A massive summer of sport in nearly here with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and Wimbledon coming soon…and there’s no better place to build excitement ahead of the action than at Xscape Milton Keynes.

Whether you’re looking to get active, challenge your friends or simply soak up the competitive spirit, Xscape is the ultimate destination to gear up for an unforgettable summer. Packed with thrilling experiences, sporting inspiration and great places to eat, drink and catch the big games, there’s something for everyone under one gigantic roof.

Take on the challenge

Inspired by all the sporting action coming up this summer? If it’s got you raring to go and ready to challenge your nearest and dearest to a spot of friendly competition, we know just the place. It’s time to step up, get active and put your skills to the test at Xscape Milton Keynes! Planning a family day out or group visit? Don’t leave it to chance – book your adventure in advance to avoid missing out.

• Speed & reflexes
  Get your adrenaline pumping and put your reactions to the test with exciting competitive experiences at Xscape Milton Keynes. Step into immersive new worlds at InstaVR, where fast-paced virtual reality adventures challenge your coordination and focus, or head to Hollywood Bowl for friendly competition across bowling lanes, arcade games and glow bowling fun.
• Precision & focus
  Head to Volcano Falls Adventure Golf and put your focus and precision to the test. From immersive themed courses to competitive family fun, it’s the perfect way to spark some friendly rivalry inspired by the summer sporting season.
• Agility & endurance
  Bounce into action at Gravity Active, where high-energy challenges help build agility, coordination and stamina in a fun and fast-paced environment. Looking for even more adrenaline? Take on climbing challenges and action-packed experiences at Gravity Rocks, designed to keep the whole group entertained!
• Balance & confidence
  Feel inspired to try something new? Snozone offers the chance to sharpen your balance, control and confidence on real snow, whether you’re a complete beginner or already slope-ready. Ski lessons and slope sessions are incredibly popular during the summer months, so don’t leave your booking until the last minute. Or maybe learn to indoor skydive at iFLY Milton Keynes for an adrenaline rush like no other.
• Reaction & competition
  Funstation is packed with quick-fire challenges, leaderboards and competitive fun. Test your reactions, chase high scores and challenge friends and family to see who comes out on top in a fast-paced gaming environment designed for all ages.

Gear up like a Pro

Ready for summer adventures, but still need the gear to match? Whether you’re planning fun days outdoors, cycling adventures or active family weekends, Xscape Milton Keynes has everything you need to look and perform your best. Visit Ellis Brigham, Evans Cycles and Trespass for outdoor clothing, sporting essentials, adventure-ready accessories and expert advice before your next challenge.

Summer of Sport – Where to watch

You’ve built up your competitive spirit – now it’s time to enjoy the main event.

At Xscape Milton Keynes, Wing Kingz continues to be a go-to destination for live sport, flavoured wings and match-day atmosphere seven days a week, while at The Moon Under Water you can expect tasty food, cask ales and plenty of big-screen sporting action. Plus, don’t forget that MERKUR Casino will be screening live World Cup action throughout the tournament.

Planning to visit? Don’t leave it until the last minute – activities, dining reservations and group experiences are likely to book up quickly throughout the summer season.

Secure your spot, plan ahead and get ready for an unforgettable day out at Xscape Milton Keynes!

Modern architecture, huge green spaces, great shopping opportunities, world-famous history, and top-class entertainment make Milton Keynes one of the UK’s most surprising destinations.

Often known for its grid roads and redways, the city offers far more than visitors expect — from wartime codebreaking centres to lakeside adventures and indoor skiing – all waiting to be discovered

Here are the top 10 attractions visitors should add to their Milton Keynes itinerary…

1. Bletchley Park

No visit to Milton Keynes is complete without exploring the legendary wartime estate where Allied codebreakers cracked the German Enigma code during World War II. Interactive exhibitions, restored huts, and fascinating stories bring one of Britain’s greatest intelligence operations to life. It remains one of the city’s most internationally recognised attractions.

