Someries Castle
Just on the outskirts of Luton lies Someries Castle, a hidden gem of local history. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not actually a castle, but one of the earliest brick houses in England, dating back to the 15th century.
The site’s got quite a story. It was originally owned by William de Someries in the 1200s, then bought by Sir John Wenlock in 1430. Wenlock had grand plans to turn it into a mansion, but he died before finishing it.
These days, you can wander around what’s left – the old gatehouse, chapel, and lodge. It’s a nice quiet spot for a picnic or a bit of a wander.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Some locals think the place is haunted. There’ve been reports of odd noises coming from the chapel and gatehouse. Word is, Sir John’s ghost is still hanging about.
It’s a bit of Luton history that often gets overlooked, but it’s right here on our doorstep. It’s worth checking out if you’ve never been.
Getting there’s easy enough. There’s a small car park if you’re driving, or you can take a nice walk through the fields from Someries Arch Road.
Entry: Free
Where to find: 81 Someries Cottages, Luton LU2 9PL