It is with great regret that we announce the cancellation of the Angels at The Abbey scheduled for Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Bradwell Abbey.

 Due to high wind speeds forecasted for the day, we have made the difficult decision to prioritise the safety of our attendees, performers, and vendors. With many activities planned outdoors, these conditions pose a significant safety risk, particularly for families with young children.

 We share your disappointment and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

 Stay safe and warm

50% Off Online Shop Orders - Sunday 1st December

Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre is thrilled to be taking part in Museum Shop Sunday on 1st December 2024, with offers and discounts on some great gift ideas just in time for Christmas.

Every year on Museum Shop Sunday over 2,100 arts, heritage and cultural attractions worldwide come together to showcase their fantastic shops and unique products with special events and promotions in store and online.

From 12am to 11.59pm (GMT) on Sunday 1st December, customers can enter the code MSS24 at checkout on our online shop to receive 50% off their order (excludes shipping). Customers will also receive a free ‘I ♥ MK’ window sticker and Milton Keynes postcard with their order!

From guidebooks covering the history of Bradwell Abbey to accessible publications about the new town, many of our products make wonderful gifts for local history fans.

Head to our online shop now

Remember to enter MSS24 at checkout to receive your discount.

Museum Shop Sunday is all about Shopping with Purpose. When you choose to shop with us, you’re not just buying a gift - you’re actively contributing to our work and maintaining our collections for future generations to enjoy.

Join us for a free sculpture-themed site tour to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of modernist sculptor Bernard Schottlander. The Scheduled Monument site of Bradwell Abbey is home to the largest public display of Schottlander’s sculptures, looked after by the City Discovery Centre.

Bernard Schottlander was born in Mainz, Germany in 1924 and came to Britain in 1939 as a Jewish refugee escaping the Nazi regime. Discover more about his life and work on our guided tour of the site and sculptures.

You’ll also explore the history of Bradwell Abbey from its foundation as a priory in the 12th century, its status as a country retreat for nobility and its years as a tenanted farm before the new town of Milton Keynes changed the local landscape forever.

Delve into this beautiful hidden gem in the heart of Milton Keynes and immerse yourself in art, history and nature!

No booking required, this event is free. Meet by Schottlander's "Ever Seeing Eye" - what3words ///flies.trembles.observes

Come and find out about the trade in unwanted babies before formal adoption and fostering systems were developed, in a talk led by author Eve Bacon.

Donation: £5 per person (cash only, payable on the door). Hosted by C.D.C. with any profits going directly to help the work of C.L.A.S.P community archaeology charity.

Join us at Bradwell Abbey for a day of street food. Hosted by Sophie etc, Toybox & Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre, in collaboration with YMCA, Pasquier & LM Search. This is going to be an incredible event full of your favourite street food vendors, whilst also raising awareness for fantastic charities.

Please visit Sophie’s Facebook event for vendor announcements Facebook event

Hear ye, hear ye! Come one, come all to the grandest of gatherings

Merriment abounds and delights for young squires and fair maidens await! Try thy hand as a noble knight or sharp-eyed archer, and partake in wondrous entertainment fit for kings! Tame fierce dragons and wander through bustling market stalls, but lo, do not forget to visit the lively medieval encampment, where history comes to life!

As thou makest merry, quench thy thirst with a fine drink from our bar or feast on hearty fare and sweet treats from local vendors.

Let the revelry begin! 

11:00 Jester Juggling 4
11:15 Dragon Training 5
11:45 Dragon Puppet Show 1
12:15 Medieval Combat Display 5
12:30 Chapel & Site Tour 6
12:45 Jester Juggling  4
13:00 Dragon Training  5
13:30 Puppet Workshop 1 
13:30 the Cryers Medieval Music 6
13:50 Arming The Knight  4 
14:10 Jester Juggling  4
14:30 Archery Display 5

Until14:00 Have-A-Go Archery 5
Until15:00 Inside Stalls 3
Until15:00 Outside Stalls 7 
Until15:00 Medieval Education 7

We are excited to be hosting EAT Street MK's events here at Bradwell Abbey. Enjoy delicious street food and sweet treats from some of the best local food vendors. Our bar will be open serving spirits, beers, wine and soft drinks. Indoor seating will also be available inside the Cruck Barn.

