This review of Great Linford Manor Park came about because the Parks Trust have put in a new family art trail and had an event running for the launch day. We went along to check it out, and then explored the wider park as well. I’ll be honest, the day didn’t start off great because I fell over quite spectacularly in the car park! After all this time with Hubby worrying I’d break a bone rollerskating it was a flipping car park that got me! (No actual bones were broken, just pride)
Great Linford Manor Park is part of what used to be a little village in Buckinghamshire that got gobbled up by Milton Keynes. Now it’s a lovely little bit of calm to explore with the kids. It’s also had quite a lot of investment recently, with more to come, so it’s only going to get better. With free parking and access to toilets it’s a good base for various family walks too.
Milton Keynes Arts Centre
We started our visit at the Milton Keynes Arts Centre. It’s open Monday-Wednesday and on Saturday from 10-4 and is free to visit. This is where the toilets for Great Linford Manor Park are. They also have a cafe here and a lovely garden that you can have your lunch in and explore. It’s actually really family friendly, with some activities for the kids to do.
The run various family friendly events here, most of which are free, so do keep an eye out on their website for more details.
The sculptures
Milton Keynes has got loads of sculpture trails. The Gyosei Art Trail starts a bit further down along the Grand Union Canal at H3 Childs Way. There are quite a few sculptures within Great Linford Manor Park as well. There’s these sheep;
Keeping the kids off of the sheep was a challenge but I assume they’re not glorified climbing frames. There’s also some massive horseshoes, a snake, some fossils, a mini Stonehenge and what I think are supposed to be seed pods.
If you turn left out of the car park, and walk along the footpath that goes in front of the church you’ll come to a huge ring of stones. AKA heaven for my kids! They spent ages here, and could have spent longer if they hadn’t had a birthday party to go to. It’s great for (relatively controlled) risk taking. There’s also a faux woodland glen hidden behind. I’m part of the 1,000 hours outside challenge Facebook group. I posted a pic of this place and a woman was concerned we were desecrating some ancient burial spot. Nope. 100% man-made and placed concrete next to a 100% man made canal. Nothing sacred at all!
The gardens
The gardens at Great Linford Manor Park are nice enough. They’re not massive but there’s a couple of ponds that are currently being renovated. Actually, so are the gardens so these are only going to get better. Generally it’s just a nice green space to explore.
The Playgrounds at Great Lindford Manor Park
We only got to see one of the playgrounds at Great Lindford Manor Park, because I didn’t realise the other one was there until we got home and I looked at the map! In fact this playground is why I fell over! It looked like it was closed because of all the orange plastic fencing but I wanted to get a photo for you. Walking back I was looking at the photo, didn’t see a random kerb and boom! So you should all appreciate this photograph! Except it actually only show half the playground so was a fail anyway. There’s a cool little house at the end but you’ll have to take my word for it
There’s also another, bigger playground across the road from the car park (turn right if you’re looking at the canal and walk across the green). We didn’t explore that one but it looks decent enough on Google maps.
Our Great Linford Manor Park Review
Great Linford Manor Park isn’t particularly big. If you’re just walking around the park itself then you’d probably only be there for half an hour. BUT if you play in one of the playgrounds or on those rocks, or feed the ducks then you can easily eek it out to a couple of hours. It’s also a good base for walks along the canal and there’s not one but two pubs within a few minutes’ walk!
Admission cost
Free
Parking / How to get there
Parking – Free, on-site.
Address – Marsh Drive, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5AS
Toilets
In the arts centre. When that’s closed I suppose you’ll just have to go to the pub!
Food
Picnics allowed. Cafe available when open. It is very small so don’t expect much.
What else is there to do nearby?
Willen Lake is nearby. If you were up for a hike you could walk there, stop for a bit and come back. It’s 3 miles along the tow path so on your bike is probably easier! There’s also Milton Keynes Museum, Bletchley Park and Mr Mulligan’s Indoor crazy golf.
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Hi, I’m Vicky. My husband and I live in Aylesbury with our three children; a 14 year old son, an 12 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. I (mostly) love spending time together as a family. We visit all kinds of places and we’re quite happy to drive a fair distance for a decent day out. A few years ago I decided to set up Free Time with the Kids as a way to share our experiences of these family days out.
You’ll find the essential information you need to know before your visit that can be surprisingly hard to find out. Where do I park? How much will it cost me to get in? Are there any discounts available? Are there loos? Can I take a picnic or get food? My aim is to be your go-to guide for all your free and cheap family days out across Bucks, Beds, Oxon, Herts & slightly beyond. I really hope you find the reviews helpful. If there’s anywhere that you’d recommend please get in touch contact@freetimewiththekids.com or get in touch via Facebook
