30 free things to do in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes is a thriving, modern destination that’s packed with things to see and do. Plus, Milton Keynes is a great place to visit with the family, and a trip here doesn’t have to cost the earth. In fact, we’ve found 30 things that you can do for free while you enjoy a Travelodgical break here.


1. MK Gallery

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MK Gallery (@mk_gallery) on

The newly redesigned MK Gallery is a contemporary visual arts gallery that regularly hosts touring exhibitions, workshops and craft events. Although some exhibitions are ticketed, plenty are free and you can see works by a number of local, national and international artists. Plus, if you need to refuel, there’s a café. As an added bonus, the building is as beautiful as the art that sits within it.

– Address: 900 Midsummer Boulevard, MK9 3QA. Event information and opening times here.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 17 minutes.

2. Bromham Hill

Bromham Mill sits on the water’s edge. The mill was rebuilt in the late 18th/early 19th century and still contains one of its original watermills, which was restored in 1980. You can take a guided tour of the building or sit in the grounds and enjoy a lovely picnic. There’s even an on-site café for if you haven’t packed your own snacks.

– Address: Bromham Mill, Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford, MK43 8LP. Opening times here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 11 minutes.

3. Stockwood Discovery Centre

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hawwau Bamanga Tafida (@designwithhawwa) on

Stockwood Discovery Centre is perfect for a family day out. On your arrival, you’ll find beautiful gardens, interactive exhibitions and the largest collection of carriages in Europe. For the little ones, there’s even an outdoor play area and a walled garden. If you’d like to learn about the area’s history, head inside to the museum galleries.

– Address: Stockwood Discovery Centre, London Road, Luton, LU1 4LX. Opening times here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Shenley Church End hotel: 36 minutes.

4. Natural History Museum at Tring

The National History Museum at Tring is a little drive out of Milton Keynes, but it’s well worth the trip. You can see animal mummies that were given to the Egyptians, look a polar bear in the eye and study birds from Antarctica. At the museum, there are 6 galleries to explore plus the Rothschild Room, so it’s a great day out.

– Address: The Walter Rothschild Building, Akeman St, Tring, HP23 6AP. Opening times and events here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Shenley Church End hotel: 41 minutes.

5. RAF Museum

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Orlando Zambrano (@zeta2388) on

Explore over 100 years of history at the RAF Museum. Kids can enjoy an outdoor play area, but you can also see some of the finest planes to ever take to the sky, including the Harrier Jet and the Bristol Bulldog. If you like, you can also pay a few pounds and try your hand on the pilot simulators. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

– Address: Grahame Park Way, London, NW9 5LL. Opening times here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 58 minutes

6. Castle Fine Art

Art collectors from across the country (and sometimes even further afield) travel to Milton Keynes to see the art on display at Castle Fine Art. If you’re a lover of fine art, then this is the place to be. The gallery is home to works from artists such as Lorenzo Quinn and Richard Rowan, and the gallery occasionally hosts events where you can meet the artists.

– Address: 17 Acorn Walk, The Centre:MK, MK9 3AD. Opening times and event information here.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 21 minutes.

7. Milton Keynes Art Centre

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Milton Keynes Arts Centre (@miltonkeynesartscentre) on

A trip to Milton Keynes Arts Centre is the perfect way for an active family to spend a day. Situated in Great Linford Manor Park, the centre sits in a beautiful space that will really help get your creative juices flowing. You’ll find space to explore specialist ceramic, silversmithing and wood shop resources. Plus, many of the events are absolutely free.

– Address: Parklands, Milton Keynes MK14 5DZ. Opening times and event information here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 9 minutes. 

8. The Concrete Cows

You’ll find The Concrete Cows in Bancroft Park. These are actually the second set of cows to grace the town, and you can find the original set in the MK Museum. The cows here are internationally famous and they’re loved by the locals, who have adopted the cow as their local symbol. The home stand at their football stadium, for example, is known as ‘the cow shed’.

– Address: H3 Monks Way, Milton Keynes, MK13 0QP.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 37 minutes.

9. Whitewall Galleries

Whitewall Galleries is another great spot for art lovers in Milton Keynes. The paintings here are innovative, unique and beautiful. International artists often display their work here, and there’s also a great selection of collectable editions and sculptures. Keep a look out for their events, too. They regularly hold features and artist takeovers.

– Address: Unit 33 and 33a, Intu, Milton Keynes, MK9 3GB. Opening times and event information here. 
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 10 minutes.

