A Hub of Entertainment

Best known for its concrete cows and legendary roundabout system, Milton Keynes is just off the M1 motorway linking Birmingham and London. Its proximity to the latter triggered its development from village to new town in the 1960s.

Milton Keynes Village still exists, between tranquil Ouzel Valley Park and Willen Lake with its peace pagoda and watersports. Next door, Gulliver’s Land children’s theme park is bordered by the Grand Union Canal, whose banks have cycle and footpaths.

In the town centre is the aptly named MK Hub, an entertainment core near the train station. In addition to accommodation, bars and restaurants, it houses the huge Xscape complex, comprising the Airkix Indoor Skydiving centre, cinemas, and the UK’s largest indoor ski slope. Nearby are the shops of Centre: MK and Midsummer Place.

On the town’s outskirts is the National Bowl entertainment venue, and Bletchley Park, where the German Enigma code was cracked during World War II. To the east Woburn Abbey has a large safari park, while north-west is Silverstone, home of the British Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing F1 team are based in Milton Keynes, and the MK Dons are the local football team. The Open University is also headquartered here.

Of the many Milton Keynes hotels, apartments and B&Bs on Booking.com, most have parking and some have swimming pools.