Milton Keynes is a place many people visit when they want to go shopping as it boasts ‘The Centre MK’ a very large indoor shopping centre that in many ways rivals those at Bluewater and Thurrock Lakeside. However, there are also many other things to see and do in Milton Keynes and lots of them are free.

If you’re just up for a day or weekend trip, and you wish to stay close in to the Centre MK then there is the MK Gallery situated in Central Milton Keynes just across from the Shopping Centre, This Gallery hosts many different art exhibitions throughout the year, and all of them are free to visit. There are two ‘Art walks’ that explore the City’s unique art works, one around the city centre, and the second around Campbell park at the edge of the city centre, both walks begin from the MK Gallery where you can pick up a leaflet containing details of the walks and what you’ll see. Also situated quite close by is The City’s main church ‘Christ the Cornerstone’, which often plays host to exhibitions of all sorts, so a quick call to see what’s on when you’re going to be visiting is a good idea.

For those who think Milton Keynes holds no history, the Roman Villa at Bancroft Park, off Millers Way (H2) Might be of interest. Here you can see the preserved remains of a Roman villa first located in 1971 when Milton Keynes was in it’s infancy. Situated in open parkland, entry is free. There’s no main structure remaining, but low walls show where each room was, and there are boards there that describe what each room would have been used for.

Willen Lake is another place to consider paying a visit, with it’s wonderful lake walks, and a bird hide for those who are patient enough to sit still and enjoy the birds in their full glory. There are two play areas for kids, and a fitness trail if they (or you) need to work off a bit of energy. It’s the perfect place for a picnic and on one lake lots of water-sports take place, and near the edge of the other is the Peace Pagoda. This was the first Peace Pagoda to be built in the western hemisphere and enshrines sacred relics of lord Buddha. A thousand cherry trees and cedars are planted on the hill around the Pagoda in remembrance of the victims of all wars. The Pagoda is a sanctuary and permanent refuge for all beings. It is built to further humanity’s quest and prayer that the world may be saved from nuclear annihilation. The monks and nuns are very pleased to welcome you to the Temple with its ornate Japanese garden near the Pagoda.

For those who are now thinking they’d like something a little more lively, MK has lots of venues where you can listen to live music for free. Woughton Leisure Centre has a host of good local bands who play there most Sunday Lunchtimes and entry to hear them is free. There are also many other pubs in the area who host live music, from Jazz to Rock, Blues to Country. The Cuba in New Bradwell has a wide variety of bands playing on a Friday evening, and The Peartree Bridge Inn has live music on various nights through out the week.

Throughout the Summer Milton Keynes is also host to a number of events such as Folk on the Green at Stony Stratford which is an annual folk festival which has live music, stalls, things for the kids to do and plenty of food and drink flowing. There’s also the Waterside festival at Great Linford Manor which takes place over a weekend every year where you can hear live music, wander amongst stalls selling all sorts of things, take part in a dog show, picnic on the canal side, and generally enjoy yourself in a very relaxed atmosphere.