2. Willen Lake

Willen Lake is the recreational heart of Milton Keynes. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking and cycling routes, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, open-water activities, cafés, and picnic areas. The surrounding parkland also includes adventure attractions and peaceful lakeside viewpoints, making it ideal for both families and couples.

3. Xscape Milton Keynes

This giant entertainment complex combines indoor skiing, climbing walls, skydiving simulation, cinemas, restaurants, and gaming experiences under one roof. It’s especially popular during rainy weather and offers year-round activities for all ages.

4. Milton Keynes Theatre

Milton Keynes Theatre is one of the city’s leading entertainment venues, known for hosting major West End productions, comedy shows, concerts, ballet, and family performances throughout the year. Located in the heart of the city centre, the modern theatre attracts visitors from across the region.

5. centre:mk & Midsummer Place

Milton Keynes is known for its great shopping. Right in the heart of the city centre, within easy reach of the main railway station and with excellent parking, you’ll find the two main undercover shopping centres offering a huge range of top brands including Apple, Lego, Reiss, Space NK, H&M, Primark, Zara, Mango and more. Plus, you’ll find many restaurants and eateries to help you rest and refuel in between shops.

6. Gulliver’s Land Theme Park Resort

Perfect for younger families, Gulliver’s Land features themed rides, adventure zones, seasonal events, and interactive attractions designed primarily for children aged 2–13. The park has become one of Milton Keynes’ best-known family destinations.

7. Milton Keynes Museum

Milton Keynes Museum offers a fascinating look into the history and heritage of the local area, from rural village life to the development of the modern new city. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historic farm buildings, vintage transport, and recreated period rooms, making it a fun and educational attraction for families and history enthusiasts alike.

8. MK Gallery

As the leading contemporary art venue in the region, MK Gallery showcases modern exhibitions from internationally recognised artists alongside photography, film, performance, and cultural events. The gallery also features a cinema, café, and creative spaces, making it a popular destination for art lovers and visitors exploring the city centre.

9. Campbell Park

Stretching from the city centre toward the Grand Union Canal, Campbell Park blends landscaped gardens, public art, event spaces, and panoramic viewpoints. It’s also home to the iconic Light Pyramid sculpture and regularly hosts festivals and outdoor performances, and is free to visit.

10. Ouzel Valley Park

For visitors who enjoy walking, wildlife, and open green spaces, Ouzel Valley Park showcases the natural side of Milton Keynes. The park features riverside trails, public art pieces, historic monuments, cycling routes, and links into the city’s famous Redway network. Free to explore.

Visitors are rediscovering Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes has steadily evolved into one of the UK’s most versatile short-break destinations, given the city’s combination of modern entertainment, extensive parks, cultural attractions, and easy transport links – what will you explore?

Midsummer Place has officially unveiled its Spring/Summer 2026 campaign, celebrating the season of style with a fashion-led video starring two local professionals: Yo DJ Mel and Kugar Monachello.

Shot within the Milton Keynes centre, the campaign blends fashion and creativity to showcase the latest seasonal trends available at Midsummer Place. The video uses a series of seamless, creative transitions to move between looks and locations, subtly highlighting key retailers including Victoria’s Secret, Levi’s, Timberland, Superdry, Hollister, Trends, LUKE 1977 and Suit Direct.

Yo DJ Mel said: “I’m so happy to have been invited to model for Midsummer Place. It was a great day of filming and the results look incredible. It’s definitely a very unique way of showing off the new trends in the centre.”

“This campaign is a great example of bringing fashion to life and using ‘real’ people instead of models will help people relate to what they see. It’s been great fun to work on and a real privilege to collaborate with Midsummer Place.” Kugar adds.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, commented:

“Spring/Summer 2026 is truly here and with the weather seeming set to warm up, this is a great time to put away the winter coats and refresh your wardrobe. Our campaign video is a small but powerful taste of what’s in the retailers now, plus we’re expecting much more to come. We’re all hoping for a good summer this year but whatever the weather, we have something for our great British weather.”

