Milton Keynes: Vibrant Hub of Attractions, Shopping and Fun
Despite being one of the designated new towns in England, Milton Keynes is full of history to explore and discover. Together with this historic side of the town, you will also find that the area has an array of activities, dining choices, hotel options, and one of the best shopping experiences the country has to offer. So whether you are travelling for a fun-filled family vacation or as a weekend retreat, you will find plenty to do when in Milton Keynes!
History & Culture
It’s true: Milton Keynes as we know it only came to fruition in 1967. Yet don’t let this fool you into believing that the town has little when it comes to history and heritage. In fact, a number of attractions highlight this aspect perfectly. And arguably the biggest example of this is Bletchley Park. This acclaimed historical site was previously the top-secret home of World War Two codebreakers, and is now open to the public to learn the importance of this integral, yet fascinating – part of the war. If you are searching for a place where you can gain a better general understanding of the town, the Milton Keynes Museum is your one-stop destination. Here, visitors can explore various displays provided by one of the most family-friendly museums in the UK. And speaking of history and museums, don’t forget to check out the National Museum of Computing. Technology enthusiasts will be happy to note that, along with housing the world’s biggest collection of fully-functional historic computers, this attraction also has both the first ever electronic and working digital computers!
Activities for All
Seeking some family-friendly fun? Well, Milton Keynes has a charming selection of activities that thrills travellers of all ages. One of the most famous is Gulliver’s Land. Ideal in the sense that it has a specific focus on younger visitors, this theme park also has plenty of thrilling rides to get everyone’s pulses racing! If you want to partake in winter sports without having to traverse up a snow-laden mountain, the Snozone is the next best alternative. This attraction features real snow within an indoor setting, offering an authentic experience in skiing and snowboarding. Keeping with unique and adrenaline-filled activities, the Aerial Extreme adventure course – the largest of its kind in the South of England and boasting over 50 obstacles to tackle – is another place that’s worth your time. And if you want to catch a show during your time in town, venues such as the Milton Keynes Theatre and The Stables regularly showcase theatre productions and live music.
Shopping Delight
As one of the most populous areas in the country when it comes to shops, you will find a vast array of items available for purchase when visiting Milton Keynes. From major shopping centres to humble farmers markets, the town also has a wide range of venues from which to acquire said gifts, treats and essentials. Yet the main destination for many is the Central Milton Keynes Shopping Centre. Combining the Centre: MK and intu Milton Keynes, this complex is one of the largest that you will find in the UK. Not only does it supply hundreds of popular high street retailers, but this shopping extravaganza is situated right in the heart of town and near hotels, restaurants and the train station – ensuring the best of all worlds! And if you are looking for something a little unique, Milton Keynes also has its fair share of independent establishments. Along with being dotted around the town centre, these traditional boutique shops are also found within surrounding villages and market towns.
Nightlife & Dining
If socialising until the early hours is part of your itinerary when travelling, you will be happy to note that Milton Keynes has a lively nightlife scene with a wealth of clubs and pubs. As for which areas you will find the best nightlife, you can’t go wrong with either the Theatre District or The Hub – both of which contain a nice selection of places to unwind after a day of sightseeing. With that said, and before you begin your journey of enjoying some late-night fun, you will want to tuck into some tasty local cuisine. And thankfully, Milton Keynes has an exciting collection of dining options to choose from – no matter your budget or preference. So from wanting a quick, inexpensive bite to eat or to sample the best food the town has at its disposal, you will find all this – and much more, including a variety of international flavours thrown in to the mix – when exploring the restaurants of Milton Keynes.