Hat Gardens is officially turning one – and to celebrate this special milestone, we’re thrilled to announce the comeback of the popular ‘Secrets of Hat Gardens’ walking heritage tour.

Luton town centre’s first pocket park, Hat Gardens, nestled on Bute Street, first opened in May last year with a 3-day festival filled with exciting activities and fun for all ages.

Now, Step Forward Luton is proud to bring back the ‘Secrets of Hat Gardens’ tour, a standout highlight from the opening festival led by Luton Borough Council. Led by the knowledgeable Paul Hammond, Chair of Luton Heritage Forum, the tour promises to be an engaging experience for all participants.

Join the tour on Saturday 18 May or Sunday 19 May at 10am, to uncover the fascinating history of the Hat Gardens site and explore the rich heritage of the wider Plaiter’s Lea area through the ages.

Hammond, who is also a Step Forward Luton ambassador said:

“The tours are the perfect way to celebrate the anniversary of this much-loved community space and will offer locals a unique opportunity to delve into the site’s captivating past and discover the hidden gems of the surrounding area.”

Paul Hammond, Chair of Luton Heritage Forum and Step Forward Luton ambassador

Tickets for the ‘Secrets of Hat Gardens’ tour are completely free, but due to limited availability, pre-booking is essential to secure your spot. Please note that all participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Click here to book your tickets for Saturday 18 May or Sunday 19 May.

Want to see how Hat Gardens has changed? Just hover over the image below for a peek at its past.

To find out more about Luton’s past, visit the Luton Heritage Forum website.

hat gardens beforehat gardens after
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.