As one of the UK’s busiest gateways, Luton Airport serves 17 million passengers a year with an evident appetite for travel, transporting them to more than 154 destinations around the globe. Those travelling from central London to the airport by rail can now take advantage of the Luton Airport Express, a non-stop service launched by East Midlands Railway that provides a faster, more convenient transfer. You can get from St. Pancras station in Central London to Luton Airport Parkway railway station in 22 minutes.
London Luton provides short and long-stay parking lots, so drop off your car – you get to keep the keys – and access the terminal via the direct link footbridge, navigating your way safely around.
Airports now compete for passengers with many others, and commercial success stems from offering a wide array of supporting services and focusing on customer experience in all aspects, with parking often the first point of contact. Nevertheless, the soaring cost has determined many travellers to seek off-site parking. Opting for Luton Airport parking located in the immediate vicinity means you enjoy better rates and can go straight to your assigned area upon arrival.
Luton Airport is more than just a starting point for your next trip or a short break in your journey. If you have extra time on your hands, whether due to an early arrival or a long layover, you’ll be happy to know Luton is crammed with things to do and must-see places. Consider stepping out and diving into the plethora of offerings within a stone’s throw from you.
Visit The Wardown House, Museum & Gallery
Nestled in Wardown Park is the Luton Museum and Gallery, which devotes itself to the traditional crafts of Bedfordshire, including hat-making and lace-making, and provides an unparalleled insight into the region’s rich cultural history. It’s within a 10-minute driving distance. There are extensive displays of decorative arts (Saxon jewellery), costumes, fine arts, and Victorian room settings, not to mention mediaeval guild books. A walk around the lake and other areas is an absolute pleasure. Put simply, it makes a really lovely day out.
Learn About The Rich History Of Waddesdon Manor
If you’re itching to get out of the airport, you might as well do some sightseeing. Suppose you have at least 8 hours between flights. In that case, you’ll enjoy a visit to Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, one of the most well-known Rothschild houses in England. What is it about it that’s so alluring to travellers? Aside from the impressive architecture (arranged for defence rather than residence), the chateau captivates visitors through its story. Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild wanted a place where he could escape London in the summer months to entertain family and friends, so he commissioned Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur to build him a sumptuous castle.
At present, Waddesdon Manor accommodates a collection of British portraiture, with paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds, and is home to exceptional gardens filled with plants that range from bold bamboo to more delicate climbing honeysuckle. Is it a haunted house? Well, you can supposedly hear Miss Alice’s bell. Ferdinand left his estate to his youngest unmarried sister, Alice, who was renowned for her strictness about high standards. From time to time, a bat will make its way into the chimney.
Check out the Stockwood Discovery Centre
Your car has been taken to a secure place, so you’re free to enjoy your holiday. If you return from your trip later than expected for whatever reason, you must report this directly to the car park where you made your booking via the phone number provided in your confirmation email. For further information, please visit https://parkos.co.uk/. If you want to fill in time while waiting for your flight, head over to the Stockwood Discovery Centre. You can relax in the Garden Café, which serves a tasty selection of sandwiches, local pastries, and snacks, or check out the gift shop that combines one-of-a-kind merchandise with goods from local craft makers.
If you didn’t know, Stockwood Discovery Centre has one of the UK’s largest collections of horse-drawn vehicles, which was once commonly used everywhere. George Mossman of Caddington amassed, drove, and restored horse-drawn carriages for years, including but not limited to bicycles, cars, and model vehicles, a collection that was donated to the Luton Museum Service in 1991. The collection features vehicles used by tradesmen and ordinary people, to say nothing of the luxury vehicles and state coaches used by the British upper class.
Go To The Luton Mall And See What’s In Style
If you’d rather stay closer to the airport, the distance between Mall Luton and Luton Airport is 3 miles. Home to over 100 stores under one roof, the mall is visited by millions each year, which illustrates its pivotal role in the retail and entertainment landscape. From everyday essentials to health and beauty, from fashion to food, there’s something for everyone. You have everything you can think of, so shop and make new friends. If you don’t like the idea of eating generic food on your flight, treat yourself to a good meal before you board at Greggs, which specialises in baked goods, sausage rolls, and sweet items.
Summing Up
You’ve handed over your bags, and your boarding pass has been issued, so now you have hours to wait before getting on the plane. Be very careful about what you choose to do. The airline isn’t responsible for making sure you’re on time; when departure time comes, the plane will leave. Flights are uncertain, and depending on the reason for the change, they can depart earlier, so don’t stray too far. What little airport seating exists is already taken up by travellers, meaning that getting some rest is nearly impossible, so bring layers and earplugs with you.
Last but not least, if your return flight airport is different from your departure airport, don’t fret because parking providers guarantee transportation between the airport and the parking area. There are alternative transfer options, like taking the train.
