MK Digest – Aqua Parcs returns, hidden woodland art & half-term ideas

Here’s what’s worth knowing in Milton Keynes this week.

A much-loved woodland art trail in Milton Keynes could soon return, as The Parks Trust launches a search for artists to create a brand-new sculpture for Linford Wood.

The charity, which cares for more than 6,000 acres of green space across Milton Keynes, says the new commission will mark the beginning of a revived sculpture trail designed to reconnect visitors with the ancient woodland and its hidden history.

Many local residents still remember the original Linford Wood sculptures created by artist Jack Stephenson in the 1980s. Carved from old tree stumps, the trail featured animals, faces and mythological creatures hidden among the trees, becoming a favourite discovery walk for generations of visitors. Over time, most of the sculptures naturally decayed and became part of the woodland ecosystem, with only two artworks still remaining today – including a carved owl high in the trees.

The Parks Trust is now inviting sculptors to submit imaginative new ideas inspired by the landscape, wildlife and heritage of Linford Wood. The finished piece will form part of a newly created Explorer Area on the edge of the woodland.

Sarah Griffiths, Outdoor Learning and Interpretation Manager at The Parks Trust, said the charity hopes the revived trail will once again spark curiosity and wonder for visitors exploring the woods.

🕒 Submissions open until Wed 24 Jun 📍 Linford Wood, Milton Keynes

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One of Milton Keynes’ most popular outdoor attractions is back for the summer, with Aqua Parcs officially reopening at Willen Lake for the 2026 season.

The giant inflatable water park features climbing walls, slides, balance beams and obstacle-course challenges floating on the lake, attracting families, groups and thrill-seekers throughout the warmer months.

The reopening comes as temperatures begin to rise across the UK and outdoor attractions across Milton Keynes prepare for a busy summer season.

Located at Willen Lake, Aqua Parcs has become a popular destination for birthday groups, family outings and corporate events, with sessions designed for both teenagers and adults looking for something active and different during the holidays.

The attraction also offers dedicated sessions for younger visitors, alongside safety briefings and buoyancy equipment for participants.

Organisers say bookings are already proving popular ahead of half-term and the summer holidays.

📍 Willen Lake, Milton Keynes

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A popular handmade and vintage shopping weekend is returning to centre:mk next month, bringing independent makers, artists and vintage traders back to Milton Keynes for a two-day summer event.

MK Handmade & Vintage will take place at centre:mk on 6 and 7 June, featuring stalls selling handmade gifts, artwork, jewellery, home décor, crafts, fashion accessories and vintage finds from local and regional creators.

Organisers say visitors can expect a wide variety of independent traders showcasing unique products not typically found on the high street, with the event designed to support small businesses and creative entrepreneurs.

The market has become a regular fixture in the Milton Keynes events calendar and usually attracts large crowds looking for unusual gifts, artisan products and locally made items.

The summer edition will once again transform part of centre:mk into a pop-up marketplace filled with craft stalls, creative displays and vintage-inspired shopping.

The event is free to attend and suitable for all ages, making it a popular weekend activity for families, casual shoppers and supporters of independent businesses alike.

🕒 Sat 6 – Sun 7 Jun 📍 centre:mk, Milton Keynes

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A Milton Keynes hormone health specialist has launched a new series of free educational workshops aimed at helping women better understand hormones, perimenopause and the symptoms that can often go unnoticed or misunderstood.

The sessions are being organised by local practitioner Sam Amey through the Hormone Health Accelerator programme at the NatWest Accelerator in Central Milton Keynes.

The initiative focuses on improving awareness around hormone health and encouraging more open conversations about issues that can affect energy, sleep, mood, stress, focus and overall wellbeing.

Upcoming workshops will explore topics including hormone health foundations, perimenopause and wider women’s health education, with organisers hoping to create a supportive and practical space for discussion and learning.

Sam says many women struggle with symptoms linked to hormone imbalance without fully understanding what may be causing them, and believes there is still a significant lack of awareness around perimenopause despite it affecting millions of women across the UK.

The free sessions are designed to be accessible and informative, with attendees encouraged to ask questions and gain a better understanding of how hormones can impact both physical and mental wellbeing.

The workshops also reflect growing national conversations around women’s health, workplace wellbeing and the importance of better education and support around hormone-related conditions.

📍 NatWest Accelerator, Central Milton Keynes

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Many Milton Keynes workers are struggling to properly switch off during the working day, according to new research released by Unity Place.

The survey found that nearly half of local workers (46%) regularly eat lunch at their desks, while almost one in three (29%) take 30 minutes or less for their lunch break – highlighting the growing challenge many face in stepping away from screens and emails during the day.

Despite this, the research suggests workers increasingly recognise the importance of taking meaningful breaks. Almost 9 in 10 respondents (89%) said taking a proper lunch break improves their day, with fresh air, movement and time away from screens all helping people feel more balanced and productive.

The findings reflect wider conversations around burnout, workplace wellbeing and the pressures of always-on working culture, with lunch breaks increasingly seen as an opportunity to mentally reset rather than simply grab food between meetings.

