Milton Keynes: Directions, Beer & Food

[Diego_Sideburns]

NOTE: This information may be out-of-date in an ever-changing world.

MK Dons, stadium:mk, Denbigh, Milton Keynes, MK1 1QB

All fans are searched on entering the stadium and flags are not allowed in unless they come with their fire certificate. Programmes are on sale outside the stadium.

In keeping with the infamous concrete cows of Milton Keynes, the Club have a mascot called Mooie. The South Stand is called the 'Cowshed', so the locals have christened the new stadium 'The MooCamp'.

The Club operates automatic turnstiles using a bar code reader. Tickets can be bought either by cash only at the dedicated away ticket booth adjacent to the away turnstile (Gate 3) or from the Box Office between Gates 6 and 7.

 

Away supporters are located in the North East corner of the stadium. The facilities are first class, with big 'Emirates Style' comfy seats, and the ability to continue to watch the game in progress from the concourse.

Like a number of new stadia though, its main drawback is that it is located adjacent to the A5, but well away from the centre of Milton Keynes. Therefore there is little on offer in the way of pubs.

Disabled facilities:

There are a limited number of disabled parking spaces available on a first come basis, you will need to show your Blue badge to the parking attendants who will direct you to a parking space. Away supporters should make themselves known to the attendants so that you can be directed towards your stadium gate 3. Parking is Free of Charge for disabled drivers.

All concession areas inside the stadium are wheelchair friendly. There are numerous dedicated disabled toilet facilities around the concourse, four of which are located in the away supporters’ section.

There are spaces for 164 wheelchairs, with a seat for a carer at every position, spaced all around the concourse. All dedicated disabled seating is on the entrance and concourse level.

How to get there:

By Car:

The stadium is situated at Denbigh North, just off the A5, south of Central Milton Keynes and just north of Bletchley. It is adjacent to a Retail Park with ASDA and IKEA, so expect some traffic congestion. For those familiar with MK’s grid road system the ground is on V6 Grafton Street on the junction with H9 Groveway.

Official Club Route (this is signposted from Junction 14 of the M1):
From the North or South:
Leave the M1 at Junction 14 and head towards Milton Keynes. Go straight over the first roundabout and at the next (where there is a Total Garage on the corner) turn left onto the V11 Tongwell Street. Proceed across one roundabout and at the next turn right onto the H8 Standing Way (A421). Continue alone the Standing Way going across a number of roundabouts. On reaching the Bleak Hall Roundabout turn left into the V6 Grafton Street. At the next roundabout, turn right and the stadium entrance is further down on the left.

Potential alternative/quicker routes:

From the North:

Leave the M1 at Junction 15 and turn right on to the A508 signposted Stony Stratford, follow this road for 14 miles, until you come to a roundabout at the A5, take the left turn heading south. After a few miles leave the A5 at the junction of the A421, as signposted by the AA stadium:mk signs.

Or if you prefer more motorway driving, then continue South on the M1 to junction 14:
Take the A509 towards Milton Keynes. At the first roundabout take the third exit on to Portway (signposted A509 (A5) Central Milton Keynes). Keep straight on this road crossing nine roundabouts. You will see the Hockey Stadium over on your left and will pass a McDonald's outlet. At the next roundabout, turn left onto the A5 (signposted Dunstable/London). Leave the A5 at the junction of the A421, as signposted by the AA stadium:mk signs.

From the South:

Leave the M1 at junction 13 and take the second exit (A421) which runs parallel with the M1 for a mile before bending left. After 3 miles as you approach a roundabout on the edge of the city take the second exit. This is called H9 Groveway, stay on this road going straight over 4 roundabouts, you will now approach the roundabout over the A5, and the stadium is in front of you slightly to the left, take the second exit. The entrance to the stadium is first left at the traffic lights.

If you are approaching the stadium from the South along the A5, then leave the A5 at the junction of the A421 and then you can't miss it.

NOTE: Away supporters should follow the brown signs for Football Coaches and enter the stadium site via the Saxon Street entrance (between KFC and McDonald's), which is the most convenient for Gate 3.

 

The stadium is nowhere near the centre of Milton Keynes. If you do get lost follow directions to Bletchley and/or IKEA.

Car parking:

There are 2,000 car parking spaces at the stadium, which costs £7 per vehicle, but local advice says you won‘t be out of the car park until 6:00pm.

A better bet for away fans is to head onto Mount Farm Industrial Estate and park roadside for free, and only a matter of minutes to the stadium.

Alternatively, Denbigh West Industrial Estate offers a fair few spaces as well but takes around 8-10 minutes walk to get to the stadium. After passing the stadium entrance on your left, turn right at the next roundabout, called Granby roundabout, and then take the next turn left, and immediately left again onto the Denbigh West Industrial Estate. Pedestrian crossings towards ASDA will allow access back towards the stadium.

