Luton

Luton tends to get mentioned in the same breath as its airport, and it's true that this is where a lot of visitors first land in Bedfordshire. But the town itself has settled into a role as a practical, well-connected base, with a good spread of things to do once you've picked up your bags and decided to stick around rather than rush off.

Most visitors stay near the airport, and there's a strong choice of hotels catering to exactly that need, from the Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport and the Hampton by Hilton Luton Airport to the Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn London Luton Airport, along with the Eagle Hotel Luton Airport. For something smaller and more personal, places like Angie Home, Cozy B&B and ATZ&H Inn offer a homelier alternative, useful for early flights or short stopovers without the airport premium.

Away from the terminals, Luton has some genuinely good days out. Stockwood Discovery Centre is worth building an afternoon around, with its gardens and local history on show, while families with younger children tend to head for Woodside Animal Farm or the Sunshine Riding School. Energetic visitors have plenty of options too, from Orbital Trampoline Park and Futures Fun Factory to Luton Sports Village, and if the weather turns there's Cineworld Luton for a straightforward cinema trip.