Around MK - Destination Milton Keynes

Around MK

Not so Far

There’s so much to do in Milton Keynes that plenty of people fill their stay without leaving the city centre.

But that doesn’t mean heading out of town isn’t worth your time. There’s loads to see and do in the surrounding area, from picturesque walks in the countryside, to internationally celebrated attractions, iconic sporting locations, and other towns and cities to explore.

Woburn Safari Park - 8 miles

Woburn Safari Park is Britain’s largest drive-through safari park, allowing you to get “up close and personal” with animals large and small, it's an action-packed day for all the family. From the Road Safari where you can go round as many times as you like to the Foot Safari where you can mingle with the animals, grab lunch before watching the keeper demonstrations.

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The Forest Centre - 9 miles

The Forest Centre is at the very heart of the Forest of Marston Vale – the 61 square mile area between Bedford and Milton Keynes. All profits made at the visitors’ Centre go back into the creation of new woodlands. The Centre houses the Lakeside Café, serving a range of meals and snacks, and sits in the Millennium Country Park; with 8km of surfaced trails, bike hire facilities, and plenty of bird hides and other vantage points to stop and admire the view. Entry and parking are free.

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Grand Union Canal and Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne - 12 miles

The Grand Union Canal leaves the River Thames at Brentford and climbs over 50 locks up into the Chiltern hills. It descends then climbs again to a new summit in Birmingham. The Canal Museum is at the heart of the beautiful village of Stoke Bruerne on the Grand Union Canal. It’s a treasure trove of stories, displays, films and collections all about British canals.

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Silverstone Racing Circuit - 18 miles

For more than 60 years Silverstone has carved its mark as one of the leading motorsport venues, creating a powerful heritage around the world. Internationally renowned as one of the world’s most famous motorsport venues, home of the British F1 Grand Prix and the British Racing Driver’s Club.

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Dunstable Downs NT - 19 miles

Acres of space to enjoy with fabulous views over the Vale of Aylesbury and along the Chiltern Ridge, Dunstable Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a kite-flying hotspot. Chalk grassland, rich in wildlife, providing prime walking country – spot the gliders soaring over the glorious landscape.

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Asian elephant at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo - 20 miles

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is one of Europe's largest wildlife conservation parks covering 600 acres and can be located from miles away to the north and from the air because of the Whipsnade White Lion, a large figure carved into the side of the Dunstable Downs. Due to its size, inside the park visitors may walk, use the Zoo's bus service, or drive their own cars between the various animal enclosures, or through an 'Asian' area where some animals are allowed to roam free. There is also a narrow gauge train service.

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Wrest Park - 20 miles

After decades behind virtually closed doors, its treasures overgrown and largely unknown, English Heritage is reviving one of Britain's largest and most important 'secret gardens' - Wrest Park. This is a wonderful 90-acre historic landscape and French-style mansion which will take its rightful place among the country's great garden attractions - and give locals and visitors a superb new day out.

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Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton - 20 miles

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a working steam museum where you can step back in time as you view the giants of the steam age displayed on the spacious 25 acre site. Exhibits range from express passenger locomotives to the humble shunting engine. Carriages include a dining car from the royal train of 1901 as well as another reputedly used by General Eisenhower and Winston Churchill amongst others for wartime planning meetings.

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Santa Pod Raceway - 22 miles

Santa Pod Raceway is the home of European Drag Racing and is host to the televised FIA European Drag Racing Championships. It's the fastest and loudest motorsport on earth with sensational race action from dragsters and doorslammers to beetles and bikes. Santa Pod hosts over 50 events during the race season Jan-Nov.

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Waddesdon Manor From above

Waddesdon Manor, nr Aylesbury NT - 22 miles

This Renaissance-style château was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world. The 45 rooms on view combine the highest quality French furniture and decorative arts from the 18th century with superb English portraits and Dutch Old Masters. The Victorian garden is considered one of the finest in Britain with its parterre, seasonal displays, fountains and statuary.

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Ashridge National Trust - 25 miles

A magnificent swathe of beautiful woodlands and chalk downland at the north end of the Chiltern Hills, with a rich variety of wildlife to spot such as red kites and fallow deer and ancient woodlands with carpets of spring bluebells and fine autumnal displays.

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Bicester Village - 25 miles

Outlet village home to more than 60 designer collections at up to 60% off year round.

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Shuttleworth - 26 miles

A unique flying collection showcasing the first 100 years of flight, founded in 1928 by aviator Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth.

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Althorp - 28 miles

Althorp has been the stately home of the Spencer family for nearly 500 years and is the resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales. Built in 1508, there are 19 rooms in the house open to the public displaying a fine collection of furniture, pictures and ceramics. Althorp was home to Princess Diana before she joined the Royal family and following her death in 1997 the family created an extensive museum exhibition as a memorial to reflect on her life and work.