Do not park in the Asda next to the stadium, because they issue £60 Parking Charge Notices for cars identified as parking for football or staying more than two hours. Ikea are said to be much more tolerant though, but park there at your own risk.

By Train:

The nearest station is Bletchley which is around about two miles away from the stadium. The Club operates a Shuttle Bus service from the station (see below). Surprisingly taxis are scarce outside the station so best to pre-book one in advance (Skyline 01908 222111 is a local taxi firm). Otherwise you can embark on the 35-40 minute walk to the stadium. The station is served by trains from London Euston & Birmingham New Street.

Turn left immediately you come out of the station building and continue down the steps. At the bottom of the steps turn left go under the railway bridge. At the roundabout by the Park pub turn left onto Saxon Street. Keep straight on this road and you will eventually reach the stadium. However you will need to cross over to the other side, as there is only one path beside it. You will pass Bletchley Bus Station on your right and then the Enigma Pub. Go straight across the double mini roundabout following signs for the A5 and you will see the stadium over on your left.

If you arrive at Milton Keynes Central you will be around four miles from the stadium. There is a taxi rank outside the station, or there is the nearby Bus Station. There is a regular Bus Service No.7 going towards Fenny Stratford, Lakes Estate or Newton Longville will operate every 20 mins (Mon - Sat Daytime) and Service 7E towards Bletchley/Fenny Stratford will run Hourly (Mon - Sat evenings) direct to Stadium MK, stopping adjacent to the stadium entrance. Journey time approx 20 - 25 mins. Also bus number 32 also operates hourly from the Central Milton Keynes Station to the Stadium (Saxon Street/Dawson Road) but in one direction only (i.e. you can't get the 32 back to the Station).

 

By Shuttle Bus Service:

The MK Dons Football Express offers two different routes to the stadium. Route 1 starts at Bletchley Railway Station from 1pm on a Saturday match-day and every twenty minutes until 2.20pm. From there it stops at Bletchley bus station before arriving at the stadium with the last scheduled arrival at 2.34pm.

 

For midweek games, the Route 1 service starts at 5.50pm and again every twenty minutes with the same stop at Bletchley Railway Station and with the last arrival at the stadium scheduled for 7.45pm. After the match, the return services collects from the Grafton Street bus stop opposite the stadium from 4.50pm on Saturdays or 9.45pm midweek and again runs every twenty minutes.

 

Alternatively, Route 2 starts from Milton Keynes Central Railway Station from 1pm on Saturdays with a stop on Midsummer Boulevard by JD Wetherspoon’s, followed by a pick-up at MK College on Chaffron Way. Operating every 30 minutes, the Route 2 services leaves MK Central station for the last time on Saturday at 2.30pm with the last arrival at the stadium being 2.51pm. For midweek games, Route 2 starts at 5.50pm and again runs every half an hour with the last arrival at the stadium being 7.41pm.

 

For return journeys, Saturday pick-ups on Grafton Street run from 4.50pm and are every half hour until the last run at 6.50pm, while for midweek fixtures the first run is 9.45pm and the last is 11.15pm.

 

The MK Dons Football Express is priced at £1.50 per person either way or £2 return.

 

Where to drink:

Last season beer in the stadium was £3.40 for a 500ml plastic bottle of Carlsberg.

The stadium has the Red Dot Bar, into which away fans are usually welcomed provided any colours are kept reasonably discrete. This bar also shows Sky Sports.

Pub-wise, you don't have much choice. The most popular venue remains the Beacon on Mount Farm (which also has a fair bit of parking and they don't mind you leaving the car there during the game - best to check with the management to confirm this!) simply because it's closest. It's a friendly enough place as far as fans go, but the place itself leaves a lot to be desired. It is around a 10 minute walk away, in the nearby Mount Farm area. With the stadium entrance in front of you and Asda over to the right, then the pub is located on an industrial estate behind the stadium. From the back of the stadium, cross over the road and go down Dawson Road, which is in front of you. At the bottom of Dawson Road turn right into Bond Avenue and the pub is down on the right, situated next to a small lake.

There are not many nearby alternatives, although rail travellers getting off at Bletchley can choose en route from the Eight Belles or Enigma Tavern on Saxon Street, about a 15 minute walk from the stadium. The Enigma pub also offers food, has a large beer garden and is child friendly. To find this pub from the stadium, just follow the signs for Bletchley by Asda and you will reach the pub on your left.

