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You might have noticed that a new film about a young Bruce Springsteen fan is hitting cinemas near you, you might not know though that this film all about the Boss and his music is based in Luton. Yes, that’s right, Luton! The people of Luton are naturally as excited about this as we are, especially after the film’s premier took place in the town and much of the film was shot there. If you’ve seen the film and now have a renewed interest in the Luton area, you might be inspired to go and explore the town, so we’ve put together a list of the best places to visit.
Somaries Castle
For those of you who just thought Luton was an airport and nothing else, you might want to head over to the ruins of Somaries Castle. The remains of what was once a grand stately home can be found just east of the airport and is believed to have been one of the first houses made from bricks to have been built in England. Referring to it as a castle is a slight misnomer, it is actually a fortified manor house that was started in the 15th century and was built on the grounds of a former castle. Sadly, it was never completed, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t an impressive place to visit while in Luton. The gatehouse is still standing, the Gothic arches and the house’s chapel are both still around for you to explore and if you look closely, you can still make out the remains of the Norman Castle.
St Mary’s Church
Did you know that this is Bedfordshire’s largest church? The Gothic architecture is quite spectacular and there are tours of the grounds available for those who want to find out more.
Luton Hoo
Luton Hoo’s hotel is a beautiful architectual treat and if you’re lucky enough to stay there you’ll find yourself surrounded by history, elegance and of course the chance to walk in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy the gardens though, the walled garden is a favourite spot for visitors to Luton and there are tours of the gardens running throughout the summer months.
Wardown Park
Not only is there are beautiful expanse of greenery here but also a museum! The park lies alongside the River Lea and has a newly restored suspension bridge that dates back to the early 1900s. The museum is housed in an old Victorian Mansion and is the place to go if you’re interested in the town’s history. There are a whole range of fascinating exhibits, including those focusing on the hat and lace making trades that the town was famous for.
Wrest Park
You might be surprised by the amount of green space in Luton, but try to keep it under your hat because there are plenty more places still to come. Wrest Park is over 300 years old and is still as beautiful as it was when it was first designed. Visitors will see a range of styles and inspirations from French, Dutch, Italian and English with a canal, a pavilion, sculptures and some beautiful bridges.
Stockwood Park
This park is on the edges of the town and started life as a country estate which is now open to the public. The park has a golf course to one side as well as sports pitches and wooded areas for you to enjoy. In the midst of the park you’ll find Stockwood Discovery Centre, which is a museum showcasing a variety of artefects from around Bedfordshire as well as the Mossman Collection which is always popular among visitors. You’ll also find a Victorian green house and a medieval garden.
We think that’s enough to be getting on with for those of you inspired to visit Luton now that you’ve seen Blinded by the Light, but if you can think of any more places in Luton to explore, you can get in touch with us. Similarly, if you saw the film, did you recognise any places in the town? Give us a shout on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
