Discover the stories of real people behind the collections from prehistoric times today. With free entry, beautiful gardens, children’s playground and café, Stockwood is the perfect place for an adventure. Highlights include:
- The Wenlok Jug - a rare medieval masterpiece with strong links to Luton’s history
- Luton's last tram
- The award winning display of Mossman collection of carriages - the largest collection of its kind on display in the UK.
Stockwood Discovery Centre is one of the few places in the country where the work of acclaimed artist Ian Hamilton Finlay can be seen on permanent display. His Improvement Garden is a classical garden in which the sculptures are an integral part of the landscape. Once part of the original Stockwood House walled areas, the Period Gardens reflect the changing styles of gardening in this country. New areas include a contemplative Sensory Garden, a colourful World Garden and a Medicinal Garden highlighting the usefulness of plants - designed with environmentally green and sustainable principles in mind.
Our Garden Café features daily specials made using fresh produce grown in the gardens.
FREE. Donations are welcomed
We charge for some events and activities.
By Car
Junction 10 off M1, the Discovery centre is within two minutes’ drive, on the left hand side of the road. At Stockwood Discovery Centre there are the following parking facilities:
Car parking plus overflow car park
2 parking bays for coaches in the main car park
6 parking bays for disabled badge holders located at the front of the car park
By Train
The site is approximately 1 ½ miles from both Luton Train Stations; Luton Town Train Station and Luton Airport Parkway Station.
Please note although it is relatively close by to the station, you may prefer to take a taxi the remainder of the journey. Taxis are located directly outside of the Stations exit
By Bus
Arriva bus No.321 from Luton Town Centre, Church Street, Stop C9. The bus also depart from Harpenden, opposite The George PH and St Albans , St Peters St, stop 5.
By Taxi
Set down and pick up in the car park at the London Road entrance. This is a short walk to the street-level entrance.
Extraordinary Everyday
Discover Luton’s history through the stories of the museum, house…
Someries castle's name was derived from William de Someries who had a residence on the…
Trees, hedges and shrubs planted in the form of a medieval cathedral.
This unique historic watermill houses gifts including fairies, glassware and candles. Our…
Explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through three centuries of…
A large mortuary chapel of the de Greys of Wrest Park containing fine sculptured tombs of…
Comprising of 80 acres, the Stockgrove Estate has an interesting history dating back to…
Woburn Safari Park offers an escape to the wild plains, jungles and savannahs of Africa…
The Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park is a perfect day out for the family. 18km of…
Warden Abbey was one of the seven Cistercian monasteries to cultivate vines in England…
Step back in time
Jordans Mill’s charming location on the banks of the River Ivel was…
A delightful Regency Garden in the style of the picturesque with later Victorian…
A unique historical collection of aircraft from a 1909 Bleriot to a 1942 Spitfire in…
Greensand Country is an area of distinct, beautiful and loved countryside, stretching…
Medieval Market house set on tranquil village green. Collection of 17thC furniture and…