Fenny Stratford is a mile south of the stadium along Watling Street, and has five pubs within a stone’s throw of each other, but again expect a fifteen minute walk to the stadium. The Swan Hotel is on the junction of Watling Street, Aylesbury Road and Simpson Road. It has a basic range of beers, but they serve good value food on a match day. The menu is the usual Pub stuff of sandwiches and main meals and they also serve a fantastic Breakfast until 1.30pm. The Red Lion on Simpson Road is in a nice setting right on the Lock. To get to both pubs from Fenny Stratford station you need to turn left as you step off the train. Walk down to the level crossing and turn right for The Swan Hotel and left for The Red Lion. Both pubs are just a couple of minutes from the level crossing.

Some supporters have used The Dolphin on Whaddon Way, but it is a little more difficult to find. Alternatively, the local Railway Club has said it would be happy to cater for football fans and the beer is a bit cheaper too.

Alternatively, it may be an idea instead to drink on the way or in Milton Keynes itself. There are a number of bars located adjacent to the main shopping centre, or in walking distance of Milton Keynes Central station. If coming out of the station you go straight up Midsummer Boulevard in front of you, then after around five minutes walk you will find a Wetherspoon’s outlet located on the left. Further up Midsummer Boulevard on the right is another Wetherspoon’s outlet called the Secklow Hundred, plus a Bar Med and All Bar One. These are about a fifteen minute walk from the stadium.

Where to eat:
Food is available in the stadium but it is expensive. Hot food bought outside the stadium is not admissible.

There are KFC and McDonald’s outlets, plus cafes in the Asda next door and <b>Ikea</b>. If you want a chippy, the nearest is Napoli's in Fenny Stratford. If you are arriving early, the City Centre has lots of places to eat in the Theatre District.

Edited February 3, 2014 by Diego_Sideburns

[laticdickovarmy]

Im going best mate supports them i went to a game there earlier in the season the place really is the middle of nowhere! There is a bar under the staduim that allows home and away fans, to park there is something like £8 so remember to pull your trousers back up when u get out the car!

[opinions4u]

The nearest station is Bletchley which is around about two miles away from the stadium.

For those booking train tickets, please use the PlayerShare WebShop to book your tickets.

 

Click on the link above.

 

Go to <Retailer A to Z>

 

Select V (if travelling on the West Coast mainline). Select F if travelling on another route.

 

Click through to Virgin (or First TransPennine) and book as usual.

 

Thanks to those who have already done this!

[Diego_Sideburns]

Bumped!

[opinions4u]

Loads of people using PlayerShare WebShop to book train tickets.

 

Linky for Virgin paying 2%:

http://www.spendandraise.com/xtra/shop/retailers/?search=virgin&order=alpha&page=A

 

Linky for The Trainline who only pay 1.5%:

http://www.spendandraise.com/xtra/shop/retailers/?search=trainline&order=alpha&page=search

 

Linky for National Express who pay 3%

http://www.spendandraise.com/xtra/shop/retailers/?search=national+express&order=alpha&page=search

 

PlayerShare has recently handed Paul Dickov £9,000. Use PlayerShare WebShop for all your online shopping and it can be even more next time.

[HarryBosch]

Are the Rifle Range or Junction doing a coach to this?

[Forte_Baby]

Both are doing one Rifle Range filling up fast i believe 3 mini bus proberly going down. Junction Inn will be doing one speak to Take me anywhere.

 

http://www.facebook.com/events/451841368181846/

Edited August 6, 2012 by oafctom

[opinions4u]

Loads of people using PlayerShare WebShop to book train tickets.

 

Linky for Virgin paying 2%:

http://www.spendandraise.com/xtra/shop/retailers/?search=virgin&order=alpha&page=A

 

Linky for The Trainline who only pay 1.5%:

http://www.spendandraise.com/xtra/shop/retailers/?search=trainline&order=alpha&page=search

 

Linky for National Express who pay 3%

http://www.spendandraise.com/xtra/shop/retailers/?search=national+express&order=alpha&page=search

 

PlayerShare has recently handed Paul Dickov £9,000. Use PlayerShare WebShop for all your online shopping and it can be even more next time.

New league season starts next Saturday. So use the links above to book your train tickets!

[deyres42]

Anyone know the price for the train on Saturday, return from Manchester?

[opinions4u]

Anyone know the price for the train on Saturday, return from Manchester?

Cheapest full adult fare for advanced tickets looks like £43. Off peak return £58. PlayerShare WebShop earns cashback if you book via the link below.

 

http://www.spendandraise.com/xtra/shop/goto.php?rb=3-3892

[deyres42]

Cheapest full adult fare for advanced tickets looks like £43. Off peak return £58. PlayerShare WebShop earns cashback if you book via the link below.

 

http://www.spendandr...o.php?rb=3-3892

 

Darn, was hoping you'd come up with a special £20 deal! Probably being numb but can't see the £43 price, any chance of posting link to it?

