The words ‘grid system’ and ‘concrete cows’ don’t exactly scream must-visit tourist destination – but according to a recent poll, you’d be very much mistaken.
The UK’s most underrated city has been announced, and the often ridiculed Milton Keynes claims the prize.
Famed for being a new town – and not a whole lot else – Milton Keynes isn’t particularly beloved.
Even local residents are pretty scathing of the place. In one review, it was dubbed ‘a dismal London commuter belt town’ and ‘a symphony in the superficial and a concerto of concrete.’
In his stand-up show, Part Troll, Bill Bailey referred to the city as ‘Satan’s layby’.
Ouch.
But holiday home site Independent Cottages crowed it the most underrated UK city recently.
Their findings looked into towns and cities across the UK that had plenty of attractions – but not much in the way of guidebooks or literature written about them.
And it turns out that, while you’ll be hard pressed to find yourself a Lonely Planet guide to MK, there’s actually lots to do there.
TripAdvisor places Bletchley Park as the top attraction in Milton Keynes. Once the secret home of the WW2 Codebreakers, those that worked there are believed to have helped shorten the war by up to two years.
Movie buffs that have seen the Oscar nominated film, The Imitation Game, will be familiar with the work that took place here – and some scenes from the movie were actually shot in the country house and estate too.
If a historical sight isn’t quite up your alley, fear not. Next on TripAdvisor’s list – and winning a Traveller’s Choice Award – is Snozone – an indoor snow centre where you can ski and snowboard on real snow.
And rounding up the top three is another one for the thrill seekers. Milton Keynes is home to Big Rock Hub, an indoor climbing indoor, with hundreds of different coloured coded climbing walls, suitable for every proficiency level.
It’s also home to niche museums, including the National Museum of Computing and the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum.
And, if you venture out to the surrounding countryside, there are nature reserves, and Woburn Safari Park is just a 20 minute drive away from the centre.
So next time you’re on a train and zone out as you hear the words ‘Milton Keynes Central’ being announced, maybe you ought to hop off board, and pay a visit…
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