If you’re looking for the best things to do after dinner in Milton Keynes, then buckle up as you’re in for a smashing good time. Despite its modest size, the lively Buckinghamshire town comes alive after dark with a plethora of exciting activities to keep every night owl content.
Of course, bar hopping and clubbing are fervent pastimes here, as you’d expect in any British town. But there’s more to do in Milton Keynes in the evening than drink. From theatre to the football and late-night indoor skiing, here are the top things to do after dinner in MK.
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Barhop at the Hub
Bounce between MK’s best bars and speakeasies
- Yöelämä
Barhopping at the Hub is a must for any eager drinker looking to get a taste of Milton Keynes’ nightlife scene. Once a stomping ground for hardcore ravers, the city’s party scene has evolved over the years to adopt a more sophisticated, speakeasy kind of vibe. And the epicentre of the MK bar scene is the Hub, a loose conglomerate of swanky venues a block south of the MK Centre.
Start your session off with some sake at the Japanese-themed Blossom Room and grab a few juicy social media pics among its oriental art installations. Next, kick things up a notch with a 2-for-1 deal on cocktails at Turtle Bay before sussing out the dancefloor at Slug & Lettuce.
Osoite: Off Avebury, Midsummer Blvd MK9 2HP, UK
KarttaValokuva: Neil Barnwell (CC BY-SA 2.0) muokattu
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The Stables Theatre
The top spot for live musical performances in MK
- Yöelämä
The Stables Theatre is the best venue in town to indulge your love of live music. Some 350 concerts take place at the 400-seater auditorium each year, with past performances including big names like the late Amy Winehouse. The well-organised venue attracts music lovers from all over the region for its superb acoustics, lively atmosphere, attentive staff, and, of course, outstanding performances.
Stables Theatre is about 5.5 miles southeast of central Milton Keynes. Ample parking is available onsite. Reasonably priced snacks and drinks can be bought at the venue. The most popular shows sell out well in advance, so remember to reserve ahead.
Osoite: Stockwell Ln, Wavendon, Milton Keynes MK17 8LU, UK
Avoinna: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (until 8 pm on show nights)
Puhelin: +44 (0)1908 280800
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Stadium MK
Milton Keynes’ main stadium
Stadium MK is the epicentre of Milton Keynes entertainment for fans of The Beautiful Game. The 30,000-seater stadium in the Denbigh district is the home of the Milton Keynes Dons, who draw a roaring crowd on match days. Games often occur in the evenings, as do concerts from bands too big to squeeze into Stables Theatre. Ramstein, Take That, and Rod Stewart have performed here in the past.
Parking is limited and pricey, so it’s best to arrive via taxi (about 6 minutes from downtown Milton Keynes). You can also take the train to Bletchley Station. Several casual and fast food dining options surround the venue.
Osoite: Stadium Way W, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK1 1ST, UK
Puhelin: +44 (0)1908 622922
KarttaValokuva: Jamie Smith (CC BY-SA 3.0) muokattu
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The Centre:mk
Milton Keynes’ premier retail space
- Ruoka
- Yöelämä
- Shoppailu
The Centre:mk has proudly served as the community’s premier retail space ever since opening its doors in 1979. The shopping section of the mall shuts down by 8 pm at the latest, so you’ll need to get a move on if you fancy making a few post-dinner purchases. Expect to find the usual selection of chain cafés and fast food franchises accompanying the retailers and designer boutiques.
Wander across Avebury Boulevard, and you’ll find the Xscape mall, which is packed full of lively bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. Unlike MK Centre, Xscape welcomes guests well into the night, with some venues remaining open until 1 am.
Osoite: 24, Silbury Arcade, Milton Keynes MK9 3ES, UK
Avoinna: Monday–Friday from 9.30 am to 8 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm
Puhelin: +44 (0)1908 678641
KarttaValokuva: Lewis Clarke (CC BY-SA 2.0) muokattu
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The Casino MK
Gambling galore in the heart of Milton Keynes
- Luksus
- Yöelämä
The glitzy Casino MK boasts sufficient slots and table games to keep even the most avid punter entertained. Serious Texas Hold ’em players will love checking out the regular tournaments and can take advantage of the generous poker promotions and packages.
If you’re still hungry, Clary’s Bar & Grill does a mean slow-cooked steak and decent dessert. Otherwise, Tanzibar is a wonderful spot to watch sports matches over a pint in between bets, while the Comedy Club puts on knee-slapping performances every weekend.
