reserve (Luton’s first nature reserve, by the way) offers some of the best walks around. Take the trail up Warden Hill and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across town – on clear days, you can see for miles.
Whether you’re after a challenging hike or just a peaceful afternoon walk, these chalk hills are a proper local treasure.
Warden Hills Nature Reserve, Warden Hills Road, LU3 2XA
Discover local history at Someries Castle
Tucked away on the Luton/Hertfordshire border is one of our town’s best-kept secrets. While it’s called Someries Castle, this 15th-century site is actually one of England’s earliest brick buildings – not quite your typical castle, but fascinating all the same.
Perfect for a quick visit, you can wander around the remains of the old gatehouse, chapel, and lodge to get a glimpse of local medieval life.
Someries Castle, Luton LU2 9PL
Visit Luton’s oldest surviving building
Right in the heart of our town centre stands Luton’s oldest surviving building. St Mary’s Church has been here since medieval times (over 900 years old) and it’s still going strong – its tower has been Luton’s landmark for centuries.
Step inside (on selected days and times) for a peaceful break from the busy shops and take in the beautiful architecture. From ancient stone carvings to dramatic arches, every corner tells a story of Luton’s past. The stained-glass windows are particularly beaut, especially when the sun hits them just right.
St Mary’s Church, Church Street, LU1 3JF
Step back in time at Waulud’s Bank
This impressive Neolithic site was built over 5,000 years ago – making it even older than Stone Henge! The huge D-shaped bank and ditch were crafted from chalk and gravel, and you can still walk around them today.
Make the most of your visit by checking out the source of the River Lea at Five Springs nearby, and don’t miss the eye-catching artwork on Marsh House. Perfect for history fans or anyone curious about Luton’s ancient past.
Waulud’s Bank, Five Springs, Luton LU3 3QY
Visit one of our 6 green flag awarded parks
We’re smashing it with our parks in Luton – six of them have nabbed the prestigious Green Flag Award! That means these green spaces are officially among the best in the country. From the Victorian charm of Wardown Park to the buzzing People’s Park, each one has its own character.
And while these six are award-winners, they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Luton’s got loads of brilliant parks and green spaces perfect for everything from your morning run to a crisp winter’s walk.
Escape to Bide-a-while gardens
Looking for a peaceful spot? Tucked away just off New Bedford Road is Bide-a-while Gardens, a lovely little garden that local garden centre owner George Farr created back in the 1920s. With its flower beds and lawns, it’s the perfect escape from our buzzing town.
Go on, take a seat on a bench and do exactly what the name suggests – bide a while! And here’s a top tip: pop by in spring when the daffodils put on their yearly show and the blossom trees burst into bloom. It’s one of those wonderful little spots that even most locals don’t know about.
Bide-a-while, New Bedford Road, Luton
Follow the Upper Lea Valley Walk
Think you need to leave Luton to see amazing wildlife? Think again! Our very own River Lea flows right through town, offering one of the most fascinating walking routes Luton has to offer.
Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot bright blue kingfishers zooming past or herons standing perfectly still by the water. A route perfect for a morning stroll or a weekend wander!
Explore Luton’s Hat Heritage
Did you know Luton once made over 70 million hats per year at its peak? Take a walk through our town’s amazing millinery heritage on the old Luton Hat Trail. From grand factory buildings to tiny workshops, each stop tells a story of when Luton was Britain’s hat-making capital.
Make sure to stop by the Hat House on Guildford Street (stop 8 on the map) – they often have free exhibitions featuring some of the world’s most famous hats!
Our free things to do doesn’t end there!
Luton hosts many free events across the year and there are a whole range of events taking place throughout the town, often only for a small fee.
Keep an eye on our what’s on guide and follow our socials to stay up-to-date on everything happening in the town.
About the Author
Laura Redmond
Laura is a passionate supporter of the Step Forward Luton campaign and a Place Activation and Marketing Coordinator. Armed with a journalism degree and unwavering love for her university town, she believes there's more to Luton that meets the eye. From charity work to market management, Laura's professional journey has explored every corner of Luton. When she's not busy being a marketing maven, she's lacing up her walking shoes to explore the town's green spaces or unearthing Luton's hidden foodie gems.