10. The Gyosei Trail

When you take a trip down the Gyosei Art Trail, you can combine your love of nature with your love of travel. The trail commemorates the Gyosei International School, and it contains works by eight artists who have created pieces based on Japanese connections, the history of the canal, and local fauna and flora. It brings a little slice of Japanese culture to the centre of Milton Keynes.

– Address: Sakura Walk, Willen Park South, MK15 9EL.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 47 minutes.

11. Ouse Valley Park

Milton Keynes is home to over 6,000 acres of green space, so you’ll never struggle to find a quiet spot to relax. Ouse Valley Park is one of the best local green spaces. It’s full of interesting walks, unspoilt nature and lots of local wildlife. Most of the park is also flat, so it’s great for kids and the walks aren’t too challenging.

– Address: Newport Road, New Bradwell, Milton Keynes, MK13 0AW.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Old Stratford hotel: 7 minutes.

12. Broughton Gate Skate Park

If you have kids who want to blow off some steam, then Broughton Gate Skate Park is a great place to go. The park was threatened by closure in 2012, but it was handed over to The Parks Trust so it could continue to operate. Whether your kids prefer cycling or skating, they’ll find plenty of ramps and obstacles where they can perfect their skills.

– Address: 43 Southwold Cres, Broughton, Milton Keynes, MK10 7BS. Opening times here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 11 minutes.

13. Stanwick Lakes Playpark

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sam Lawrence (@samtastic29) on

© SL Edmunds, The Flying Media Monkey Company

If you’re willing to travel a little bit outside Milton Keynes, then Stanwick Lakes is a great place for a day trip with the kids. The Stanwick Lakes playpark is one of the best in the region and there’s enough to keep kids of all ages entertained for hours. Expect to encounter a moat, a water play area, a sand pit and a climbing tower with a giant slide.

– Address: Stanwick Lakes, Stanwick, Wellingborough, NN9 6GY. Opening times here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 44 minutes.

14. MK Calling

MK Calling is a celebration of art in Milton Keynes. The festival features over 130 artists across five world-class gallery spaces, so there’s something to suit every taste. The exhibition includes the latest up-and-coming artists, as well as established artists from the Royal Academicians and alumni of The British Art Show. The best part? It’s completely free.

– Address: 900 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 3QA. Event information here.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 17 minutes.

15. Furzton Lake

Furzton Lake is a tranquil and serene spot where you can relax away from the crowds of the town centre. At Furzton Lake, you’ll also find a designated BBQ area, a number of sculptures, a fishing lake and great views that stretch across the horizon. If you fancy trying something new on your trip to Milton Keynes, then Korfball is also played on Thursday nights in the summer.

– Address: Shirwell Crescent, Furzton, MK4 1GA.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Shenley Church End hotel: 24 minutes.

16. World Picnic

World Picnic celebrates the music, dance and cultures of the world. The festival has been running since 2008 and features community stalls, interactive workshops and a stage that hosts spectacular performances. Expect shows like an interactive Haka, traditional Chinese dancing and a Mariachi performance.

– Address: 1300 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD. 
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 28 minutes.

17. Lodge Lake

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rena (@misschique) on

At Lodge Lake, you can discover the link between modern Milton Keynes and Loughton Village, which showcases the area’s past. Plus, Lodge Lake is also a great place to get active. It’s lined with exercise stations and the lake is also home to a carp fishery. Some of the fish in the lake are vast, and one recent catch weighed in at 22lb 8oz!

– Address: Great Holm, Milton Keynes, MK8 9BY.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 24 minutes.

18. The Peace Pegoda

The Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda is the first of its kind in the Western hemisphere. The pagoda sits near Willen Lake next to a Buddhist temple which regularly hosts events. It enshrines sacred relics of Lord Buddha that have been presented from Nepal, Sri Lanka and Berlin and tells 2,500 years of history.

– Address: Willen, Milton Keynes, MK15 0BA.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 8 minutes.

19. Great Linford Manor Park

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wendy Farmer (@w.jeanphotography) on

The history of Great Linford Manor Park stretches back until at least the Saxon times. The water garden and the wilderness garden here date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when they were built to provide a setting for the manor house. The house itself is still owned privately, but you’re free to explore the gardens and take in the stunning scenery.

– Address: 25 Parklands, Great Linford, Milton Keynes, MK14 5DZ
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 9 minutes.

20. MK Playday

MK Playday is the perfect festival for families with little ones. It was established by the MK Play Partnership and contains plenty of different zones that will keep children of all ages entertained. The highlight for many children are the famous waterslides!

– Address: 1300 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 28 minutes.