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Wicksteed Park Roller Coaster

Wicksteed Park, Kettering - 28 miles

Wicksteed Park is an amusement park in Kettering which opened in 1921. It is believed to be the oldest amusement park in England and combines the excitement of rollercoasters, rides and attractions with the tranquillity of the historic Grade 2 listed country park.

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Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden - 32 miles

A great little award-winning and family-friendly Museum. Come and see the two fun and fact-packed biographical galleries and the fantabulous interactive Story Centre.

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Harry Potter Studio Tour, Watford - 37 miles

The attraction, at the Leavesden studios near Watford where the Harry Potter films were made, opened in spring 2012. The three-hour tour features original sets, costumes, props and effects used in all eight movies. Among the exhibits is the set for the Great Hall at Hogwarts School and headmaster Dumbledore’s office. Warner Brothers Studios at Leavesden is now one of the largest studio production facilities in Europe.

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Blenheim Palace, Woodstock - 37 miles

Home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site. Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, Blenheim Palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland, the great lake, and beautiful formal gardens, offering an unforgettable day out for all.

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Oxford - 39 miles

Offering so much to see and do, all year round, Oxford makes an excellent day out for all the family what ever the weather. If you're looking for a cultural visit then Oxford is a must. Renowned for its history and heritage, exquisite architecture, and ancient University. Widen your horizons by visiting (free) world class museums, family appeal attractions or a variety of festivals held throughout the year catering for all ages and interests.

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Bekonscot Model Village & Railway - 42 miles

The world’s oldest model village, Bekonscot is famed for its little model houses, moving models and incredible outdoor Gauge 1 garden model railway. But there’s a lot more - a playground (next to the picnic areas), a super 7.25” gauge ride-on railway, elevated walkway and model self-drive boats.

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Chiltern Open Air Museum

Chiltern Open Air Museum, Chalfont St Giles - 45 miles

Over 30 wonderfully restored buildings from towns and villages around the area, traditional working farms with animals, special events happening throughout the year.

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RAF Museum, Hendon - 45 miles

This London tourist attraction has a collection of over 100 full-size aircraft from across the globe displayed at the historic site of the original London Aerodrome. The London aircraft collection includes some very early airplane designs, war planes including the legendary Battle of Britain Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane airplanes and a Lancaster Bomber of World War Two, and the latest modern day jets and military aircraft.

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Kings College Cambridge

Cambridge - 48 miles

A famous university city where you can be inspired by the many beautiful museums and art galleries, admire the beautiful architecture and majestic college buildings, explore quaint passages set around the historic marketplace and colleges. Cambridge is a family-friendly place with a host of diverse and intriguing attractions to keep everyone happy.

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Imperial War Museum, Duxford near Cambridge - 48 miles

IWM Duxford is set within the spacious grounds of the famous former First and Second World War airfield. Lose yourself for a whole day wandering under and around some of the most iconic aircraft in the world and get hands-on with award-winning interactive exhibitions. IWM Duxford is home to an impressive collection of over two hundred aircraft as well as tanks, military vehicles and boats. Its Aircraft Hall is home to over 30 aircraft including an iconic Spitfire, a legendary Lancaster and the fastest-ever Concorde.

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Cotswolds (Stow-on-the-Wold) - 50 miles

The Cotswolds area is one of England's favourite destinations; famous for hundreds of honey-colour limestone villages in a beautiful rural setting. There’s always lots going on in the Cotswolds– pay a visit to Batsford Arboretum, Court Barn Museum or Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, or enjoy some retail therapy at one of the many farmers’ markets or local fayres.

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Stratford-upon-Avon - 55 miles

A town synonymous with William Shakespeare. A visit to Stratford would not be complete without finding out more about the English poet and playwright who makes it famous. Shakespeare locations include Hall's Croft (home to William's daughter), Nash's House and New Place (the last chapter in his life), Anne Hathaway's cottage (a romantic setting) and Mary Arden's Farm (the childhood home of Shakespeare's mother). Stratford has many famous events, including Shakespeare's birthday celebrations and another must see visit is the world famous Royal Shakespeare Company.

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Warwick Castle - 55 miles

Britain’s ultimate castle with a history which stretches back almost 1,100 year when, in 914AD Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, ordered the building of a 'burh' or an earthern rampart to protect the small hill top settlement of Warwick from Danish invaders. Learn more about the rich history of Warwick Castle with dragons and dungeons, beautiful grounds, secrets and scandals.

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London Eye Thames

London Euston - 55 miles

...and, of course, it's just 55 miles or 35 minutes by train to London Euston.

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