The Spring/Summer 2026 campaign will roll out across social media, digital platforms and in-centre screens, encouraging visitors to explore new-season collections and discover the latest trends available at Midsummer Place.

Midsummer Place is proud to announce the reopening of the Tesla store, following a refurbishment that introduces a sleek, contemporary new look.

The newly redesigned Tesla space creates an immersive customer experience with a fresh look to create an even better customer journey. This investment underscores Tesla’s ongoing commitment to Midsummer Place and its continued confidence in the centre as a key destination for retail and innovation.

The reopening comes at a time of exciting transformation across Midsummer Place. Visitors will notice significant progress throughout the centre, including hoarding now in place in Oak Court ahead of the arrival of a new retailer. Works have also commenced in the former New Look and Hollister units, while New Look is set to return to the centre in the former GAP store.

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, commented: “We are delighted to see Tesla unveil its newly refurbished store, which brings an exciting new energy to the centre. This investment reflects Tesla’s strong commitment to Midsummer Place, and it comes at a time when there is a real sense of transformation across the scheme. With several major units undergoing redevelopment and new brands on the horizon, there is a great deal for our guests to look forward to in the coming months.”

Willen Hospice’s independent music shop, Off the Record, is proud to be part of Record Store Day 2026 this Saturday (18 April), with more than 800 limited-edition albums on offer.

Record Store Day is a global, annual event celebrating the culture, community and creativity that independent record shops bring to towns and cities. It features exclusive releases, live performances and special promotions that bring music fans together.

Based in Midsummer Place, Off the Record will once again be opening early at 8am on Record Store Day to offer music fans exclusive, limited-edition vinyl releases on a first-come, first-served basis. This year’s list includes special titles from Elton John, Madonna, Blur, Charli XCX, Primal Scream, Olivia Dean, Wolf Alice, CMAT and many more. With releases spanning rock, pop, soul, jazz, hip-hop, classical and beyond, there’s something waiting for every collector and music lover.

Sandy Bell-Ashe, one of the team leaders at Off the Record, explains how it works. “It is a real buzz on the day,” said Sandy. “Last year we had queues from six in the morning! So I’d advise people to get here as early as they can. It’s a very, very busy day for the shop team but very enjoyable and worthwhile, because it helps us raise much-needed funds for the Hospice’s care.

“We’ve got more stock this year than last year – more than 800 albums in total. We have to order the stock in and a lot of it is very limited. So we might order 10 copies of something, but only get two, or none at all. So far, we’re very happy with what we have got. We didn’t get any Taylor Swift records last year, but there’s lots this year and I’m very happy about that. I know I’m an old goat, but I’m a big fan!

“There will also be plenty of used and new records on the shelves that aren’t exclusives but are just brilliant. We’re excited to welcome everyone through the doors and enjoy the great atmosphere we always get on Record Store Day.”

You can find out more about shopping, donating and volunteering at Off the Record at:
willen-hospice.org.uk/off-the-record

Stay up to date with shop events and sales by following Off the Record MK on Facebook and Instagram.

On Saturday 21 March, some of the Gladiators from the hit BBC One show Gladiators will be coming to centre:mk for an action-packed day you won’t want to miss!

You can meet your favourite superhumans, put your skills to the test with a head-to-head battle of balance in the inflatable challenge zone, and strike your ultimate power pose in a brand-new trading card booth.

Join the fun in Middleton Hall, outside John Lewis & Partners from 10am. The event is expected to be busy, so arrive early to make sure you don’t miss out.

FAQs

How does queueing work? / Is there a maximum capacity for the meet and greet? / What happens if the queue is full?

For safety reasons, we have a maximum capacity for the meet and greet of 2000 people which will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The first 2000 guests in the queue will receive a wristband which will guarantee entry to the meet and greet.

If/when the attendee count reaches 2000, we will need to regrettably close the queue and will not guarantee entry. The event is extremely popular and first-come, first-serve is the fairest for all guests.

