Milton Keynes is 50 Years Old – 5 More Reasons to Visit

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Milton Keynes is what the locals call “a new city”, and when you consider the history of England, you understand the comment. Milton Keynes was established in 1967, so 2017 is the year Milton Keynes Celebrates 50 Years.

To find out more about “What’s On” in Milton Keynes, check out this website ➡ Milton Keynes Tourism.

We found Milton Keynes is a great place to base yourself to explore the surrounding area of Oxford, Cambridge and Stratford upon Avon.

And best of all, it’s only 30 minutes on the train to London. Wow, this is a great way to save on accommodation costs.

Another option to save on accommodation is house-sitting. If you love looking after pets, why not try securing a house-sitting assignment in Milton Keynes?

With so many villages surrounding the city, the feel of old England is close by.



What to See and Things to Do in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes may not be a travel destination you are familiar with, but for us, it was always on the radar thanks to a compulsory social geography topic at school.

Milton Keynes was designed for the future, with walkways, cycleways and green spaces, making it an enjoyable city to live in and visit.

We have found five more reasons to visit Milton Keynes.

  • Campbell Park
  • Extreme Sports
  • Access to Historic Old Towns
  • Train to London in 30mins
  • Green Spaces

 

Enjoy the Green Spaces of Milton Keynes

If you love to walk or bike, the walk and cycle tracks within the city and nearby parks ensure plenty to do and see. Because it’s a walkable and cycle-friendly city with loads of green space, it’s a great city for adults and kids to enjoy.

Milton Keynes has a great public transport system with great infrastructure.

Driving in the city area is easy, and there’s plenty of parking. And don’t be put off by the many roundabouts (these are common in the UK), and with a 60-70 speed limit between the roundabouts, traffic certainly flows.

Take a Picnic at Campbell Park

Campbell Park would be one of the jewels of Milton Keynes.

The park covers an area of 123 acres, and Willen Lake is a beautiful place to enjoy the park, whatever the weather. The lake provides:

  • Cafes and restaurants
  • Children’s play area
  • Trim Trail (gym equipment around the lake’s edge)
  • Wakeboard and Ski Jump – perfect for the adrenaline junkie
Milton Keynes Celebrates 50 Years - 5 More Reasons to Visit
Willen Lake, Campbell Park, Milton Keynes

A highlight for us was finding the Grand Union Canal flowing through the park. The canal boats moored along the banks are always a picturesque sight.

You may want to see more of the canals in England at Birmingham’s Rejuvenated Historic Canals.

Milton Keynes Celebrates 50 Years - 5 More Reasons to Visit
Grand Union Canal, Campbell Park, Milton Keynes

But that’s not all; you’ll discover plenty more things to keep adults and children entertained. Some of these are:

  • Gulliver’s Land (Amusement Park)
  • Aerial Extreme’s High Ropes Adventure Course
  • The outdoor stage for concerts or summer film festival
  • Cricket ground with an embankment to lie back and watch the game
Milton Keynes Celebrates 50 Years - 5 More Reasons to Visit
Gulliver’s land – Milton Keynes

If you are planning a day out for the kids (whatever the age), then this website provides a great list of Things To Do & Days Out In Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Caters for Extreme Sports

If you love to ski, snowboard and wakeboard, or try indoor skydiving, then Milton Keynes is the place to do these.

WakeMK on Willen Lake is the largest cable tow in the UK (that’s flying fox for the Kiwis), where you can enjoy water skiing and wakeboarding.

We spent a good half hour here watching the experienced and the learners trying out their techniques.

Lessons and gift vouchers are available.

Milton Keynes Celebrates 50 Years - 5 More Reasons to Visit
Fun on the lake with WakeMK, Milton Keynes

Xscape is a fantastic indoor facility where you can practice your skiing or snowboarding skills in time for the winter season. Snozone provides real snow to hone your skills.

Milton Keynes Celebrates 50 Years - 5 More Reasons to Visit
Skiing is available at Snozone, Milton Keynes

If you have been putting off the skydive on your bucket list, iFly Indoor Skydiving at Xscape offers the most amazing experience of a skydive simulation. As you can see, a lot of fun.

The team at Xscape are so friendly and helpful, even allowing us in to watch the skydive.

Milton Keynes Celebrates 50 Years - 5 More Reasons to Visit
Trying out IFly Indoor Skydiving

Only One Hour to Historical Towns

Milton Keynes is the perfect base to explore many places of historic interest, and many are within an hour’s drive by car.

Travelling is always tied to a budget for us, so we found ourselves in Milton Keynes, the perfect place to discover the old medieval towns of Oxford, Stratford upon Avon, Cambridge and Chipping Norton. Click on the links below to read more.

Oxford Historic University Town

Stratford upon Avon – Shakespeare’s Town

London is only 30mins by Train

Why pay London prices for accommodation and food when Milton Keynes is only a 30min train ride?

With trains leaving every hour, our suggestion would be to buy an off-peak journey (a couple of days in advance) as the price can be as low as £6. Use the Trainline app for up-to-date train schedules and pricing.

When you arrive in London, pick up an Oyster card and use the tube as an alternative to walking to see the sights, especially if heading directly to Westminster.

Some walks you may like to consider are:

The Thames River Walk

Step Away from the Tourist Buzz to Walk The Regent’s Canal London

 

When was the last time you visited Milton Keynes?