[opinions4u]

 

 

Darn, was hoping you'd come up with a special £20 deal! Probably being numb but can't see the £43 price, any chance of posting link to it?

If you type in Manchester Pic and Bletchley and change the date to 18th Aug and stick in times of 9am out and 5pm back (might need slightly later) it gives you train times and prices. Some are £21.50 each way. Most £27.

 

 

Edited August 14, 2012 by opinions4u

[IceStationLatic]

I'm driving down from Derby. If any Latics fans based nearby or further south need a lift en route, let me know....

[stevesidg]

Are there any ticket offers into this match?

[opinions4u]

By Train:

 

The nearest station is Bletchley which is around about two miles away from the stadium. The Club operates a bus service from the station, commencing at 1pm for 3pm kick offs and 5.30pm for 7.45pm kick offs. The cost is £1 each way. Surprisingly taxis are scarce outside the station so best to pre-book one in advance (Skyline 01908 222111 is a local taxi firm). Otherwise you can embark on the 35-40 minute walk to the stadium. The station is served by trains from London Euston & Birmingham New Street.

The mini bus fare was £1.50 per person each way.

 

Also, got back to MK Central for about 5.15pm. So a bit over-cautios being on the 6.50pm back to Manchester.

Edited August 19, 2012 by opinions4u

[Diego_Sideburns]

Information in OP updated.

[youngen]

This post should just read:

Dont bother, its a long way, in the middle of nowhere with no pubs and we never win there. Save your money and dont give it to a franchise.

[Diego_Sideburns]

This post should just read:

 

Dont bother, its a long way, in the middle of nowhere with no pubs and we never win there. Save your money and dont give it to a franchise.

I could agree and I won't be going, but the players say they benefit from support.

[youngen]

I could agree and I won't be going, but the players say they benefit from support.

 

It was so much better at the hockey arena, at least there was an atmosphere! Ive seen us 3 times at Stadium MK and weve lost twice 6-2 and 5-0 and been involved in a boring 0-0 draw! I dont think Id even be supporting properly if I went, just moaning all game about how much I dont like Milton Keynes!

[Diego_Sideburns]

 

It was so much better at the hockey arena, at least there was an atmosphere! Ive seen us 3 times at Stadium MK and weve lost twice 6-2 and 5-0 and been involved in a boring 0-0 draw! I dont think Id even be supporting properly if I went, just moaning all game about how much I dont like Milton Keynes!

It's at times like this that one's mind goes back to half-time at home to Peterborough. You never know how 'typical Latics' might work out.

[opinions4u]

If you go by train please book via PlayerShare WebShop.

 

http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/laticsplayershare

 

Type "Virgin" into the search and click through to Virgin rail. They usually pay the highest commission and don't charge for paying by card. Other train booking firms are also available.

 

If you didn't already know, a percentage of every spend made via the link above goes to PlayerShare and helps Latics.

[the_mighty_bosh]

 

It was so much better at the hockey arena, at least there was an atmosphere! Ive seen us 3 times at Stadium MK and weve lost twice 6-2 and 5-0 and been involved in a boring 0-0 draw! I dont think Id even be supporting properly if I went, just moaning all game about how much I dont like Milton Keynes!

 

I'm thinking of going as I've got mates who are in Northampton so it would be an easy place to go back to, but remembering that 0-0 on a Tuesday night has edged me back towards not going.

 

The ground and surrounding area was like a ghost town. Very Eerie.

It felt like going to a retail park with all the things in was surrounded by.

Despite being managed by Dave Penney we were much the better footballing side (Proof of Paul Ince's ineptitude).

Somehow they managed to call a 4.5k crowd tops an 8k crowd!

I managed to feel sorry for Joe Colbeck for being taken off after 25 minutes. Don't know what came over me!

Padded seats. Padded-fecking-seats!

Bleddy cold for April.

Barely a hint of a goal.

Grrr!

[tangerinedreams]

http://www.redliontruckstop.com/ not bad for food and £2 per pint while football is on, £2.60 when it isn't...there is no carpet but when you see the lorry park you'll understand why.

 

Exit j16 M1 southbound, turn left, up to the roundabout, take the turning back towards the m1 and it comes up on left hand side, 2 mins from m1 to roundabout and back to m1.

Edited February 5, 2014 by tangerinedreams

[leshdec]

A dull and lifeless town, with a ground that has all the cheer of a dentist's waiting room.

[jsslatic]

Looking at their forum today in which various have commented that they don't fancy a midweek trip to BP, the thread digressed onto the subject of why you'd want to go to MK and there was this little nugget:

 

Actually, when MK1 is finished the whole 'stadium in the middle of nowhere' bollocks will surely be put to bed. I can see MK Dons away being THE away game of the season. We're getting more popular by the year for away attendances.

Completely detached from reality