21. Grand Union Canal


The Grand Union Canal is one of Britain’s most famous waterways. If you love adventure and exploration, then this is the place to be. The canal links London to Birmingham, so you can walk for miles and miles if you like. To help break up the journey, plenty of pubs line the route. You can explore the Chiltern Hills, rural Northamptonshire and iconic landmarks like the Iron Trunk Aqueduct.

– Address: Cosgrove, Milton Keynes, MK19 7JR.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Old Stratford hotel: 37 minutes.

22. MK International Festival

The Milton Keynes International Festival is one of the largest celebrations in Milton Keynes. The festival takes place every two years and it creates unique and memorable experiences for visitors. The festival includes community-led projects, world-class art exhibitions and large-scale family events including concerts, theatre productions, dance performances and visual arts installations.

– Address: 1300 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD. Event information here.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 28 minutes.

23. Campbell Park

Campbell Park is full of cultural activities and sporty pursuits. If you feel like getting active, you can take the off-road cycle trail or try your hand at orienteering. For something more leisurely, you can watch a game of cricket in the summer. If you prefer art, then try the Milton Keynes art walk. You’ll see several sculptures, including a memorial to one of the founders of Milton Keynes.

– Address: 1300 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD. Event information here.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 28 minutes.

24. MKF Tribute Festival

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Constance Beaugeard (@conniloo) on

The MKF Tribute Festival is the world’s largest free tribute festival. The festival takes place in Campbell Park and regularly entertains thousands of people. Expect to see bands covering artists like The Jam, ABBA, AC/DC and many more. No matter what style of music you love, you’ll find something perfect. Although the festival is free, you’ll need to get a ticket online as they’re not available at the gate.

– Address: 1300 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AD. Event information here.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 28 minutes.

25. Salcey Forest

Salcey Forest is also a little bit outside Milton Keynes, but there’s so much free stuff to do here that it’s really easy to enjoy a fun, free day trip. The place is an oasis of nature and history, and you can make the most of 3 walking trails, a cycling trail and a play area for kids. If you fancy spending a bit of cash, there’s also archery and axe throwing.

– Address: Quainton Road, Northamptonshire, NN7 2HX. Opening times here.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 24 minutes.

26. Caldecotte Lake

Caldecotte Lake is an active spot where families can get the adrenaline pumping. There are water sports facilities you can pay for, but there’s plenty you can do for free. You can play table tennis on the outdoor tables, observe the local wildlife and play in the outdoor play area. There are even two bird hides at the southern end of the lake. Within the lake’s windmill, there’s even a pub.

– Address: Bletcham Way, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes, MK7 8HP.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Shenley Church End hotel: 10 minutes.

27. The Pyramid of Light


The Light Pyramid was commissioned in 2012 and was first lit for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. To this day, it is still lit for special local and national events. The Light Pyramid sits on a hill overlooking Campbell Park. If you climb to the summit (which isn’t too challenging), you’ll be treated to wonderful views over North East Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire.

– Address: Milton Keynes, MK9 3FZ.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 29 minutes.

28. Fred Roche Gardens

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oh Hey MK (@ohheymk)

The Fred Roche Gardens are hidden behind Christ the Cornerstone Church. They are dedicated to Fred Roche, who was the architect of Milton Keynes. Despite being right in the centre of Milton Keynes, the gardens are a tranquil haven where you can get away from the action, see a number of sculptures by Bernard Schottlander and play table tennis on the free tables.

– Address: 406 Silbury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ND.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes at The Hub hotel: 5 minutes.

29. Willen Lake Maze

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jakub Urban (@kubajz) on

The Willen Lake Maze, also known as the Willen Labyrinth, is a turf maze in Willen Park that is based on an enlarged version of the Saffron Walden Rosicrucian Maze. In the centre, you’ll find an oak tree while, in each of the four lobes, you’ll discover a bronze face designed by sculptor Tim Minett. It’s a beautiful and tranquil space to visit on a warm summer afternoon.

– Address: 4 Linford Lane, Willen, Milton Keynes, MK15 9DL.
– Driving distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 10 minutes.

30. Church of Christ the Cornerstone

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Richard Franklin (@richardfranklinphoto) on

At the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, five denominations work together to serve the people of Milton Keynes. The church is open every day for private and public prayer, and it has been since 1992 when The Queen visited for a dedication service. The building was the first ecumenical city centre church in the United Kingdom and it’s an incredibly impressive space to visit.

– Address: 300 Saxon Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 2ES.
– Walking distance from our Milton Keynes Central hotel: 11 minutes.

 Book your trip to Milton Keynes today