Free and low cost arts and heritage for all to enjoy

As the cost of living rises, many people are struggling to find the extra money for days out or trips to the theatre, museum or cinema.  We have complied a handy guide which includes free or low cost arts and heritage activities located throughout MK for everyone to enjoy.

The guide below includes links to external organisations, attractions and other listings guides where you will be able to find out more information. We also may not have captured everything and if you have any other suggestions you would like to share, drop us a line culture@milton-keynes.gov.uk and we will add them in.

Free and low cost arts and heritage in Milton Keynes

Arts

MK Gallery

MK Gallery offers MK residents entrance to exhibitions for £1 every Tuesday. Family Fun Days at MK Gallery operate a pay what you can admission fee. The Skyroom Cinema programme includes tickets to Family Films from £3.50 and everyone’s favourite Blockbusters from £5.50.

Milton Keynes Arts Centre

Milton Keynes Arts Centre offers a range of activities for families including a free Art Trail by artists Juneau Projects and Family First Saturdays with creative workshops for families starting at £3 per child. Free creative activity sheets and online tutorials for seasonal creative activities are also available online.

Milton Keynes Theatre

Milton Keynes Theatre has a fantastic Autumn and Winter season with something for everyone. Family Friendly favourites such as A Tiger Who Came to Tea has tickets starting from £14.50 + booking fee.  Other highlights include Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with tickets starting at £13.00 + booking fee.

The Stables 

The Stables has a fantastic October half-term family friendly film programme with tickets starting at £3.00. A fantastic forthcoming line-up of live music, comedy and talks include a range of ticket prices starting from £11.00.

Heritage

Milton Keynes Museum 

Visit this remarkable, hands-on, family friendly museum, pay for your entry once and then you can visit for as many times as you would like for a year!! Father Christmas also takes up residence at the Museum in December with tickets starting at £10 for a very special Santa’s Grotto experience.

Bletchley Park 

Explore the remarkable world of the Codebreakers and experience the recently opened exhibition The Intelligence Factory. Bletchley Park offers 50% off ticket prices for MK residents and some other local areas. All you need to do is hit the resident tab and complete the form when booking your tickets online to receive the discount.

Cowper and Newton Museum 

Take a day trip to beautiful Olney and experience life as a Georgian at the wonderful Cowper and Newton Museum. £8 for Adults and £3 for children (under 15’s go free) – if you visit once and retain your ticket you can visit again and again for a year.

Milton Keynes Libraries 

MK’s Libraries not only offer a fantastic reading resource for free, they also deliver a wide range of events, activities, exhibitions, classes and clubs. From Knit and Natter to Lego and Duplo sessions check out the events and activity info link to find out what’s on in your local library. 

Parks, public art, trails and outdoor activities

The Parks Trust 

A full and fantastic calendar of free and low-cost activities delivered by The Parks Trust can be found on their website. From a free Apple Day in Ouzel Valley Park, a Bird Themed Nature Crafts for £1 per person in Howe Park Wood and a Woof Walk at Tear Drop Lakes for £1 in there is so much to do and enjoy!

MK Trails App 

Featuring several free heritage trails, the MK Trails app offers everything from a trail exploring MK’s skateboarding history to the most recent addition which explores the Homeworld 81’ housing expo site.

Milton Keynes Heritage Open Days 

Whilst Heritage Open Days is now over, the brochure is still online and features free walks and trails throughout MK which can be found on pages 180–191.

Other guides and listings

Destination Milton Keynes 

For a comprehensive overview of What is On in MK and News head to this one-stop-shop website.

Milton Keynes Kids 

Milton Keynes Kids Facebook page and website is a handy guide to free and cheap days out in Milton Keynes. 

Milton-Keynesia Magazine

An online magazine with a listings guide covering all of MK.

MKCC is not responsible for checking these events, please contact event organisers for details.