Road Tripping the UK: Milton Keynes' Hidden Gems

Bletchley Park

A key part of British history, Bletchley Park is a Milton Keynes treasure awaiting your discovery. This heritage site was once a thriving hub of wartime activity as some of the smartest minds worked to break German codes during WWII. A long and complicated process, code-breaking has a fascinating history and unique story to tell and Bletchley Park offers an exciting and educational journey for you to embark upon.

A notable exhibition is ‘The Life and Works of Alan Turing’. Alan Turing was a leading cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park and is one of Britain’s much loved national treasures. His unique story of achievement, both during the war and his developments of computer science, as well as his unjust personal prosecution makes him national hero. Learn more about his life from this Alan Turing infographic and take a look at upcoming events at Bletchley Park for more information on talks and presentations on the heroes of Bletchley.

Bletchley Park is open 9.30am to 4pm in winter and closes and hour later during the summer season. Admissions costs £9 for 12-16 years, an adult ticket costs £15 and children under 12 enter for free. Bletchley Park is a 12 minute drive, or 19 minute train ride from our Leonardo Hotel Milton Keynes hotel.

 

The Hub

A vibrant epicentre of restaurants, retail, cafes and business, ‘The Hub’ is a great Milton Keynes hotspot and a hidden gem for visitors to discover. With a diverse range of cuisines, including Mexican, Italian, French, Modern British, American, Caribbean, fish and seafood, as well as dedicated burger restaurants, there is something to cater to all tastes and fancies. ‘The Hub’ is also home to the fantastic independent specialty coffee shop, Bogota Coffeehouse. This offers a great venue for visitors to enjoy local artistry and culture with excellent coffee and comfortable seats, making it an ideal rest stop while exploring Milton Keynes.

Leonardo Hotels is part of The Hub’s commerce aspect and sits on the doorstep (less than a minute) of all the fantastic restaurants available.

Si5 Spy Missions

Si5 Spy Missions is a unique attraction that combines a ‘Crystal Maze’ style adventure challenge with a Spy action film theme that is fun for the whole family. There are different levels for different age groups (6 being youngest suitable age) ranging in difficulty according to age. Missions include physical tasks, dexterity and mental challenges- this includes a more challenging adult level for those keen for a little James Bond style spy action. Spy Mission can be enjoyed as a family, in adult groups, or for children’s parties with a range of pricing offers available.

Si5 Spy Missions is open 10am to 7pm, Tuesday to Sunday. There is also a Café onsite for those looking to refuel after the mission. The venue is a short 20 minute walk, or a five minute drive from Leonardo Hotel Milton Keynes.

Experience the Country

Experience the Country is a fantastic Milton Keynes gem that offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a range of hands –on and challenging activities. From kayaking & raft building, 4x4 off-road driving, and ‘crazy car’ to archery, laser tag, and clay pigeon shooting, there are a range of exciting activities to suit different ages and interests.

Prices depend on activity, length of activity and available offers - take a look at their website for more details and the ‘experiences’ available. Experience the Country is a just a short 20 minute drive from our Milton

 

The Stables

The Stables is a unique and intimate venue offering the finest musicians in jazz, pop, rock, classical, and much more. This wonderful venue had a truly unusual beginning and is a Milton Keynes hidden gem that is a must- see for visitors. There are two stages, both of which offer a very different experience to your standard auditorium or theatre, adding a little something extra to your chosen event, whether a jazz performance, a comedy set or a night of soul.

Take a look at the various events running at this fantastic venue and with only a short 10 minute drive from our Leonardo Hotell, this is a Milton Keynes gem that should not be missed!