Milton Keynes. No comparison

Does a family trip out fill you with dread? Does the phrase “you can’t please all the people all the time” spring to mind? Are you having to deal with screaming children, sulky teenagers and stressed out parents? If this sounds like you, then you’re probably looking for some help…

Have you thought of visiting Milton Keynes? We know what you’re thinking – concrete cows, roundabouts, modern, uninspiring - well maybe we can change your mind.

Yes, we have concrete cows, along with over 200 other sculptures in and around the city centre. Yes, we have roundabouts but we also have one of the most free-flowing traffic systems in the country, making it easy to get around. Yes, it is a modern city but it also has a rich history to explore. And as for uninspiring – this can’t be further from the truth.

The brilliant thing about Milton Keynes is that it truly has something to inspire everyone. For young children we have safari parks and rollercoasters, for teenagers there are thrilling sports and activities, and for Mum there is, of course, the shopping but also health spas and a top class theatre, and Dad isn’t left out either, what about live football in a 20,000 seater stadium or a round of golf.

You can put together a day out, a weekend away or week-long trip that will keep the whole family happy and stress-free, and you can do all of this in just one place – Milton Keynes, there really is no comparison.

Something for everyone

At the Xscape complex in the city centre you can ski indoors on real snow, try body flying (sky-diving without the plane), you can give rock-climbing a go, or try tenpin bowling in the dark. At Willen Lake, just a short drive from the city centre, there is a wake-board and water-ski cable-tow plus an aerial rope assault course. There’s also a purpose-built skate-board park in the city centre which has been internationally recognised by some of the world’s top skateboarders.

Why not explore the ancient woodlands and waterways across the ‘city in the country’. The Parks Trust provides a host of activities at minimal cost ranging from nature walks, ‘Tots in the Parks’, conservation projects and specially organised bike rides, horse riding and a programme of holiday events for children of all ages.

And if you are looking for a way to really wear the family out why not use the unique system of off-road redways – purpose-built cycle and walking paths – that run across the area and take you through beautiful countryside past woodland, lakes, rivers and parkland, and past some unusual heritage sites.

A rich history and a cultural oasis

Milton Keynes has no culture or history – far from it!

If art is your thing then no visit is complete without a trip to Milton Keynes Gallery. The city’s free, purpose-built contemporary art gallery which attracts huge international audiences and provides a host of regular, free activities for young people.

In addition to this, Milton Keynes boasts one of the largest collections of public contemporary sculptures in the world, and you can follow the trail yourself with the leaflet you can pick up from the Gallery.

Added to this are the fascinating family-friendly museums – Milton Keynes Museum, Cowper and Newton Museum in Olney which celebrates the lives of the poet William Cowper and the freedom campaigner, John Newton, and Bletchley Park or Station ‘X’ where the Enigma code was broken and the first computer created.

Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes City Orchestra, The Stables and a host of smaller, niche venues provide live music, drama and entertainment throughout the year, so your evenings can be just as exciting as your days.

Close encounters

Getting up close and personal with wild animals is the name of the game at Woburn Safari Park. Various activities let you experience the animals up close and children can even become a keeper for day to get a behind-the-scenes look at this amazing attraction.

At Gulliver’s Eco Park education and fun go hand in hand. The Discovery area within the park is specifically designed for families, groups and schools where learning happens through interaction and enjoyment. It helps teach all us about ‘hot topics’ such as sustainability, diversity and healthy eating, and links to the National Curriculum so offering an extension of the education process.

Retail therapy – you’re spoilt for choice!

Milton Keynes is a shopper’s paradise. The modern shopping malls of thecentre:mk and Midsummer Place offer the High Street shopper everything they need from well-known department stores, classic brand clothes’ shops to tempting eateries ranging from doughnuts and ethnic food to plain and simple ‘fast food’.

thecentre:mk has the largest indoor events’ area of any shopping centre in the UK and during the school holidays this area is transformed into every parent’s dream with loads to do for a range of ages and many activities are completely free. The attractions are changed throughout the holidays so there is always something new for children to see and do.

The safety and security of the environment is a major factor in attracting families. Free ID wristbands are available, buggies and pushchairs are provided and the popular ‘Kiddy Cabs’ keep the little ones safe while you do your shopping. A crèche is also located onsite.

Both shopping centres provide excellent disabled access and facilities.

Outside the city centre, within just a short drive or bus journey, you can take in the traditional market towns and villages of Stony Stratford, Wolverton, Olney, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Fenny Stratford, Woburn and Woburn Sands - all offering their unique, rural charms that contribute to Milton Keynes’ diversity. You’ll find a wealth of traditional boutique shops offering designer clothes, crafts and gifts, antiques and much more. Some of these towns hold monthly farmers’ markets where you can take a leisurely stroll around the stalls and buy locally-made produce.

Where can we stay?

At weekends, most of the chain hotels offer discounts and Destination Milton Keynes can help you find one to suit your budget. There is a very good Youth Hostel at Bradwell Village, but places are limited. For those keen on the outdoors, Emberton Park near Olney provides camping facilities and there is a caravan park in Newport Pagnell. Although limited at present, there is an increasing number of self-catering establishments. B&Bs provide another suitable alternative for family accommodation.

Fact Box

To find out more information about Milton Keynes visit www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk.