Milton Keynes is full of things to do ranging from park walks to visiting top tourist attractions.
And sometimes the various options can be just too overwhelming, so we thought to turn to you to discover some of the best places to visit in Milton Keynes.
MKFM received hundreds of suggestions so we thought we'd compile the top favourites into a list...
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden in Wolverton seems to be one of the most popular choices for local residents. The once derelict land has been transformed into a small park full of wildflowers, trees, and wildlife.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, there would be intimate music events and it was a popular spot for family picnics.
"I used to walk through it every day," said one resident. "It's so peaceful and is a beautiful little spot for picnics in the summer. The kids love it."
Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park is also understandably top of the list. The heritage attraction and museum was home to the World War Two codebreakers, Alan Turing, and the enigma machine.
10,000 people worked at the site in secret during the war decoding enemy communications.
It is now a top tourist attraction on a picturesque Victorian estate where parts including the Mansion still survive, expanding during wartime to accommodate Codebreakers Huts and Blocks.
"Bletchley Park is somewhere to be proud of," one person commented.
Bletchley Park closed during lockdown but has since reopened and has been granted We're Good to Go status meaning they follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines.
Pre-booking is essential, and you can find out more here.
Lakes and The Grand Union Canal
Milton Keynes has more bridges than Venice and a longer shoreline than Jersey, so there is no doubt that walks around the lakes and canal come out on top too.
There are 15 lakes and 11 miles of canals in and around the budding city, so there is plenty of scenery to choose from. Dozens of people commented on their love of Willen Lake for the family feel, while others liked the quiet nature of Lodge Lake, to name a few.
"I like walking around the lakes and I like walking down the canal at Wolverton," said Louisa.
The Parks Trust has published maps of various walks within the area which may be useful, and you can access them here.
Planet Ice
Planet Ice is a 2,800-capacity multi-purpose ice rink in Central Milton Keynes that is known for being home of ice hockey team MK Lightning.
It is a well-known venue where people can watch the semi-professional team play matches, or just enjoy taking part in one of the ice skating sessions.
Planet Ice also hosts birthday parties, skate lessons, hockey lessons, and more.
Some events may have been suspended due to COVID-19 so it is important to check with Planet Ice directly. Skate sessions must be pre-booked in advance here.
The Tree Cathedral
The Tree Cathedral in Newlands is a firm favourite amongst MK locals. Its outline is based on the Norwich Cathedral and was designed in 1986 by landscape architect Neil Higson.
The Tree Cathedral is the only municipal tree cathedral, although sharped by similar medieval ecclesiastical influences. This is a very rare example of a particular type of landscape design on a large and complex scale based on the scale and layout of a medieval British cathedral.
It is a beautiful place to visit for a walk and is in a prime location being opposite Willen Lake.
It is looked after by The Parks Trust and you can find out more here.
Stadium MK
Stadium MK is home to the MK Dons and was opened in 2007 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It is a 30,530 seat stadium also being home to the 304 bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton Milton Keynes; a 3,420m2 indoor arena, Marshall Arena; Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Milton Keynes; and MK Dons Sport & Education Trust.
Sadly due to the coronavirus pandemic, MK Dons matches at Stadium MK are currently taking place behind closed doors. MK Dons Ladies games allow fans to attend the matches but MK Dons First Team matches are only streamed on iFollow. Find out more here.
Woodland and Parks
Nobody in Milton Keynes is ever more than half a mile away from a park. And it seems that this particular planning idea has proved popular, especially during lockdown, meaning it is incredibly easy to get outside and enjoy nature.
There are plenty of woodland walks in Milton Keynes, with firm favourites being Howe Park Wood and Bow Brickhill Woods.
And it feels the options for parkland walks are endless too. The Parks Trust hosts guided walks in local parks throughout the year for all occasions ranging from Woof Walks for dogs to Tree Tots for children.
Find out more about local woodland and parks here.
Milton Keynes Museum
Milton Keynes Museum was founded in 1973 when a group of local people began to collect items found in farms and factories that were being closed down to make way for the development of Milton Keynes, the UK’s last ‘new city’.
It has now been developed into a popular local tourist attraction with the collection of items growing rapidly.
"I like the old fashioned garden with the air raid shelter and the old pianola," said one resident.
Milton Keynes Museum is now open following months of being closed, and tickets must be booked in advance. Find out more here.
Milton Keynes Theatre
Of course, the list wouldn't be complete without mentioning our much-loved theatre. It opened in 1999 after a 25-year long campaign started to bring a theatre to Milton Keynes.
Throughout the years it has developed a reputation for being one of the best theatres in the region and has seen thousands of West End and Broadway productions take to the stage.
Just like the rest of the arts scene, Milton Keynes Theatre has been hit badly by the coronavirus pandemic and still remains closed. All shows have been suspended once again and the theatre will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
MKFM will keep you updated with the latest news regarding Milton Keynes Theatre so make sure you keep an eye on our website and Facebook page.