Osoite: Xscape, 602, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3XS, UK
Avoinna: Friday–Saturday from noon to 6 am, Sunday–Thursday from noon to 4 am
Puhelin: +44 (0)1908 237776
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Cineworld Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes’ magnificent multiplex
- Pariskunnat
- Perheet
- Yöelämä
Cineworld is the go-to option for movie buffs on a night out in Milton Keynes. Located within the ultra-modern Xscape mall, the multiplex screens all the latest Hollywood blockbusters on a state-of-the-art audiovisual setup.
Moviegoers can choose from 2D or 3D projections, a VIP cinema with super spacious seats, a 4DX experience with wind and smell, a larger than normal Superscreen, and an even bigger 270-degree panorama dubbed ScreenX (similar to IMAX). Starbucks and Baskin Robbins provide snacks and drinks, both a little pricey but that’s hardly surprising for cinema cuisine.
Osoite: Xscape, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3XS, UK
Avoinna: Friday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 2 am, Sunday–Thursday from 9.30 am to midnight
Puhelin: +44 (0)8712 002000
KarttaValokuva: stone40 (CC BY-SA 3.0) muokattu
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Snozone
Late-night skiing in the centre of Milton Keynes
- Perheet
Snozone is an excellent place to work off those excess calories you consumed at dinner with a proper good (and fun) workout. The artificial ski slope has 2 separate T-bar style lifts and a cordoned off tobogganing zone for the kids. The whole experience is a good value for what you get.
The area isn’t exactly enormous – a skilled skier can make their way to the bottom in about 15 seconds. An onsite equipment rental shop stocks quality gear. Snozone offers lessons for beginners throughout the day.
Osoite: Xscape, Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3XS, UK
Avoinna: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 9 pm, Friday from 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 8.30 pm
Puhelin: +44 (0)8712 002000
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Hollywood Bowl Milton Keynes
Enjoy 10-pin bowling with an attached arcade
- Perheet
- Ryhmät
- Yöelämä
Hollywood Bowl is a 10-pin bowling facility in Milton Keynes, attracting those looking for a post-dinner date or a wholesome evening out with friends. But serious players be warned – the centre is orientated towards beginners and casuals so don’t expect any tournament standard lanes.
Nonetheless, the well-run facility is stacks of fun for people of all ages, and the attached American-themed diner does a decent interpretation of your favourite dishes. While you’re waiting for a lane to become available, hit the arcade hall for coin-operated classics like snooker and air hockey.
Osoite: 602 Marlborough Gate, Bucks, Milton Keynes MK9 3XS, UK
Avoinna: Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to midnight, Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 1 am
Puhelin: +44 (0)8444 176774
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Milton Keynes Theatre
Secure tickets to your favourite type of performance
- Pariskunnat
- Yöelämä
The Milton Keynes Theatre is a 1,400-seater auditorium with a broad repertoire. This flexible space has hosted numerous touring West End productions, drama productions, operas, ballets, and of course the seasonal pantomimes.
Not far from Milton Keynes in nearby Wavendon, you’ll find The Stables, founded by actress Cleo Laine, which often stages musicals. At the Milton Keynes Bowl, a former clay pit was reborn as a concert auditorium. Big names such as Take That, Queen, Michael Jackson and David Bowie have all performed here.
Osoite: The Centre:mk, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3NZ, UK
Puhelin: +44 (0)3330 096690
KarttaValokuva: Edgar Jiménez (CC BY-SA 2.0) muokattu
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Creams Café
One of MK’s most beloved cafés
- Perheet
- Ruoka
- Yöelämä
Creams Café is one of the most popular coffee spots in Milton Keynes. If you’re still hungry after dinner or craving dessert, this trendy venue is the place to visit. Its location in the Xscape mall means it opens until late, and there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy in the vicinity.
You can find the usual array of decadent sugary delights on the menu, from fudge-loaded waffles to freak shakes and oversized servings of ice-cream. If you prefer something savoury or a nice cup of coffee or tea, keep flipping through the menu to find a great selection.
Osoite: 602 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 3XS, UK
Avoinna: Friday–Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday–Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm
Puhelin: +44 (0)1908 672005
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Pink Punters
A wild night out for LGBT-friendly folks
- Yöelämä
Pink Punters proves that Milton Keynes’ heyday as a debaucherous raver haven isn’t entirely a distant memory – the raucous LGBT club does a roaring trade until well after sunrise. Up to 650 punters pack out the 3-floor venue on weekends. The only downside is that you'll have to queue a long time for a drink.
The club takes safety seriously, with over 500 CCTV cameras, prevalent panic buttons on every floor, and a large team of courteous and well-trained security personnel. A state-of-the-art light and sound system, wild themed nights, and an in-house kebab shop make for an ideal clubbing experience.
Osoite: 2 Watling St, Fenny Stratford, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 2BS, UK
Puhelin: +44 (0)1908 377444
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