Summer around Linmere, rain or shine!

Whilst this isn’t the summer we’d all hoped for, it’s still a time to make memories, whatever the jet stream brings over the coming weeks. We’re blessed with so much to do around Linmere, it would be a shame to let a few clouds come between some amazing days out.

To get you inspired, we’re gathered a list of must-see places and must-do events, including our very own Summer Picnic on Saturday 19 August, courtesy of The Land Trust. Pack the sun cream, coats and wellies and venture out to enjoy August around Linmere. See you all at the Summer Picnic.

01 Forest of Marston Vale

Covering a vast 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes, Marston Vale is natural regeneration project and community forest. Formerly a collection of clay pits to support the brick industry, the region has since planted 2 million trees, regenerating forests and renewing Lakeland trails. For growing families in Linmere, Marston Vale is a place worth getting to know for weekend activities, throughout the year.

There are several activity days for toddlers and young children, hosted at the Forest Visitor centre this August. From Sea Life crafts to Farmyard Trails, all leading up to the annual Forest Family Fun Day on Sunday 02 September, with special guest stars TV’s Bluey & Bingo. Check the website link for coming event days, admission charges apply.

Link to Marston Vale website here.

The Forest Centre and Millennium Country Park, Station Road, Marston Mortaine, MK43 0PR. The visitor centre sits north-east of Linmere, close to M1 jct 13, 15 miles / 24 minutes’ drive from Linmere.

02 Woburn Safari Park

We’re lucky to live in the vicinity of one of the country’s premier days out. As well as a world-class road safari, foot safari, children’s zoo and adventure playground, several film and TV favourites will be greeting families, throughout August, including the Minions, Spongebob Squarepants, Teletubbies, Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol.

For details, admission prices, use the link below. It’s worth booking tickets online to enjoy any discounts.

Link to Woburn events page here.

Woburn Abbey & Safari Park, Crawley Rd, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford MK43 0TU. Woburn Abbey is located close to M1 Jct 13, just 10 miles / 15 mins drive from Linmere. Admission applies, with tickets available to book on this link here.

03 August on the water at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes

We’ve covered Willen Lake before and will do again. It’s such an outstanding destination, only a few miles from Linmere. Sitting within 6,000 acres of parkland, Willen Lake offers countless ways to enjoy a day on or beside this beautiful lake. Take a picnic, take in the scenery or take to the water to cool off in the sun.

Obviously ideal for hot and sunny days, there’s plenty to enjoy whatever the weather. On the water, the Aqua Parc remains a must, with its inflatable obstacle course and plenty of opportunity to make a safe tumble into the lake. Judging by this summer, you’re wet already – so make the most of it.

There are water sport courses available, with details on the website link below. They’re not cheap, but something to consider for those with older kids.

Until Sunday 20 August, the popular fair is on site, offering rides and thrills for all ages, so it’s well worth making a visit over the next couple of weeks.

For more details on all that’s available at Willen Lake, use the link here.

Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DS. Willen Lake is very close to M1 Jct 14 – just 15.5 miles from Linmere.

04 Spend a day with the new neighbours at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Like Woburn Safari, we’re lucky to live close to the vast ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, the country’s largest. A lot’s been happening on the Chiltern Hills recently, with the arrival of Red Panda Twins in June, a new Grevy Zebra foal, and Koko the Chimpanzee celebrating her 50^th birthday, making her one of the oldest primates in Europe. The Zoo continues to play an important role in supporting endangered species.

You’ll need more than a day to enjoy everything ZSL Whipsnade has to offer, so prepare for a long day out. With plenty of good value eateries, and picnic spots, you’ll find ample chances to stop and relax before the next venture.

Visiting Whipsnade is subject to an entry fee, with tickets required to be booked in advance (using the link below). ZSL members and Under 3s go free.

Located at Whipsnade, Dunstable, LU6 2LF – just 6 miles from Linmere.

Entry tickets can be booked using the link here.

05 The Linmere Summer Picnic – Saturday 19 August, 11am–2pm

The big one! For all our residents and any close neighbours, in Linmere Park North, hopefully under summer skies! Bring a picnic and enjoy a fun-packed 3 hours, thanks to our partners The Land Trust.

Get harnessed and tackle our 7.5m climbing wall. Find your hunting skills with our archery sessions. Enjoy traditional folk tales from around Linmere, told by the Solstice Storytelling Circle. Join a bug hunt through Linmere Park and learn to craft natural bird feeders. And above all, enjoy a day outdoors with friends and neighbours! See you there!

Linmere Park North from 11am – Saturday 19 August

Linmere is designed to be a place for communities that embraces the natural environment, and where all generations can enjoy a great quality of life. This exciting new collection of leafy and walkable neighbourhoods, situated north of Houghton Regis Bedfordshire, located close to M1 Junction 11a. Nestled into verdant surroundings, its first homes completed and inhabited in 2021. The Land Trust will maintain and preserve these spaces on behalf of Houghton Regis Management Company.