Milton Keynes, an overview.

Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England South East

Recommendation added: 26/02/2006 11:55
By: Elphaba (YSUK rating +17)

Elphaba has been thanked 4 times for this contribution

"I first went to Milton Keynes (or MK as the locals call it) a couple of years ago, after moving to Bedford. I've been there regularly since. Some of what people say about MK is true - there ARE hundreds or roundabouts (which all look identical to me - thank goodness for satnav), so if your driving isn't great it can be a bit intimidating. It's definitely the city of the car and walking anywhere can be a bit of a nightmare - however, driving there is usually no problem if you know where you're going. There is plenty of parking in the town centre, some of it free, and I've never had a problem finding a space (even the Saturday before Christmas!).

MK shopping centre is HUGE and has branches of all the major shopping chains. There is a big John Lewis and a large open area which often has exhibitions and shows. Also there is an outside area with a fountain and an ice skating rink in the winter. There are several retail parks outside the shopping centre too, with very large branches of B&Q, Homebase, Currys, etc etc. A new Ikea opened just after Christmas 2005.

The theatre at MK is also really great, it is only a few years old and very new and shiny. The seats are comfy, they get all the big tours and have all the latest equipment. The 'theatre district' also has an area with various different restaurants, a Pizza Hut, Bella Pasta, Chinese, Indian etc.

Perhaps the best-known leisure venue in MK is the Xscape building - also known as the snowdome as it includes a real snow ski-slope! You can ski, snowboard or even sledge there, all year round. The building also includes many restaurants and bars, a multiplex cinema and the new Airkix, which is a freefall simulator - don't know if I could try it but I have watched from the viewing gallery. Basically it's a big fan blowing upwards, and you can 'float' in the airstream. The viewing gallery is free so you can just pop in for a goggle.

So while you might not think of Milton Keynes as being the place for a day or evening out, give it a go, there is plenty to do and plenty to keep you coming back!"