I have been taking my children to Emberton since they were very little, it is such a lovely day out, and is only just outside of Milton Keynes (on the way to Olney). Set in 200 acres of unspoilt parkland, with five lakes – two large lakes (for fishing and sailing), 2 play parks, a sandpit, outdoor gym, bird hides, a cafe and a campsite – so much to do you can spend all day here.
Emberton has been reducing its restrictions based on Government guidelines, and our visit last week, felt just like old times.
If you visit in the next few months what you need to know is:
- The cafe is only open for take-away service.
- The campsite is open but is subject to social distancing restrictions.
- When they reach capacity in the car park they will close the gate to new entrants (so bear that in mind if you plan to go late in the day on a sunny Saturday, for example).
- Toilets are open
- All play parks are open and free to use (including the outdoor gym)
- Fishing is allowed (with permits)
- Parking costs are £4.50 for the day (you cannot leave and come back though).
- Opening times are 9:15-4:45pm each day currently (but best to check their Facebook page in case this changes).
We had a lovely morning, we walked round to the park in the middle, the one with the pirate ship, as that is our favourite. As soon as we put our bags down the kids ran off to play together, it was so sweet watching my son (aged 8) carefully hold the hand of my daughter (aged 3) as she climbed the steep steps up to the slides – he took great care of her all day.
Hubby and I were actually able to sit and watch them play, and also read a few chapters of our books – this is unheard of in previous years when Savannah was younger, and before Savannah when Nate didn’t have anyone to play with.
After about 80-90 minutes in that park the kids biked and we walked back towarsds the cafe for an icecream and a cup of tea, to fortify us for the outdoor gym, the sandpit and the stone pit. I forgot our bucket and spade (darn) but they had fun burying each other and digging around the dinosaur bones (pretend).
We decided to go home for lunch, though if we had chosen to stay all day, there are plenty of lovely big fields perfect for picnics, and even the socially distanced kind, and we didn’t make it over to the park that is further along – this one would have been good for Nate, as it had some large and tall climbing nets and things for older children mostly. There is also a beautiful lake in the middle and stunning walks to make a full day of it.
More information:
- Emberton Country Park – Postcode: MK46 5FJ
- There are two sets of toilets, including disabled facilities.
- The summer camping season where the park is open every day runs from 1st April to 31st October (outside of this they are only open for a few hours on the weekend).
- 5km of walks and trails
- 5 lakes
- 1 minute drive from the market town of Olney (where they have the best afternoon tea at “Teapots of Olney” highly recommend).
Feeding the Kat 
So lovely to hear such positive things about the park, it’s a shame they do not look after the static area or lakes and treat the paying owners of the caravans with as much respect as they do the public that visit the park.
No disabled facilities, run down and unclean toilets and showers. Complaint after complaint has been put in but no one ever listens. Staff at the park and Milton council are not interested. Such a shame as as a family we’ve been coming here for over 50 years. Owners for 12 years.
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Can we put a dinghy on the lake?
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Hi Linda, It says on their site that inflatable must meet BSI standards and have a wooden bottom. PVC Inflatables are not allowed. Hope that helps. More info here: https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/parks-and-open-spaces/emberton-country-park/information-and-park-rules#FAQ6
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