XSCAPE - Milton Keynes – 5.5 miles The ultimate in all round family entertainment, including: SNO!ZONE – The UK's largest indoor ski-slope (170 m), and training slope area. Also visit Cineworld; Bowling; Airkix (indoor sky diving) complex
Gulliver's Land Theme Park – Milton Keynes – 5.5 miles Visit all the theme areas "Lands" from Lilliput; Dinosaur Farm Park; Toy Land; Lilliput Castle, and much more. www.xscape.co.uk
Willen Lakes and Park – Milton Keynes – 6 miles This stunning location, with over 80 acres of park land and woods, not to mention the 100 acre lake with all the water sports, from skiing through the whole range of water sports. Also the children play area, not to mention the "high rope" adventure area; a great place out for the whole family.
Stanwick Lakes – 15 miles A great location for a family day out, including cycling; A wonderful children's adventure playground, fishing; bird watching, and picnic area. www.rockingham-forest-trust.org.uk
Whipsnade Wild Animal Park – 24 miles Visit this unique Wild Animal Park; the animals are housed in over 600 acres, which are located on Dunstable Downs, where you can enjoy the 2,500 animals in large open areas. www.zsl.org/whipsnade Stoke
Stoke Bruerne – 5 miles The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book, but its main claim to fame is the location on the Grand Union Canal, where the National Waterways Museum within the old corn mill building. There are boat trip through the canal tunnel to Blisworth, which at 2,800 m is one of the longest in the canal system. There are a number of good local Pubs and eating houses in the village – The Boat Inn, and The Navigation Inn, which are very children friendly. www.stokebruerne.org.uk Also visit Rookery Farm, where you can get right up close to the animals, in pets corner, at first hand.
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre - Quainton – 18 miles This 40 year old centre located on the 25 acre site around the old Quainton British Rail station is a working museum, where there are both working and static trains, from express passenger locomotives, to humble shunting engines. Other exhibits include a Royal dinning carriage, a war time carriage used by Sir Winston Churchill. The centre railway line is still connected to the main rail network, and freight trains still use the route. There are special events, so check the web site, like the visit of Thomas the Tank Engine in May. www.bucksrailcentre.org.uk
Salcey Forest – 4 miles Explore this medieval hunting forest, which is managed by the Forestry Commission for commercial timber, as well as public use. See thetree top forest walk, which rises to a height of 15 m, with viewing towers at a height of 18 m, where a magnificent view of the surrounding forest can be seen.
Silverstone GP Racing Circuit – 8 miles The home of the British Grand Prix, plus a lot more. Enjoy the many "Driving experiences" available, to racing every weekend, throughout the spring and summer period. Experience the thrill of one of the fastest racing circuits in the world. www.silverstone.co.uk
Towcester Racecourse This very attractive racecourse located at the side of Watling Street, south of Towcester, hold approaching 20 National Hunt meeting per year, from October to May, with admission free up to Easter (except Boxing Day). Following significant recent investment the racecourse offers top quality hospitality and conference facilities, as well as the thrill of the racing, in one of the most delightful location in Britain. www.towcester-racecourse.co.uk
Woburn Abbey and Safari Park – 12 miles Experience the award winning Safari Park, and the glorious Abbey, set in the 3,000 acres Deer Pak. This has been the home of the Dukes of Bedford for almost 400 years. Also visit the unique Antiques Centre, in the old stable block, which houses over 40 individual "shops". Open mid April to September www.woburnabbey.co.uk
Wicksteed Park (26 miles) This 80 year old pleasure park, set in 150 acres of which 30 acres are lake, is a children's paradise. The park is split into 4 main amenities, as follows:  Playground area, slides, swings, see-saws, roundabouts – free  Fairground area, for children up to the age of 14 years  Lakeside area – Boating, Water Chute etc.  Rides area, Roller-coaster, Flying chairs etc. www.wicksteedpark.co.uk

Visit the likes of Stony Stratford, Olney, and Newport Pagnell, and step back to a quieter, slower period of time.

