Local leisure activities .......       

CITY DISCOVERY CENTRE, Bradwell Abbey, The centre contains everything you could wish to know about the City of Milton Keynes. Housed at the site of a former Benedictine Priory, dating from the 12th century, you'll discover a wealth of old maps, photographs, slides and library material. Guided visits around the city can also be arranged.

CHURCH OF CHRIST THE CORNERSTONE, Central MK  The first Ecumenical City Church in the UK, opened by HM Queen Elisabeth II in March 1992. The impressive dome and cross can be seen from most parts of the city. This magnificent building is home to craft shops, a cafe and the Guildhall, which has played host to many musical events.

MATERIALS RECYCLING FACILITY, The Borough and New City of Milton Keynes has been at the forefront of recycling innovations for the last decade. Now Milton Keynes Borough Council has opened the largest recycling facility in the UK. Visitors are welcome to see this "Green Machine" in action with the opportunity to buy products made from waste materials in the shop.

CENTRAL MK SHOPPING CENTRE. Tel.  One of the largest undercover shopping complexes in Europe All the stores are accessible from ground level

THE GRAND UNION CANAL runs through Milton Keynes from North to South and many pleasurable hours may be passed walking or cycling along the Boardwalk, enjoying the picturesque scenery, colourful narrow boats and abundant wildlife. There are numerous boat hire companies in the area.

IRON TRUNK AQUEDUCT, Built in 1811 to carry the Grand Union Canal over the River Great Ouse. The magnificent structure was constructed by Reynolds and company at the Ketley Works in the West Midlands.

CANAL TRIPS on the Grand Union Canal. 25 minute trips from the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne to the mouth of Blisworth Tunnel run subject to weather and demand.

THE CANAL MUSEUM,  The museum tells the fascinating history of the English canal network, how they are maintained and also the history of the repairs to Blisworth Tunnel, the longest such structure on the canal network.

GREAT LINFORD BRICK KILNS,  Brick making has been an important local industry for at least 500 years. The restored kilns at The Dell were originally built in the late 1800s. From here finished bricks were taken by horse-drawn narrow boat along the Grand Union Canal to the growing towns and villages of Wolverton, New Bradwell and Cosgrove. 

BANCROFT ROMAN VILLA,  Extensive excavation during the period from 1973-1985 along Loughton Brook revealed the site of a 4th century Roman villa with an earlier Roman house beneath it. The foundations of the villa have been reconstructed and an information panel erected to help visitors discover more about the historic site.

THE POINT 10 screen Cinema,

EXHIBITION GALLERY, Home to various special showings throughout the year.

FENNY LODGE GALLERY, The Fenny Lodge Gallery is one of the largest contemporary applied art galleries in the county. Housed in a attractive c18 building, it offers an extensive range of paintings, prints, ceramics jewellery and free-blown glass. .

THE COURTYARD ARTS CENTRE,  Set amid the picturesque c17 Linford Manor Park this city arts centre (one of three) provides an opportunity in various craft activities. There are also community arts workshops at Galley Hill and Coffee Hall.



























                                                                     

Our centre is the ideal location from which to explore the many delights of this part of central England. Within an hours drive you could easily reach the nearby towns of Bedford, Northampton Aylesbury, and Banbury and the dreaming spires of Oxford. Historic Windsor, Stratford upon Avon, Warwick and Cambridge. The picturesque Cotswolds are all but a short journey away. Fast direct train and National Express coach services make a day trip to London, Warwick or Birmingham extremely easy. Why not finish a day in the capital with a visit to a West End Show? Pick up theatre tickets from Milton Keynes Box Office, conveniently situated within the same building as the Tourist Information Centre. Here a few suggestions for day trips from Milton Keynes:

SULGRAVE MANOR, Nr. Banbury, Oxon.  A delightful Tudor manor house, which was once the home of George Washington's ancestors. The manor is now jointly owned by the peoples of the UK and USA and stands as a lasting memorial to the special relationship between the two nations.

CLASS CRAFT, Woburn Green,  A unique craft centre in a 300 year old converted barn. Watch craftsmen blowing glass, making colourful vases, bottles goblets etc. Shop and tea room also open.

OLD DAIRY FARM CENTRE, Upper Stowe,  Housed in a range of prize-winning converted 19th Century farm buildings. There are many animals on view including some rare breeds. Also an Antiques Shop, Woollens Loft, restaurant/Tea Room with real dairy ice cream.

STAGSDEN BIRD GARDENS. The village of Stagsden  is about 20 minutes drive from Milton Keynes. The Bird Garden is a specialist breeding centre in a county setting. There are cranes, flamingos, Birds-of-prey, rare pheasants, waterfowl, old poultry breeds, owl complex, talking parrots and mynah birds.

SHUTTLEWORTH COLLECTION,  A creditable collection of early aeroplanes and cars originally belonging to Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth. There are several hangars full of memorabilia, No. 1 providing a close-up view of aeroplane restoration and repair and with a garage in working use.

WHIPSNADE WILD ANIMAL PARK,  600 acres of Europe's largest conservation park, high on the Dunstable Downs. A great day for all ages.

THE MOSSMAN COLLECTION,  A major collection of carriages, coaches, vans, wagons etc.

CECIL HIGGINS ART GALLERY & MUSEUM,  A fine collection of watercolours, prints and drawings, ceramics, glace and lace.

WARWICK CASTLE.  The finest medieval castle in England. Lots of special events planned throughout the year.

BUTTERFLY & JUNGLE SAFARI, . Europe's largest butterfly safari also incorporating Insect City.

SHAKESPEARIAN PROPERTIES, Five beautiful preserved Tudor homes in and around Stratford, the Bard's birthplace, Nash's House, Hall's Croft, Anne Hathaway's Cottage and Mary Arden's House.

HAMERTON WILDLIFE CENTRE, See over 120 kinds of animals from all over the World, some rare, some familiar and some not seen anywhere else in the country.

COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK, Set in 120 acres of gardens and parkland around a Gothic style manor house. A large and varied collection of animals from all over the World, including tropical birds. Rhinos, zebras, ostriches; Tigers and leopards; Penguins, hornbills, monkeys and otters, to mention but a few of the wide selection.

KETTERING LEISURE VILLAGE, Many sporting & leisure attractions under one roof, including Leisure Pool with Wave Machine, Lazy River, Speed Slice, Ice Arena,  Health & Fitness suite, Sports arena, Quasar Lazerdrome, 9 Pin Bowling, Computerised Golf Centre, Dance Studio, Indoor Tennis, Squash, Watersports, creche facilities.

WATERFOWL SANCTURY,  Two thousand birds and animals on view. Goats, sheep, lambs, cattle, pigs and rabbits etc.. Protected flora and fauna. Adventure playground and nature trail.

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE are both an hours drive from Milton Keynes. If you would like further information about both of these historic cities please enquire at the Tourist Information Centre.

WOBURN ABBEY & DEER PARK.  Set in a magnificent 3000 acre deer park the abbey provides a fascinating insight into England's architectural, cultural and historical heritage. Home of the dukes of Bedford for over 350 years. Contains many fine pieces of furniture and one of the most important private painting collections in the country.