Exploring the Routes Nearby Luton: A Guide to the Trails

4worldlovers:
Warden and Galley Hills Nature Reserve was Luton’s first nature reserve and is the perfect place to enjoy a walk. There are three routes to choose from when exploring this common. You can avoid climbing the hills by taking a circular walk from Streatley village or you can climb up Warden Hill to enjoy the views across Luton from the top. The final route involves walking along part of the Icknield Way which is an ancient route that was used in the past for trade.


The chalk downland supports a huge variety of wild flowers and these attract rare insects and over 20 species of butterflies.


“Drays ditches” run along the base of Warden Hill which were originally dug in the Bronze Age as boundaries to seperate tribal groups. However, later on in the Iron Age these were built up as a way to control the traffic along the Icknield Way.


Near the top of Galley Hill two Bronze Age barrows can be found. These were excavated in the 1960s and the remains of 14 burials were found in the largest barrow. In the Middle Ages a gallows was built on top of one of the barrows to be used for public executions.

4worldlovers:
Stockwood Park is located in South Ward at the southern end of Luton. It became a park in the ownership of Luton Council in 1945. Before that, from 1708, it was the estate of the Crawley family with Stockwood House at its heart.

The Crawley family vacated the house and estate in 1939 and the house was demolished in 1964.

The park covers an area of approximately 100 hectares and in addition to its regional significance in relation to the new Stockwood Discovery Centre provides the local district park facility for residents in the Farley and South Wards of Luton. It is located at the southern extreme of Luton and bounded by two roads (London Road and Farley Hill) which are both routes to/from the town centre. The M1 motorway runs within site of the western boundary. The park has a number of features and facilities which result in it being one of the most heavily visited of all Luton’s Parks; they include:

The tree lined avenue from Farley Hill to the centre of the park where Stockwood House once stood

The stable block, now incorporated into the Discovery Centre; a very attractive building at the centre of the park

The historic walled garden and other garden areas associated with the house

The ha-ha which was constructed to the south of the house (part of it can still be seen near the children’s playground)

The lodge house at the Farley Hill entrance, now in private occupation, but still an important visual element at the park entrance

Lawn Path, the ancient right of way running through the park

The original parkland trees and copses which gave structure and visual unity to the landscape and provide valuable habitats for wildlife

Historic trees, boundary wall and some lodge gate entrances around the periphery of the park

4worldlovers: Chalk downlands, rich with wild flowers and wildlife, with panoramic views of the Aylesbury Vale.

A café with a panoramic view. Serves hot and cold drinks, cakes, ice creams, lunches and cream teas.

A wide selection of kites, gifts, books, local produce, gardening accessories and seasonal plants.

Find your next read in our indoor second-hand book shop and help fund conservation.

Trees, hedges and shrubs planted in the form of a medieval cathedral.

Main visitor car park next to the visitor centre, smaller car park available a short distance from the visitor centre.

The View Café serving hot and cold drinks, hot food, sandwiches, light bites and cakes.

Dogs welcome on the Downs, on leads inside the visitor centre, café and shop.

Blue Badge parking and accessible toilet. Level access to the gift shop and View Café.

Check out our events at Dunstable Downs and see what's coming up.