4 Historical places to visit in Milton Keynes
Although Milton Keynes is a new city, it has a wealth of historical sites, buildings and visitor attractions, ranging from medieval fish ponds to Bletchley Park.
Milton Keynes Museum
McConnell Dr, Wolverton, Milton Keynes MK12 5EL
There’s no doubt that Milton Keynes Museum is the number 1 place to visit if you want an insight into the history of Milton Keynes. Well you might ask, does Milton Keynes even have a history being the new town that it is? Be ready to be immersed in history, from the locomotive importance of Wolverton to the medieval fish ponds near Simpson. Even the renowned Milton Keynes concrete cows get a mention at the museum. The herd of 5 cows were originally made in 1978 by Milton Keynes artist-in-residence, Canadian Liz Leyh along with local school children and they still can be seen munching grass in Bancroft. Definitely a fun and entertaining day out for everyone.
Bletchley Park
The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Sherwood Dr, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB
Home of the incredible code breaking machine Enigma, Bletchley Park located to the southwest of Central Milton Keynes, is a thrilling day out. In the very location where codes were intercepted during the 2nd World War, you will get to see the actual code breaking machine and see for yourself the story that made history. Numerous films and dramas have been produced about the Enigma machine and Bletchley Park. Another thrilling day out in Milton Keynes for the whole family.
Bradwell Windmill
5 Mill Lane, Bradville, Milton Keynes, MK13 7JH
Built in 1805, right next to the then newly opened Grand Union canal, it milled barley and wheat. Its location within a stones throw of the canal meant distributing the barley and wheat was straightforward. South to London or North to Birmingham. After many years of standing unused, it is now once again a working mill and continues to be a distinctive landmark in Milton Keynes. In the early years of Milton Keynes being built, the pretty structure of Bradwell Windmill featured on postcards to promote the new town. Today it still attracts visitors from far and wide to learn more about its history.
Medieval Fish Ponds
Bradwell Abbey, Loughton, Simpson, Tattenhoe and Woolstone.
More often than not Milton Keynes is referred to as a new city but when you start talking about the medieval fish ponds and the outlines of these that still remain, it’s quite incredible what lines in-between the grid roads. In the medieval period, fishponds were often located next to churches within the grounds of manor houses because during Lent, the consumption of meat was not allowed. Today, the remaining outer edges of the ponds can be seen in numerous locations across Milton Keynes, including Bradwell Abbey, Loughton, Simpson, Tattenhoe and Woolstone. All the sites have information boards so you can get clued up on how medieval people lived all those years ago.