Entry is free. Dogs on leads allowed. This is a child friendly event but please be aware seating may be limited so best to arrive early.

Follow us on Facebook for more event information or EAT Street MK Facebook

Our ever popular monthly site tour and chapel opening continues on Sunday 28th July, starting at 12.30pm.

Would you like to learn more about medieval Bradwell Abbey? Be guided through the history of the site and the Chapel of St Mary by our experienced docents. This is a FREE, family-friendly event so why not join us!

Meet in the car park by the Ever Seeing Eye sculpture - What Three Words: https://what3words.com/flies.trembles.observes The tour finishes in St Mary's Chapel, where you can marvel at the nationally important wall paintings.

We will also be unveiling the spectacular artwork commissioned as part of the Good City project. 'Hopes and Dreams by Design' will be launched in the Old Farmhouse from 12pm and be on show for visitors to enjoy until 2pm.

The piece reflects the city’s unique blend of aspiration and meticulous planning, and delves into the very heart of Milton Keynes, capturing its essence and the myriad of emotions it evokes amongst residents.

Using direct words from local residents who participated in the project throughout 2023, local artist Liisa Clark created a series of five paintings. Participants' words informed the artworks, making the pieces a true reflection of the community’s voice.

GRAVE ROBBERS

The first in a series of monthly history talks: Come along and learn about the dark trade in human cadavers in 18th and early 19th century Britain; what fuelled it and what finally put an end to it.

Donation: £6 per person (cash only, payable on the door). Hosted by C.D.C. with any profits going directly to help the work of C.L.A.S.P community archaeology charity.

We are excited to be hosting EAT Street MK's events here at Bradwell Abbey. Enjoy delicious street food and sweet treats from some of the best local food vendors. Our bar will be open serving spirits, beers, wine and soft drinks. Indoor seating will also be available inside the Cruck Barn.

Entry is free. Dogs on leads allowed. This is a child friendly event but please be aware seating may be limited so best to arrive early.

Follow us on Facebook for more event information or EAT Street MK Facebook

Please request an invite by quoting 'book launch invite' to: functions@mkcdc.org.uk

We've got some very exciting news! Come join us for the book launch of 'Bradwell Abbey Farm and Beyond' & meet the author Paul Cox. You will be able to purchase the book at our event and in future on our website.

Bradwell Abbey Farm and Beyond: 500 years spanning 15 owners, with 14 tenants in the last 220 years. Owned by a King, a Cardinal, a Charity and a Council. Covering the Civil War, two World Wars and the coming of a New Town and how it affected this North Bucks farm.

Our ever popular monthly site tour and chapel opening continues on Sunday 23rd June, starting at 12.30pm.

Would you like to learn more about medieval Bradwell Abbey? Be guided through the history of the site and the Chapel of St Mary by our experienced docents. This is a FREE, family-friendly event so why not join us!

Meet in the car park by the Ever Seeing Eye sculpture - What Three Words: https://what3words.com/flies.trembles.observes The tour finishes in St Mary's Chapel, where you can marvel at the nationally important wall paintings.

This month only, from 11am you have the opportunity to reap the benefits of our community garden and purchase the plants our volunteers have been cultivating this year. You can also get your hands on some better-than-half-price books in our book sale - titles from our shop on the history of the site and the development of Milton Keynes will be up for grabs, plus duplicates from our library that are no longer required.

We are excited to be hosting EAT Street MK's Father’s day BBQ and real ale event here at Bradwell Abbey. Our bar will be open serving spirits, beers, wine and soft drinks. Indoor seating will also be available inside the Cruck Barn.

Entry is free. Dogs on leads allowed. This is a child friendly event but please be aware seating may be limited so best to arrive early.

