A planned 1960s city with a grid system and over 130 roundabouts. Modern shopping centers, an indoor ski slope, and family attractions make it a practical urban hub.
Milton Keynes sits 50 miles northwest of London, with its distinctive grid system of roads and neighborhoods. Walk along the shores of Willen Lake to spot the white Peace Pagoda, catch a West End show at the 1,400-seat Milton Keynes Theatre, or decode World War II messages at Bletchley Park. Look for the city's quirky landmarks like the Concrete Cows at Milton Keynes Museum, which have become symbols of this modern city.
Getting Around Milton Keynes
The grid road system makes Milton Keynes unique among British towns. Major roads intersect at one-kilometer intervals, creating an easy-to-navigate pattern. These roads link about 100 neighborhoods, each with its own shops and facilities. Red-surfaced paths, called "redways," run alongside the main roads and through parks. Reach London in 35 minutes from the central train station, or take local buses throughout the urban area.
Parks and Natural Spaces
Green spaces cover 25% of Milton Keynes' urban area. The River Great Ouse marks the northern edge, while the River Ouzel winds through linear parks and past several lakes. Try wakeboarding or paddleboarding at Willen Lake, or follow the path to the Peace Pagoda on its shore. Two Sites of Special Scientific Interest protect specific species of local wildlife and plants. Walk or cycle through the green corridors that connect different neighborhoods.
Cultural Venues and Entertainment
The Milton Keynes Theatre changes its ceiling configuration to match each performance's atmosphere. See international contemporary art exhibitions at MK Gallery, or watch independent films at its art-house cinema. Listen to live music at the 400-seat concert hall or The Stables venue. The National Bowl accommodates up to 65,000 people for open-air concerts.
Bletchley Park and Technology
Step into the rooms where codebreakers worked during World War II at Bletchley Park museum. Examine a replica of Colossus, the world's first programmable electronic digital computer. Over 250,000 people visit annually to explore this historic site. Today, more than 10,000 businesses operate in Milton Keynes, including many tech startups and established companies. The Red Bull Racing Formula One team runs its operations from its local headquarters.
Sports and Recreation
Watch Milton Keynes Dons FC play football at the 30,500-seat Stadium MK, or see ice hockey matches at Planet Ice arena, home to Milton Keynes Lightning. Practice skiing year-round on real snow at the Snozone indoor facility. Go sailing on the lakes or running through the parks on the extensive network of paths.