Stony Stratford - There have been a settlement at Stony Stratford since Roman times (Stratford means" ford of a river", which is the River Great Ouse, and has had town status since 1215. Explore the classic eighteenth century high street which is relatively unchanged by today's standards. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea, at a either of the two coaching Inns, "The Cock", and the "Bull Inn", believed to be the birth place of the expression a "cock and bull story" relating to local farmers after market giving excuses to their wives upon their late return from market, having indulged in the hospitality of one or both of the establishments.
Olney – This is a delightful market town, again located on the River Great Ouse, where since 1445 the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race has been run. In the market place every Thursday there is the weekly general market, and every first Sunday of the month, a Farmer's market. Within the market square are a number of notable shops, also the home of the eighteen century poet, William Cowper. The High Street is a wide road with a large number of quality eighteenth century houses.
Newport Pagnell – First mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, as "Neuport" which means New Market Town. The suffix "Pagnell followed, sometime later, being taken from the local squire's family name "Paynel". Since 1954 Newport Pagnell has been the home of Aston Martin, until recently when the new state of the art plant was opened in Gaydon, Leamington Spa.

Milton Keynes Shopping Centre – 5 miles Visit the well established quality shopping centre with over 240 shops, from John Lewis; Marks & Spencer; House of Frazer; Boots; and many more.
Bicester Village – 15 miles Visit the nationally famous Bicester Village designer and factory outlet, where there are approaching 140 shops, where there are price savings of up to 60% to be had.
Woburn Sands – 13 miles A few minutes down the road from Woburn Abbey stands this attractive village, where a wealth of interesting shops and restaurants can be found. This special village of less than 2,500 people belies its size.

The county of Northamptonshire is known as "The County of Squires and Spires" for good reason.
Both Northamptonshire and North Buckinghamshire are rich in history and exceptional houses and garden, see a brief review below:

Althrop House – 13 miles The home of the Spencer family for over 500 years, and the ancestral home of Lady Diana, Princess of Wales. There are 19 rooms open to the public, along with the extensive memorial museum to Lady Diana's memory, where there are many [personal artifacts, including her famous bridal dress, childhood letters, school reports, dresses, and details of her charity work. Outside there is a beautiful park and garden to enjoy. www.althrop.com
Waddesdon Manor (NT) – 19 miles The magnificent Renaissance-style chateau that was designed and built for Baron Ferdinand De Rothchild in 1874, considered to be 'The jewel in the National Trust's crown'. This exquisite house is home to a wealth of fine Serves porcelain, French furniture, and art treasures from Dutch Old Masters and English portraits. The Victorian garden is considered one of the finest in Britain, with its parterre, seasonal displays, fountains and statuary. At the heart lies the aviary, stocked with species of birds once part of Baron Ferdinand's collection. If possible visit the sumptuous 'Bachelors' Wing, which is open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Check the web site for family events and free activities, children's quiz/ trail, and enjoy one of the two licensed restaurants, or a snack in the Summerhouse. www.waddesdonmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
Stowe Landscape Gardens (NT) – 8 miles Explore this magical landscaped garden that has inspired writers, philosophers, artists and politicians, and members of the public from the 18 th. century to the present day. This is one of the most remarkable creations of Georgian England; Stowe was created by a family once so powerful they were richer than the king. Visit the beautiful, gardens which contain over 40 temples, and monuments, gracing an inspiring backdrop of lakes and valleys with an endless variety of walks and trails, a delight to visit at any time of the year. Visit the church where Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was married, the church surrounded by the garden he designed and help create. Enjoy freshly produced lunches in the tea-room, or pick the perfect picnic spot – among temples, lakes, and valleys. NB – Stowe House, which is part of the public school is not National Trust, but is open at certain times of the year (Tel. 01280 818166). Former pupils include Sir Richard Branson, George Melley, and David Niven. www.stowegarden@nationaltrust.org.uk
Sulgrave Manor – 10 miles The ancestral home of George Washington's family in Northamptonshire. Enjoy a gentle stroll through 3 centuries of English history in the company of friendly and informative guides. See the wonderful Tudor and Georgian furniture and artifacts. Sulgrave houses the largest UK collection of George Washington memorabilia. Within the grounds is located the excellent buttery, where delicious food is available. www.sulgravemanor.org.uk
Claydon House (NT) – 11 miles Created in the 1750's by the Verney family, to impress their wealthy neighbours. Today the interiors that remain are among the most ambitious and lavish ever created in the 18 th. Century. Claydon has been occupied by the Verney family for over 550 years, the place is a testament to their fluctuating fortunes, from their close involvement in the English Civil War to the family connection with Florence Nightingale. Visit the courtyard craft shops (not NT), or relax in the Carriage house restaurant/tea room (not NT) www.claydon@nationaltrust.org.uk
Cannons Ashby (NT) – 14 miles Cannons Ashby was built by the Dryden family in Elizabethan the period from the stone from the Augustinian priory which previously occupied the site. The private church is all that remains of the priory. This house was the family home of Sir John Dryden (1631-11700), Poet Laureate, playwright, and translator. The interior is welcoming and atmospheric, with Jacobean wall paintings, plasterwork and tapestries. Explore the medieval remains in the park, and the restored formal garden. There is freshly prepared food available in the tearoom that is in the old stable block. www.canonsashby@nationaltrust.org.uk
Kirby Hall (English Heritage) – 36 miles One of the great Elizabethan housed in Britain, which was created by Sir Christopher Hatton, who was Chancellor to Elizabeth I. Although this vast mansion is partly roofless, the remaining structure shows exceptional style and quality. The Great Hall and State Rooms remain intact, and have been authentically refitted and decorated. Take a walk in the recently restored stunning garden which is a joy. www.english-hertitage.org.uk/dayout/property/kirbyhall/
Boughton Castle (Banbury) – 24 miles Visit the magnificent castle that was built by Sit John de Broughton in 1300, from there it passed through the Wykeham family, and then by inheritance to the Fiennes family (Baron Saye and Sele) whose decedents are the present occupants. In 1550 Richard Fiennes transformed the mediaeval castle into a Tudor mansion. The moated castle is the quintessential English castle, but is also a family home which is very apparent to the visitor. www.boughtoncastle.com

