Attractions in Milton Keynes

One of the benefits of being a ‘new town’ is the level of planning that can go into the detail – and with nearly a quarter of all the space in Milton Keynes dedicated to trees, plants and greenery covering nearly 6,000 acres, there’s plenty to explore.

One of the most interesting parks in town is Campbell Park, which mixes woodland and open pasture with formal gardens, water features, and cunningly, art installations and sculptures. The park is also an excellent spot for flying kites and orienteering, with plenty of benches and paths to explore. There are no cafés or toilets in the park, but as it backs onto the theatre district, you’ll find plenty of options nearby.

Another park that offers more than the norm is the Ouse Valley Park. Part of the floodplains of the Great Ouse, the park is full of wildlife thanks to its diverse habitats including trees, meadows and hedgerows. A large, sprawling park, it’s great for bike rides and long walks thanks to its flat terrain, while the canal which crosses over the park via an iron viaduct dating back to 18th century is a fascinating architectural feature.

Elfield Nature Park is a hidden-away wildlife space that, thanks to its mix of woodlands, sunny slopes and ponds, is home to a fantastic array of animals and plants including bats, the great crested newt and wildflower meadows.

A little further afield and just over eight miles from our Willen Lake hotel, Emberton Country Park is great for families. With three different children’s’ areas, including a fascinating quarry experience (the ground is built on a reclaimed gravel works), the park is spread over 200 acres of relaxing grassland including a large lake perfect for summer picnics.

The busiest park in the region and just a short stroll from the centre is Willen Lakeside Park. It welcomes over a million guests each year, who flock to its wide range of activities including water sports, golf, tree and high-rope climbing and more. Our Willen Lake hotel is ideally placed for all the action, overlooking the southern end of the lake. As well as sailing, fishing and windsurfing on offer, there’s a miniature railway, football pitches, all-weather table tennis tables, a wakeboarding centre and running trails. It’s also just a short walk from Gulliver’s Land, an old-fashioned, fun-filled theme park aimed at children up to 13.

Home to several festivals and summer events, Linford Park is a fascinating space that dates back to the 18th century. At its heart lies Linford Manor Park, a stylish country estate, part of which has been converted into an arts centre, while the rest of the park is a flat and spacious area ideal for ball games, frisbee and dog walking. And, if you’re hungry or thirsty, it backs onto the Black Horse and The Nag’s Head pubs.

Last but by no means least, Brooklands Park is a great place for toddlers and children. With a sandpit, climbing frame, brightly coloured equipment, animal sculptures, bridges, a pirate ship, slides and swings, the only problem is you might struggle to get the kids out of the playground when it’s time to go.

Built in 2014, The Arena MK is a massive multipurpose space that’s hosted everything from live bands to darts and badminton championships.

Spread over three floors and built into the structure of the MK Stadium, the arena can hold up to 5,000 guests and has over 1,600 on-site parking spaces.

Home to the Milton Keynes Dons and with a capacity of 30,500, Stadium MK is a state of the art football ground that’s also hosted several high-profile rugby games including three matches during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The Milton Keynes Dons sprung to life in 2004 when Wimbledon was forced to relocate 45 miles north to Milton Keynes, making the MK Dons one of the newest professional teams in the UK.

A 10-minute drive from our Furzton Lake hotel, the stadium was finished in 2007 at the cost of £50 million and is one of the most modern stadiums in the country. A stylish stadium with silver cladding and a glass frontage, the MK is a two-tiered arena in a bowl shape offering excellent views of the pitch.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby including Nando’s, Frankie & Benny’s and Pizza Express. There are 2,000 on-site car park spaces, with plenty more in the Denbigh West industrial estate. The nearest train station is Fenny Stratford, which is just over a mile away, with Milton Keynes Central about four miles distant. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, head to the Peterborough United matches – the two teams have forged an intense rivalry over the last decade with 26 hard-fought matches and rising.