Once the queue is closed, our event team will clearly communicate this. If you cannot join the queue within the laid-out barrier system, please do not join as entry will not be permitted. We highly recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment. We appreciate your understanding — attendee safety always comes first.

How long is the meet & greet queue?

We’re thrilled so many of you want to join us! As you can imagine, the Gladiators draw a big crowd ????

Queue times vary depending on arrival time and time of day, but at peak times you may need to wait a while. Our team works hard to keep things moving safely and smoothly, and we’ll always do our best to see as many people as possible.

If you’re short on time and we recommend participating in the Duel experience as an alternative to the meet and greet.

How long will I get with some of the Gladiators?

The meet and greet is a quick hello, photo opportunity and autograph moment so we can make sure as many fans as possible get to take part.

We know you’d love a long chat (so would we!), but to keep the queue moving it’s a short interaction per group.

Our friendly security and team members will be there to assist you through the experience.

Will all the Gladiators be there? / Which Gladiators will be at Centre MK?

Up to 5 fan-favourite Gladiators will visit Centre MK, ready to meet you all. Please note that we cannot guarantee that all 5 Gladiators will be at the meet and greet when you visit due to breaks in the day.

Is the event free?

Yes — all aspects of the event are free.

Can children attend?

Absolutely! The roadshow is designed to be family-friendly and packed with Gladiator energy.

Can I bring something to be signed?

Yes — you’re welcome to bring one small item per person to be signed.

To keep things fair and moving quickly, signing may be restricted if demand is high.

What should I know about the queue and accessibility?

The queue moves as quickly as possible, but during peak times you may experience a longer wait — we really appreciate your patience. Please note that, for this roadshow, we don’t have a dedicated accessible queue. Everyone joins the same line to ensure safety and a smooth experience for all attendees.

If you or someone in your group has additional needs, our team on-site will do their best to support you. We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time and to speak to a staff member if you have specific concerns.

We’re so excited for you to meet the Gladiators — thank you for understanding and helping us keep the event safe and fun for everyone!

Midsummer Place welcomed families, visitors and the local community this weekend for the vibrant launch of Wings of Wonder, transforming The Boulevard into a colourful celebration of creativity, nature and spring.

The free event marked the unveiling of the centre’s stunning new butterfly canopy installation, which now floats above Midsummer Boulevard, creating a striking and uplifting display for visitors to enjoy in the months ahead.

Throughout the day, hundreds of visitors gathered to enjoy a lively programme of entertainment and family-friendly activities. Butterfly stilt walkers brought colour and spectacle to The Boulevard, while children and families took part in creative workshops, face painting and butterfly mask-making.

The Bandstand provided a focal point for the celebrations, with live entertainment creating a joyful atmosphere as shoppers and visitors stopped to watch, take photos and soak up the moment.

The installation forms part of Midsummer Place’s wider programme of seasonal experiences designed to bring moments of surprise, creativity and joy to the city centre.

Kirsty McGiff, Marketing Manager at Midsummer Place, said: “Wings of Wonder was a magical moment for the centre. Seeing families, children and visitors stop to look up, take photos and enjoy the atmosphere was exactly what we hoped for. The butterfly canopy is a beautiful symbol of transformation and positivity, and we’re delighted to bring something so uplifting to the heart of Milton Keynes.”

The butterfly canopy will remain in place until September, inviting visitors to experience the display, capture photos and enjoy a colourful new backdrop while visiting Midsummer Place.

Midsummer Place in Milton Keynes is set to welcome the arrival of spring in spectacular style with the launch of Wings of Wonder, an immersive celebration marking the unveiling of its stunning butterfly canopy installation.

Part of the centre’s Naturally Curious campaign for 2026, the launch event takes place on Saturday 7 March 2026. This free, all-ages event will run from 11:00am to 4:00pm within Midsummer Boulevard, offering a vibrant programme of entertainment, creativity and family-friendly experiences.

