Unitary authority in England
| Coordinates: | 51.89, -0.43 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | TL 08 22 |
Luton is a unitary authority and borough in Bedfordshire, England, about 30 miles north of London. The town sits on the edge of the Chiltern Hills near the source of the River Lea, is compact and densely populated, and has Luton Airport to the north with strong road and rail links and easy access to the M1.
Historically a market town that became famous for hat-making and later car manufacturing, Luton now has an economy centred on aviation, logistics, retail and services and hosts a campus of the University of Bedfordshire. It is culturally diverse and relatively young, with an active local scene and a strong sporting identity as home of Luton Town FC, while ongoing regeneration efforts tackle housing, employment and social challenges.