Pushchair Friendly Walks in Milton Keynes
/Spring is nearly here and it’s time to dust off those cobwebs and head out for a crisp, sunny, springtime walk.
Here are some of the best buggy friendly walks in and around Milton Keynes.
Parks
Tattenhoe Valley Park
Tattenhoe Valley Park is the perfect park for a walk with a pushchair. Not only are there pavements all the way through, there are various play parks dotted throughout, a river running through it, lots of wooden bridges and a few ducks ponds.
There are also picnic tables if you want to stop for some lunch and a Co-op in Emerson Valley very near the park if you’ve forgotten anything.
Toilets - None available
Parking - The only real carpark is on Rosemullion Avenue next to the allotments or if you’re starting your walk from Furzton Lake there’s a few options of car parks there. There’s also on street parking on roads that run through the park such as Whitehorse drive, which is always very quiet and next to a good play park.
Ouzel Valley Park
A great park for if your little one likes animals as there are cattle and sheep dotted throughout. You’ll also find a community orchard where the apples are free for anyone to take. The area is quite flat so is quite easy to get around. To the very north of the park you will find Woolstone Local Park Playground.
Toilets - None in the park itself but if you’re close to the north of the park you can head to Willen Lake and use the toilets there.
Parking - There are six car parks in Woolstone village, five along Newport Road and the sixth is at the junction of Pattison Lane and Marshalls Lane.
Campbell Park
Campbell Park is the largest park in Milton Keynes and so is perfect if you’d like to go for a long walk. The majority of the paths are paved but there are some steep hills so only head here if you’re up for some exercise. There are regularly sheep roaming throughout the park during grazing months so it’s great if your little one loves animals. The park has open fields and also some great spots for both kite flying and sledging in the winter. There’s a mixture of open fields and formal planted areas but not really any play parks if that’s what you’re looking for.
Events are regularly held here so it’s always worth checking the Parks Trust website to see if there is anything going on when you plan on visiting.
Toilets - There are none in the park itself but depending on where in the park you are, MK Gallery is about 10 minutes walk away and you can use the toilets and cafe there.
Parking - There are two main places to park - the Canalside car park at the end of Silbury Boulevard (at the roundabout junction with Overgate or the Cricket Pavilion, Silbury Boulevard off Cricket Green roundabout (these two car parks are very close to one another). Alternatively, as you drive along Silbury Boulevard you’ll see a car park that runs parallel. If you park in there, be careful to cross at the lights as it can be a busy road.
Lakes
Willen Lake
The most well known lake in Milton Keynes, Willen Lake has loads to offer.
If you just fancy a walk, all of the paths are well paved and there’s a play area. You can also feed the ducks or head to Splash ‘n’ Play, one of the UK’s largest outdoor water splash parks (remember to book this in advance)
There’s a cafe inside the Watersports Centre with gorgeous views across the lake or if you’d prefer, there’s a Brewers Fayre pub next to the Premier Inn.
Toilets - There is a disabled toilet inside Splash ‘n’ Play and other toilets inside the watersports centre.
Parking - Although there is a very large car park, unlike most of the car parks around green space in MK, this one isn’t free, with 2 hours costing you £2.50.
Furzton Lake
Another great lake to visit is Furzton Lake. You can take a leisurely stroll around the lake and finish at either The Italian Sul Lago or the Hungry Horse Pub next to the Premier Inn. If you fancy it, there’s even a dinosaur themed crazy golf course called Dinosaur Valley MK (I’ve been and can confirm it was great fun)
It’s a great place to feed the birds but I do find it a little scary when they approach you so do so with care!
Toilets - There are public toilets inside The Italian Sul Lago but only during opening hours.
Parking - There are several car parks around the lake. Park for free in the car park opposite the National Bowl off of the V4 or on Lynmouth Crescent between Swimbridge Lane and Pinkworthy. There is also a car park on Shirwell Crescent, which is free for the first 2 hours.
Teardrop Lakes
If you fancy a 2km circular walk around water, head to the Teardrop Lakes in Knowlhill for a lovely walk around lakes and greenery.
Toilets - None available
Parking - Free car parking is available near Davy Avenue, Redland Drive and Garforth Place.
Caldecotte Lake
This lake is perfect for walks with a buggy and to make things even better - it has a miniature railway! The paths are great around the entire lake and you’ll also find a pub and play park. The railway runs every Saturday and Sunday between April and October and it’s definitely worth taking a ride.
Toilets - There are none at the lake itself but there are some in the pub for paying customers.
Parking - You’ll find free car parking on H10 Bletchem Way (eastbound) and Monellan Grove off of the H10 (westbound)
Woods
There are lots of woods scattered around Milton Keynes, each with different levels of accessibility for pushchairs and all important cafes!
Linford Wood
Absolutely perfect for pushchairs. Choose from various, paved paths and wind your way through the trees. If you’re there in Spring, look out for the bluebells. You can also head over to The Woodside Cafe for a drink and snack to start or end your walk.
Toilets - None.
Parking - There is a car park off of the V7 Saxon Street, tucked next to the BP garage. It’s not very big but if you can’t get parked, you can head over to lovely The Woodside Cafe and park there.
Shenley Wood
These woods have a mixture of paved and natural paths. Personally I would only go there either in the summer, where all the paths would be accessible or if I only fancied a short walk around the paved routes.
Toilets - None.
Parking - The good size car park is on Merlewood Drive, off of the V2 Tattenhoe Street.
Howe Park Woods
Now I don’t personally think these woods are very pushchair friendly for most of the year. There is a paved path crossing the centre of the woods and then a natural path in a circular route. The natural path would be fine for pushchairs in the summer but I would avoid them in the early spring, autumn and winter. Howe Park Woods is worth a visit for the cafe and the events at the Visitor Centre though. The Education and Visitor Centre has events on throughout the year for all ages ranging from free to very affordable (for example Tottle Tots is just £1 per person)
Toilets - Available in the cafe during opening hours.
Parking - There’s a good size car park opposite the entrance to Westcroft shops off of the H7.