Adding to the excitement, the event will also host the first Midsummer Market of 2026, running from 9:30am to 7:00pm, bringing together an inspiring mix of local independent traders and artisans.

Wings of Wonder Highlights:

The unveiling of a dazzling butterfly canopy installation, symbolising transformation and the beginning of a naturally curious year at Midsummer Place

• Live entertainment on the Bandstand from Little White Lights, Manny and Amber Clxre
• Free face painting and animal mask-making workshops
• Butterfly stilt walkers bringing colour and energy to the Boulevard
• Interactive experiences and vibrant market stalls throughout the day

Midsummer Market – Stall Holders Attending:

The first market of the year will showcase a diverse collection of creative and artisan businesses, including:

3D Make Me – Custom 3D-printed models, toys and figures
Bubbles with Scent – Handcrafted natural skincare
Blissfully Broke – Children’s tracksuits
RaDiKo.Art – Paintings, coasters and art prints
Handmade by Betty – Resin jewellery and floral arrangements
Sally’s Jewellery – Sterling silver designs
Spiritual Glow – Crystals, incense and gifts
Lactodorum Whiskey – Whisky tastings and bottles
MG Perfumery – Affordable quality fragrances
Maggie Lou Crocheting – Crocheted goods and accessories
Maria Custom Portrait – Live watercolour portraits
Made By Parksy – Handmade bags, stationery and accessories
Pin & Giggle – Retro-inspired pins
Fern & Wild – High-end faux flower bouquets
Cheesecake to Go – Flavoursome hand-made desserts
Italian Indulgence – Italian street-food and authentic delicacies
Gifted Toybox – Quality wooden toys and soft teddies
Moorend Road Distillery – Flavoured gins blended with botanicals, citrus, warming spices and sherbet notes

Find links to each business here: Midsummer Markets | Midsummer Place

Together, the event and market promise a lively celebration of creativity, community and independent talent, offering visitors the opportunity to shop local, enjoy live entertainment and experience something truly uplifting in the heart of Milton Keynes.

Midsummer Place is entering an exciting new chapter, with 2026 set to be a year of major change as a series of long-planned redevelopment projects begin to come to life.

Over the coming weeks, visitors to the centre will start to see building works commence and hoarding installed across several areas, including Oak Court and former units such as Barclays and GAP. These works mark the start of an ambitious programme that will welcome a number of highly anticipated new retailers to the centre throughout 2026.

The projects have been in development for many months – in some cases years – and represent a significant investment in the future of Midsummer Place. While the names of the incoming brands cannot yet be revealed, the centre has confirmed that announcements will be made as soon as permitted.

During this period, disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum, with all surrounding retailers remaining open and trading as usual.

The transformation builds on a hugely successful period for the centre. In 2025, Midsummer Place welcomed the UK’s largest Lane7, a launch that dramatically enhanced the centre’s leisure offering and helped attract tens of thousands of additional visitors each week. Other notable openings last year included Popeyes, Søstrene Grene, Smoke & Pepper and a newly refurbished Hollister, all of which have contributed to increased footfall and dwell time.

The centre has also seen continued confidence from existing occupiers, highlighted by the reinvestment and reopening of HSBC this week, unveiling a modernised branch with an enhanced customer service offering.

Simon Martin, Centre Manager at Midsummer Place, said:

“This is a hugely exciting time for Midsummer Place. The works visitors will start to see are the visible signs of plans that have been carefully developed over a long period of time. We’re investing heavily in the future of the centre and in bringing brands and experiences that we know our customers want. While there will be some short-term change on site, the long-term result will be a stronger, more diverse destination for Milton Keynes.”

Further updates and retailer announcements will be shared in the coming months as the next phase of Midsummer Place’s transformation continues.

