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Leighton Buzzard Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History

    The town’s name comes from two different sources. Leighton comes from the Saxon word Lestone, meaning clearing in the woods, and Buzzard comes from the name of a clergyman called Theobald de Busar. There are many buildings of historic interest in the town, including All Saints Church, The Black Lion pub, The Golden Bell pub and The White House.

  • 2. Now

    The town is now more commonly known as Leighton-Linslade, after the merger of the two towns Leighton Buzzard and Linslade, which were in the two separate counties of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. This market town now comes under Leighton-Linslade Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council.

  • 3. Events

    The Leighton May Day Fayre is a popular annual event in the town, organised by the Leighton Buzzard Rotary Club. The day includes stalls, rides, entertainment, a dog show, a donkey derby and more. The Leighton-Linslade Carnival takes place in July and includes a parade of floats and costumes through the town. The Linslade Canal Festival is a free one-day event in July includi...Read moreng stalls, boats, entertainment and more. Read less

  • 4. Attractions

    Leighton Buzzard Light Railway is believed to be the only substantial remaining 2ft gauge light railway in Britain and was opened in 1919. Visitors can take a 70-minute round trip and visit the railway’s museum. Mead Open Farm, on the outskirts of town, includes an indoor play world, Digger Village, go karts, crazy golf, outdoor play areas, tractor rides, animals and more. ...Read moreAll Saints Church was built in 1277 and is a Grade I listed building. It is open for the public to visit most days and has a coffee shop on site that is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Read less

  • 5. Things To Do

    Stockgrove Country Park, on the outskirts of town, covers 80 acres and includes a visitor centre, a lake, ancient woodland, picnic and barbecue areas and more. Other major green spaces in the region include The Ouzel Valley Meadows, Linslade Wood, The Rushmere Estate, Stanbridge Meadows and Tiddenfoot Waterside Park. The Grand Union Canal passes through the area and is a popul...Read morear place for walking and watching the boats. Leighton-Linslade has Cycle Town Status and contains an extensive network of cycle paths for residents and visitors to enjoy. Read less

  • 6. Business

    The town centre has a main High Street, offering well-known names, and lots of quaint side streets offering more specialist shopping opportunities. The town’s market takes place on Tuesdays and Saturdays and a farmers’ market is held on the third Saturday of every month.

  • 7. Transport

    The nearest airport to the town is Luton, which is approximately 12 miles away and offers domestic and international flights. By car, the town is located close to the A5 and the M1, both offering good access to the north and south. Other main roads serving the town are the A4146, A505, A418 and A4012.

  • 8. Entertainment

    Leighton Buzzard Theatre is the main venue in the town for live entertainment and offers a programme of music, theatre, comedy, workshops and more. There is also a cinema at this venue, offering blockbuster films and well as world and cult cinema. There are plenty of smaller venues offering live music in the town, including The Wheatie pub.

  • 9. Famous Landmarks

    Market Square, in the town centre, includes the 15th century Market Cross. This structure consists of a pentagonal shaped base and two tiers rising to a height of 27 feet. All Saints Church dates back to 1277 and includes a 60m spire on a squat tower. The building has a 15th century roof decorated with angels and gargoyles.

  • 10. Interesting Fact

    Sand from Leighton Buzzard is transported all over the world, including Saudi Arabia! Although the country has plenty of sand of its own, it is not the right type of sand needed for the filtration of drinking water. The sand from Leighton Buzzard was also used to make stained glass windows at the Houses of Parliament. The town’s special sand was formed over 130 million year...Read mores ago when the area was under the sea. It now has its own virtual museum online. Read less

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