There’s some of those trips where I take a break from London. Obviously the countryside is the first that comes in mind. The beautiful English countryside lifts my spirit whenever I have the occasion to go. The scent of the scenery and the sound of the peaceful wildlife makes me forget the tumultuous hustling and bustling London.
Take a rest, a field that has rested yields a beautiful crop (Ovid, Roman poet)
Staying at the Kent hill park hotel for a 2 days stay was an opportunity to reset myself and taking a break. Having a busy life for me is enjoyable as I design my day from the morning to the evening. Taking a break from our routine is important to refocus and contemplating our thoughts. This leads us to take important decisions and also an opportunity for analysing our mental state. Questioning ourselves keys questions for our lives, our goals and purpose. Taking an occasional break doesn’t hurt at all and it’s part of enjoyment in life.
The hotel gives you access to the swimming pool, Sauna, hot tub and the gym. It doesn’t gives you a break from your daily fitness routine completely. As I could combine both fitness and enjoyment with friends and staying up late. We stayed awake late to have an evening walk trying to spot the Northern lights. I could see them perfectly in London, even with the light pollution.
“I’ve always wanted to see Northern lights in my life”
My dream became reality! But the next day in Milton Keynes I didn’t have the same luck. But at least enjoyed a warm nightly walk.
Location and what makes it unique
Located at 50 miles away north west from London in Buckinghamshire. Milton Keynes is a recent City that emerges in 1967 from pre-existing towns and villages to relieve housing congestion in London. Milton Keynes is not from the only new kind of town to emerge. Many other new generation towns emerges in 3 waves following the end of the second world war. Milton Keynes is a lovely modern town with surprise facilities and things to discover. This is a thriving gem that I would genuinely call the English Dubai! Many aspects of the City are just extraordinary from its history to its futuristic aspect. Let’s dive in!
History
We can’t assume that the history start in 1967 though. But way centuries back if not millennials spanning all the great periods of England’s history. Surprisingly one of the biggest discovery took place in 2000 by the unearthing of the Milton Keynes hoard of torcs and bracelets. The hoard is essentially of Gold and Bronze casting. Despite the mixture of the composition, the masterpiece has a hight concentration of gold. Following analysis they discovered an 85% Gold composition. The British Museum concluded this hoard to be one of the biggest concentration of Bronze Age Gold in Britain!
Following the Romans withdrawal, the area is abandoned but rediscovered by the Anglo-Saxons in the 6th Century.
Norman conquest and Medieval times
The Norman conquest is a turning point in English history. Led by the Duke of Normandy William the conqueror. The Norman conquest lays the foundations of a shift of the landscape. New architecture appears in England as well as new agricultural techniques. Old Wolverton Shenley and Church end are parts of the Milton Keynes’s original towns where remains of Normans Motte-and-Bailey castles are still standing today. The Norman period is a profound change for what is Britain today. Hidden pieces of history can be found anywhere. And this is what I find exciting through my discoveries which most people don’t necessarily notice when they travel.
The medieval landscape of what is now Milton Keynes is characterized by open fields, woodlands, and villages. The local economy was based on agriculture, with crops such as wheat and barley being grown, and livestock such as sheep and cattle being raised.
Churches and manors were central to village life during this period. Many of the churches in the area, such as the Church of St. Mary in Bletchley and the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Newport Pagnell, have origins that date back to the medieval period and still stand today, reflecting the architectural styles and community structures of that time.
19th Century
The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on the region, leading to the growth of industries such as agriculture, brickmaking, and lace production.
The Grand Junction Canal, now known as the Grand Union Canal, was constructed in the early 19th century and played a crucial role in connecting Milton Keynes to other industrial centers in the UK. This improved transportation infrastructure facilitated the movement of goods and people, contributing to the economic development of the region.
The 19th century also saw the construction of several railway lines passing through Milton Keynes, further enhancing its connectivity and accessibility. The arrival of the railway spurred the growth of new industries and brought about changes in the local economy and society.
Overall, Milton Keynes in the 19th century was a predominantly rural area undergoing industrialization and urbanization, setting the stage for its transformation into a modern new town in the 20th century.
The Xscape complex
Milton Keynes is home to the Snozone indoor ski and snowboarding center, located in the Xscape complex. Snozone offers visitors the opportunity to experience skiing and snowboarding on real snow, providing a unique and exciting recreational activity in a controlled environment.
The facility features a range of slopes catering to different skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Visitors can take lessons, practice their skills, or simply enjoy the thrill of snow sports regardless of the weather outside.
Snozone in Milton Keynes is a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking to experience winter sports in a convenient and accessible setting. It provides a fun and engaging experience for individuals and families interested in skiing and snowboarding.
Xscape Milton Keynes is a popular leisure and entertainment complex located in the heart of Milton Keynes, UK. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. Some of the key features of Xscape Milton Keynes include indoor skydiving, Cineworld cinema, Restaurants and shops, Rock climbing, Trampolining and laser tag.
Campbell Park
Few step away from the facilities and the heart of the city, Campbell Park is a perfect spot to chill and walking. The Park is designed the same year as the city emergence in 1967. The Park includes a cricket ground, the Milton Keynes rose which is a public art place of commemoration and contemplation.
The most iconic public art is the light pyramid. The light pyramid is the highest spot on the top of the hill overlooking the scenery and the horizons. It’s built for the Queen’s diamond jubilee and is lit since for special occasions.
One of an unusual aspect for a park is the livestock grazing. From early spring to the Autumn the 400 trust’s sheep peacefully graze the fields. This aim to maintain wildlife habitat and a way to attract insects for biodiversity also to avoid mowers that impact the environment. This helps to create a greener and healthier approach in wildlife preservation.
Funny aspects
The funny aspect is Milton Keynes is a modern city where autonomous delivery robots from the Starship company stroll across the city.
It sounds like a great leap into the future walking there exploring the surroundings. Like in Sci-fi movies Milton Keynes is a modern city in all aspects.
Conclusion
Over the years, Milton Keynes has grown into a thriving urban centre with a diverse population and a strong economy. It has become known for its modern architecture, cultural amenities, and innovative urban design. The market inside the modern city is just fabulous where you can find food from around the world. This is one of the cosmopolitan aspects of Milton Keynes. The town continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its residents, making it a unique and dynamic place to live and work.
