Luton Central Library

The red-brick building in Luton town centre pulls you in with its clean, modern interior - a proper renovation job that's transformed what could've been a tired old library into somewhere actually worth spending an afternoon. Inside, it's genuinely impressive: three floors of books, a decent local studies section if you're into Bedfordshire history, plus plenty of computers and a café that does a solid coffee.

It's the sort of place that appeals most to families with younger kids - the children's section is well-stocked and often quieter than the main floors - and to anyone researching local history or wanting free wifi that doesn't feel dodgy. The building itself is worth the visit for architecture nerds; the design won awards when it opened. If you're staying at Merlin Farm Camping near Whipsnade Zoo, about five miles out, this makes a sensible rainy-day stop before heading back to the Chiltern Hills. Same goes for Woodlands Caravan Site, marginally further but still doable as a quick trip into town.

Truth is, it's not a destination in itself. You'll spend an hour here maximum unless you're genuinely digging through archives. But as part of a broader day out in Dunstable or Luton - combining the town centre shops, a museum visit, then here for a breather - it works perfectly. Free entry, which never hurts when you're on a budget holiday.