Unity Place, the food, work and leisure destination in central Milton Keynes, said the research highlights changing attitudes towards wellbeing and work-life balance.

Adam Holbrook, Head of Placemaking at Unity Place, said many workers still feel unable to fully disconnect during the day despite growing awareness around burnout and mental wellbeing.

“For lots of workers, lunch has become something they squeeze in while still answering emails or sitting in front of a screen,” he said. “What the research shows is that people genuinely want something different – whether that’s fresh air, movement, better food or simply a chance to mentally reset before the afternoon.”

Alongside its Urban Food Market and outdoor seating spaces, Unity Place also hosts wellbeing sessions, creative workshops and activities designed to encourage workers to step away from screens and recharge during the day.

The venue says small changes to lunchtime routines – including walking, cycling, socialising or simply taking a proper break away from a desk – can make a significant difference to wellbeing and productivity.

📍 Unity Place, Central Milton Keynes

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Looking for something to do locally? Here are a few ideas for the week ahead:

🕒 Tue 26 – Sat 30 May:

The Choir of Man at Milton Keynes Theatre
The feel-good musical returns to Milton Keynes Theatre with live music, pub-style energy and a mix of songs, comedy and storytelling.
📍 Milton Keynes Theatre
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🕒 Thu 28 May:

Career growth panel at Unity Place
A professional development evening focused on workplace progression, confidence and the unwritten rules of career growth.
📍 Unity Place
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🕒 Fri 29  – Sat 30 May:

Genesis tribute show comes to The Stables
G2 Genesis will bring classic Genesis songs and live performances to The Stables, recreating music from across the band’s iconic prog-rock and stadium eras.
📍 The Stables, Wavendon
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🕒 Fri 29 May:

Felt N Fizz Workshop at MK Gallery
A relaxed evening workshop where guests can try wet felting and needle felting while creating an abstract alpaca piece using locally sourced fleece.
📍 MK Gallery
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🕒 Sun 31 May:

Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston
A live tribute concert celebrating the music and voice of Whitney Houston.
📍 Milton Keynes Theatre
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🕒 Mon 25 – Fri 29 May:

Bletchley Park half-term activities
Families can explore wartime codebreaking history with hands-on activities, interactive tours, exhibitions and family trails during May half-term.
📍 Bletchley Park
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🕒 Tue 26 – Thu 28 May:

Half-term open mornings at Howe Park Wood
Free nature activities return to Howe Park Wood, with a “Tree-mendous Trees” theme and family-friendly activities at the Education Centre.
📍 Howe Park Wood
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🕒 Sun 24 – Sun 31 May:

Royals at Stowe House: family trail and crafts
Families can follow a royal-themed trail through Stowe House’s State Rooms, with self-led crafts and activities included with admission.
📍 Stowe House
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🕒 Fri 29 May:

Free family film screening at Unity Place
Unity Place is hosting a free half-term screening of The Lion King in the Urban Food Market, with games and family-friendly food options nearby.
📍 Unity Place
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🕒 Fri 29 – Sun 31 May:

Collectormania returns to centre:mk
The free-to-enter pop culture event returns with film and TV guests, photoshoots, autograph sessions and stalls packed with memorabilia.
📍 centre:mk
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🕒 Sat 30 May:

Bright Ideas Kids Club: Spoon Ladybirds and Bees
centre:mk’s children’s craft club returns with a May half-term activity themed around ladybirds and bees.
📍 centre:mk
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🕒 Thu 28 May:

MK Health Rides at Campbell Park
Free, staff-led bike rides continue from Campbell Park, helping residents get active, meet new people and explore local green spaces.
📍 Campbell Park
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🕒 Sat 30 May:

Zimbabwe Heritage Festival at Campbell Park
A celebration of Zimbabwean culture with music, dance, food, visual arts and community activities.
📍 Campbell Park
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🕒 Sun 31 May:

Quiet Hours at MK Gallery
A calmer way to experience the Euan Uglow exhibition, designed to support visitors with neurodiversity, sensory needs or anyone who prefers a quieter gallery visit.
📍 MK Gallery
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🕒 Sun 31 May:

Parks & Ride: Furzton Lake
A leisurely family ride around Furzton Lake and Tattenhoe Valley, organised by The Parks Trust.
📍 Furzton Lake
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🕒 Throughout the week:

Free Lego & Duplo clubs at MK libraries
Drop-in Lego and Duplo sessions continue across Milton Keynes libraries, giving children a free creative activity during the week.
📍 Various libraries
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Stories & Songs sessions for young children
Free storytime and rhyme sessions continue across MK libraries this week for under-5s and families.
📍 Various libraries
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🕒 Thu 28 May:

English Conversation Club
Free informal sessions helping residents practise spoken English continue at Central Library this week.
📍 Central Library
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Explore more local events on Eventbrite and Destination Milton Keynes.

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See you next issue.

Toby
MK Digest
[email protected]