Follow us on Facebook for more event information or EAT Street MK Facebook

We’re holding the final exhibition in our Good City project - funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund!

Through a series of supper club sessions, workshops and activity days, we’ve animated The Plan for Milton Keynes – the original masterplan for the new city, published in 1970 – with local community groups and residents of Milton Keynes. Now we are showcasing the outcomes of all the conversations, ideas, creative expression and innovative discussion instigated with the community. But there’s still time to have your say!

Come along and join in with the family-friendly activities and soft play, browse old maps/photographs/documents/videos, discover more about the different types of housing in Milton Keynes and how to create your own grid square.

There will be an opportunity to view parts of the artwork commissioned as part of the project to represent what people feel is important about the design of their city - local artist Liisa Clark will be showcasing her work so far.

If you want to discover more about the original aims of the new city, or just want a free, family-friendly few hours, then join us on Sunday 2nd June and drop in any time between 11am and 1pm.

Come and discover the origins of the new city with us at our family-friendly craft and re-enactment sessions at Milton Keynes Libraries this half term! Ever wanted to build your own city? As part of our Good City project, we’ll be leading fun, FREE sessions to get kids thinking about city planning and introduce the new town origins of Milton Keynes. Meet our city planner re-enactors whilst cutting, gluing and designing your very own creation!

Come and discover the origins of the new city with us at our family-friendly craft and re-enactment sessions at Milton Keynes Libraries this half term! Ever wanted to build your own city? As part of our Good City project, we’ll be leading fun, FREE sessions to get kids thinking about city planning and introduce the new town origins of Milton Keynes. Meet our city planner re-enactors whilst cutting, gluing and designing your very own creation!

Would you like to learn more about medieval Bradwell Abbey? Be guided through the history of the site and the chapel of St Mary by our experienced docents. This is a FREE, family-friendly event so why not join us!

11am - GUIDED TOUR START
Meet in the car park by the Ever Seeing Eye sculpture. What Three words: (///flies.trembles.observes)

The tour finishes in St Mary's Chapel, where you can marvel at the nationally important wall paintings.

We are excited to be hosting EAT Street MK's events here at Bradwell Abbey. Enjoy delicious street food and sweet treats from some of the best local food vendors. Our bar will be open serving spirits, beers, wine and soft drinks. Indoor seating will also be available inside the Cruck Barn.

Entry is free. Dogs on leads allowed. This is a child friendly event but please be aware seating may be limited so best to arrive early.

Follow us on Facebook for more event information or EAT Street MK Facebook

Would you like to learn more about medieval Bradwell Abbey? Be guided through the history of the site and the chapel of St Mary by our experienced docents. This is a FREE, family-friendly event so why not join us!

11am - GUIDED TOUR START
Meet in the car park by the Ever Seeing Eye sculpture. What Three words: (///flies.trembles.observes)

The tour finishes in St Mary's Chapel, where you can marvel at the nationally important wall paintings.

We are excited to be hosting EAT Street MK's Street Food Events here at Bradwell Abbey. Enjoy delicious street food and sweet treats from some of the best local food vendors. Our bar will be open serving spirits, beers, wine and soft drinks. Indoor seating will also be available inside the Cruck Barn.

Entry is free. Dogs on leads allowed. This is a child friendly event but please be aware seating may be limited so best to arrive early.

Follow us on Facebook for more event information or EAT Street MK Facebook

Put a Spring in your step with family crafts and Easter trail round our historic grounds! There’ll be hot drinks, sweet treats from the ice cream van, and snacks available to purchase.

£4.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Each child admission receives a chocolate egg at the end of the trail.

Pre-booking on Eventbrite is essential.

We are excited to be hosting EAT Street MK's Mother’s day street food and market event here at Bradwell Abbey. Enjoy delicious street food and sweet treats from some of the best local food vendors and browse craft and games stalls. Our bar will be open serving spirits, beers, wine and soft drinks. Indoor seating will also be available inside the Cruck Barn.

