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Your Visit

VISITING MILTON KEYNES in 2012: WHERE TO GO, PLACES TO EAT, THINGS TO DO...

If you’re planning to visit Milton Keynes in 2012 for the Festival, be it for a day, a weekend or longer, then why not explore what else the area has to offer? Milton Keynes is a thriving, exciting and cosmopolitan city that is mindful of its past but very much embraces the future.

With some of the most exciting activities and some of the best entertainment experiences in the UK, Milton Keynes is a truly exceptional destination to visit. From snowboarding on real snow or discovering Roman remains through to exploring over 4,000 acres of luscious green parks or visiting the longest shopping mall in Europe – Milton Keynes has something for everyone.

To find out more about the city and surrounding areas, plus to find information on accommodation, restaurant reviews or download free destination guides, go to Destination Milton Keynes' website: www.destinationmiltonkeynes.co.uk

THINGS TO DO:

  • Milton Keynes Summer of Culture runs from May to September 2012
  • Milton Keynes Festival Fringe - Events in the city throughout July and August: www.mkfestivalfringe.com
  • Download a Milton Keynes Arts Guide, including public art walks: www.miltonkeynes.gov.uk/artsguide
  • The Stables - World class music venue: www.stables.org 
  • Milton Keynes Gallery - The city's contemporary art gallery: www.mk-g.org

ABOUT TOWN:

  • thecentre:mk - The centre for serious shopping: www.thecentremk.com
  • For eating out try Destination Dining at thecentre:mk

TRAVELLING TO MILTON KEYNES:

  • Milton Keynes Council: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk 
  • For more about cycle routes, walkways and local transport click here: Local Transport information
  • For information on buses and special Festival fares, see below, and also visit: Arriva Buses
  • For further parking information click here: Milton Keynes Parking
  • Information about Disabled Parking: Blue Badge Scheme

By Rail

There are regular and direct trains between Milton Keynes Central Station to London Euston every day, with journeys taking as little as 30 minutes. From Milton Keynes, Birmingham New Street is about a 57 minute journey and Manchester Piccadilly about 1hr 48 minutes.

  • National Rail Enquiries: www.nationalrail.co.uk
  • For details of special train services to and from Bletchley for connection to Milton Keynes: www.marstonvalecommunityrail.org.uk

By Road

Milton Keynes is adjacent to the M1 motorway, easily accessible from Junctions 13 and 14. The A5 dual carriageway runs through the western edge of the city. Journey times by road from Milton Keynes are:

  • M25 - 35 minutes
  • Central London - 65 minutes
  • Central Birmingham - 70 minutes
  • Oxford - 60 minutes
  • Cambridge - 65 minutes

The city's gridded road system means traffic jams are remarkably rare. It's possible to drive from one side of the city to the other in 15 minutes, and Central Milton Keynes is less than 10 minutes from all edges of the city including the M1 motorway and the A5 dual carriageway.

By Air

London Luton is the nearest international airport to Milton Keynes and just 35 minutes drive away. Journey times to other airports by road are approximately as follows:

  • London Heathrow - 65 minutes
  • Birmingham International - 65 minutes (road or rail)
  • London Stansted - 70 minutes
  • East Midlands - 70 minutes
  • London Gatwick - 1 hour 40 minutes

ARRIVA: GETTING YOU AROUND CENTRAL MILTON KEYNES

For the duration of the Festival, Arriva are offering a special £1 event ticket to make getting around Milton Keynes and Festival locations quick, easy, safe and affordable.

Just £1 covers a single journey for one person anywhere between Milton Keynes Railway Station, the Central Milton Keynes area, and as far as Campbell Park. The fare is available all day on any Arriva buses, including Platinum MK.

Living in Milton Keynes? If you want to enjoy a day at Festival events wihout the cost or hassle of parking, there are also two other tickets that make it easier by bus: 

  • Unlimited Travel Day Ticket: For £3.90 you can travel on the network of bus services for the whole day. Buy your ticket from the driver as you board, or register for Arriva's M-ticket service and use your phone as the ticket.
  • Group Ticket: If you are travelling as a group or family, then there is also the Group Ticket at £7.50, valid for a whole day's unlimited travel for up to 2 adults and 4 children. This ticket is also available from bus drivers.

Buses run from early to late. For timetables and details please visit www.arrivabus.co.uk or pop along to the MKube on Midsummer Boulevard.

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