Warwick Castle – 50 miles Warwick castle was built by William I in 1068, and has been a fortification until early into the 17 th. century, when it was modernized to meet the needs of the time. Over the centuries many famous people have passed through the castle from Elizabeth I to Queen Victoria. Throughout the year there are many attractions, which include, 'Flight of the Eagles', Archery displays, Jousting, and many others. A full day out can be had for all the family in this unique castle. www.warwick-castle.co.uk
Oxford – 36 miles The "City of Dreaming Spires", this unique city is steeped in history, and always worth visiting, however many times one has visited. There are just so many places to stroll around in this beautiful city, from one of the oldest bookshop in England (Blackwell's) to the colleges, which are open to the public outside term time and some weekends. Visit the 'Hogwarts Hall'( in Christ Church College), or the many locations around the city of the 'Inspector Morse' series was filmed. There are many attractive shops within the city, and do not miss the 19 th. century covered market, which is a hive of activity. For the adventurous, take a punt from close by Magdalene bridge, and cruise down the River Isis at a leisurely pace.
Blenheim Palace – 42 miles The sumptuous mansion was created for the Duke of Marlborough by Sir John Vanbrugh after the famous victory of the same name in 1715. The spectacular grounds, set in over 2,000 acres, where designed and executed by 'Capability' Brown back in 1760. Following the death of Sir John Churchill in 1722 the family fortunes fluctuated down the centuries, until the marriage of the American heiress (Consuleo Vanderbilt) to the ninth Duke, who were the parents of Sir Winston Churchill. The house contains many artifacts of Sir Winston, from being a baby, through all his time spent at the house, prior to embarking on his phenomenal and colourful career. The Churchill family tombs are in the Bladon churchyard close by. www.blenheim-palace.com
Stratford-upon- Avon, 45 miles Visit the birth place of William Shakespeare (1564-1616), and the town which is steeped in history and culture. Explore the beautiful Warwickshire countryside along the banks of the River Avon, and wander the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon, and get a taste of 'Old England', or take boat trip and get a unique view of the town. Also visit the reopened Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) which has an extremely full and exciting season ahead. www.stratford-upon-avon.co.uk
The Cotswold's – 45 miles Visit the delightful small towns of Stowe-on-the-Wolds; Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton-on-the Water, Broadway, Bibury, and the Slaughters, to mention just a few of the stunning locations, which are under an hour away from Elm Tree Farm. Visit this unique area that is full of mellow stone cottages, and quaint villages that have not changed for centuries. www.cotswoldsinfo.com