Entry is free. Dogs on leads allowed. This is a child friendly event but please be aware seating may be limited so best to arrive early.

Follow us on Facebook for more event information or EAT Street MK Facebook

Come and discover the origins of the new city with us at our family-friendly craft and re-enactment sessions at Milton Keynes Libraries this half term! Ever wanted to build your own city? As part of our Good City project, we’ll be leading fun, FREE sessions to get kids thinking about city planning and introduce the new town origins of Milton Keynes. Meet our city planner re-enactors whilst cutting, gluing and designing your very own creation!

Come and discover the origins of the new city with us at our family-friendly craft and re-enactment sessions at Milton Keynes Libraries this half term! Ever wanted to build your own city? As part of our Good City project, we’ll be leading fun, FREE sessions to get kids thinking about city planning and introduce the new town origins of Milton Keynes. Meet our city planner re-enactors whilst cutting, gluing and designing your very own creation!

We welcome back EAT Street MK with their delicious Eat St MK - Winter Market with an incredible line up up street food vendors and sweet treats

* Indoor & Outdoor Seating Available.
* Bar serving alcohol & soft drinks
* Dogs are allowed, on a lead please.
* Parking available near the venue.
* Disabled parking available closer.

FREE FAMILY DAY AT BRADWELL ABBEY
Come for the day or pop in for a cheeky mulled wine and mince pie at MKCDC's annual Christmas event.
* Sing Christmas songs and carols
* Warm the soul with warm mulled wine
* Live school choirs
* Silver band
* Christmas Puppet show
* Craft stalls
* Meet the majestic snow queen in her snow globe

Santa’s Grotto:
* Visit Santa Claus in his Grotto
* Prepare for Rudolf’s visit by making him reindeer food
* Post your Christmas list in our Victoria post box

There is ample parking on the adjoining industrial estate. There is limited parking on the actual Abbey site itself so please keep this for the less abled. Dogs on leads allowed.

Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre is a local educational charity that provides talks, workshops and experience days on the historical and geographical past, present and future of Milton Keynes. This event is in collaboration with Bradwell Parish Council.

If you are interested in having a stall or game please email Richard: functions@mkcdc.org.uk

We welcome back EAT Street MK with their second delicious Eat St MK - Winter Market with an incredible line up due to be announced in the coming weeks! Get Friday, 1st Dec 5pm-9pm in your calendars!

* Indoor & Outdoor Seating Available.
* Bar serving alcohol & soft drinks
* Dogs are allowed, on a lead please.
* Parking available near the venue.
* Disabled parking available closer.

10% Off All Online Shop Orders - Sunday 26th November

Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre is delighted to be taking part in Museum Shop Sunday on 26 November 2023, with lots of offers and discounts on some great gift ideas just in time for Christmas.

Museum Shop Sunday is an annual international campaign to highlight the vital role of retail in helping arts, cultural and heritage venues to survive and thrive. On Sunday 26 November, over 2,000 visitor attractions worldwide will be coming together to celebrate with special events and promotions in store and online.

From 12am to 11.59pm (GMT) on Sunday 26th November, customers can enter the code MSS10 at checkout on our online shop to receive 10% off their order (excludes shipping). Customers will also receive a free ‘I ♥ MK’ window sticker and Milton Keynes postcard with their order!

From the unique colouring book using original plans and drawings for the new city, to guidebooks covering the history of Bradwell Abbey, many of our products make wonderful gifts for local history fans.

Head to our online shop now

Remember to enter MSS10 at checkout to receive your discount.

We welcome back EAT Street MK with their delicious Eat St MK - Winter Market with an incredible line up due to be announced in the coming weeks! Get Thursday, 23rd Nov 5pm-9pm in your calendars!

* Indoor & Outdoor Seating Available.
* Bar serving alcohol & soft drinks
* Dogs are allowed, on a lead please.
* Parking available near the venue.
* Disabled parking available closer.