For more information about upcoming events and news from Midsummer Place, visit:
https://midsummerplace.co.uk/

The Shallow Gallery is a new exhibition space at centre:mk; a dynamic public art platform in the heart of Milton Keynes, dedicated to showcasing contemporary art, activating a unique urban space and supporting the city’s creative community. Discover the gallery to the left of the Field Walk entrance of centre:mk (Door 13), close to Next. The exhibition is completely free and open to the public 24/7.

Currently exhibiting is An Extension of the Paranormal, a striking exhibition by Milton Keynes-based artist Joss Whittle which can be seen until 15^th February. Using recycled cardboard, she reimagines classic and forgotten artworks, transforming them into contemporary visual poetry that brings the past into the present. Presented by Arts Central Studios and curated by Rookie Services, Shallow Gallery is a public art platform celebrating contemporary artists and Milton Keynes’ creative community.

Joss Whittle’s exhibition is the first in a series of different artists that will occupy the space. New artists will be showcased back-to-back with details of their exhibitions found on the centre:mk website.

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director said, “We are delighted to be able to host a new gallery space at centre:mk, to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work in such a central location in the city. We work with the artistic community across a number of projects already, from our ongoing sponsorship of MK International Festival to the busking programme running at the centre. The Shallow Gallery is yet another space that gives everybody the opportunity to enjoy art outside of a traditional gallery, making it accessible for everyone, showing how Milton Keynes is an interesting and vibrant place to visit.”

This Half Term, Midsummer Place invites families and visitors to explore the first of several ‘Naturally Curious’ adventures, starting with the Caterpillar Trail – a free, fun-filled adventure around the centre with fun prize up for grabs!

Part of the Naturally Curious year-long campaign – a celebration of the world we live and love – the caterpillar trail encourages guests of all ages to follow the colourful characters hidden throughout Midsummer Place. Collect all the clues, complete the trail and you could be in with a chance of winning a special prize!

Plus, take part in the Caterpillar Shoe Drive, which encourages visitors to give their pre-loved shoes a new purpose. Between 14–20 February, simply donate unwanted adult or children’s shoes at the in-centre schuh store and receive a £5 voucher per pair to spend in store. All donated shoes will be used to help build a larger-than-life caterpillar art installation — which will be revealed on 20th February at the Bandstand on The Boulevard – and afterward passed on to charities that give them a second life, reducing waste and supporting sustainability.

And the excitement doesn’t stop here – the campaign will truly get its wings on 7 March, when The Boulevard will be transformed like never before for a stunning free community event. More details about this spectacular launch will be revealed closer to the date.

Don’t miss this chance to make your summer Naturally Curious — bring your sense of adventure and join the fun at Midsummer Place!

For more information about upcoming events and news from Midsummer Place, visit:
https://midsummerplace.co.uk/

The British Off Road Grand Prix (MKGP 2026) is one of the largest indoor radio-controlled car racing events in the UK, bringing together 430 competitors from all over the world for three days of high-energy competition in Milton Keynes.

From Friday 6 February to Sunday 8 February, watch the 1/10 scale electric off-road RC vehicles in the racing arena in Middleton Hall at centre:mk – and it’s completely FREE to watch and great fun for the whole family.

Watch the highly skilled competitors race their vehicles in this high-speed competition.

The event is professionally managed, with marshals, race control, commentators and safety barriers in place.

The event is key for attracting young people into science and technology as a career path and several local schools will also be attending the event.

The racing will be live streamed globally by RCTV, the top RC media channel in the world, with over 115,000 subscribers.

“RC racing is one of the most engaging ways to introduce children to engineering and technology without them even realising they’re learning. By bringing the British Off Road Grand Prix into centre:mk, we’re opening the sport, and the STEM skills behind it, to a whole new audience.” Brett Castle – Event Organiser of the MKGP2026

Kevin Duffy, Centre Director added “We are very excited to be hosting this fantastic event once again. It is amazing to watch the skill involved in this competition, bringing an event that is totally unexpected, into a shopping centre environment. It is popular with visitors to the centre who take a break from the shops and restaurants to watch the racing.”

More info HERE