Pubs and restaurants with play areas near Milton Keynes

This is a list of many of the pubs and restaurants which have play areas in or near Milton Keynes in 2021. I get asked every year for suggestions, and given that many of us will be looking to spend time socialising outdoors more with friends and family, I thought it would be useful to have all the information in one place. A few things before you carry on reading. These pubs and restaurants have been put forward by followers of my Milton Keynes Kids Facebook Page. I have not visited many of them myself. They are on this list purely because I have checked that they do have a garden with play equipment for children. I don’t know how good the service or food is, you will need to do further research before deciding whether to visit, if indeed you’re looking to eat too. Some may be better for a pinot, pint and a play rather than lunch – so do look at reviews before deciding. Before visiting, please check with the establishment either on their website or their social media that they are open. YOU MAY NEED TO BOOK! Check that before travelling. I can’t be responsible if you rock up there and they’re closed, full or there are any problems with the equipment. All of the photos in this feature have been provided by the places themselves. This list has taken ages to put together, if you do find it useful, please consider buying me a coffee to support the running of this website. I’m not connected with anywhere I include. Thank you and have fun! Laura.

Pubs and restaurants with play areas in or very close to Milton Keynes

Galleon, Old Wolverton Road, Old Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, MK12 5NL

The Galleon has a boat themed play area. We haven’t been to the pub, but it is set in an excellent location on the canal in Wolverton. From there you can do a lovely walk to Cosgrove which takes you over the Iron Trunk Aqueduct and through a horseshoe tunnel and on to another pub. Here’s my review of that walk. The Galleon is due to open on 17th May but check their Facebook page for details before going. 

The Caldecotte Bar and Grill, Bletcham Way, Caldecotte, MK7 8HP 

We’ve been to this play area a lot. The play area is slightly away from the outdoor seating for the pub and not specifically for the pub – it’s used by visitors to Caldecotte Lake as well. The play area is gated although quite near the car park. It can get busy. It is in a good location though should you want to go for a good walk afterwards – it’s about 5km around both lakes. I’d suggest reading my full review of Caldecotte Lake before visiting. There’s also the Caldecotte Miniature Railway  on the other side of the car park which you can visit. They are planning to re-open for the 29th May bank holiday weekend between 1pm and 5pm and then the same time on weekends after then. It costs £1 to go on the train. Do check their latest info on Facebook for any changes. According to the Caldecotte Bar and Grill Facebook they are opening for outdoor seating from 6th April and you should book through their website to avoid disappointment.

The Turing Key, Drayton Rd, Newton Leys, Milton Keynes MK3 5SQ

The Turing Key is scheduled to open on 17th May. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the latest info. See pictures of the play area below. 

Pubs and restaurants with play areas in Bedfordshire

The Fancott,  Luton Road, Fancott, Toddington, Dunstable LU5 6HT

We’ve been to this pub, all being it about five years ago. It has the country’s oldest pub miniature train in its garden as well as a play area. According to their facebook page they are scheduled to open on 17th May so check their page for up to date details. The train is scheduled to re-open on 22nd May. It costs £2 to go on the train. Under 2s are free. Have a look at the Fancott Miniature Railway page for the latest info – you can book in advance to go on the train. 

The Anchor at Tilsworth, Dunstable Road, Tilsworth, Bedfordshire, LU7 9PU

The Anchor at Tilsworth does traditional and Greek food. They’ve told me you can book but you don’t have to. They’re opening from 12th April for outdoor seating. Check their facebook page for the latest info. The play area looks really fun. 

The Crown at Northill, 2 Ickwell Rd, Biggleswade,Bedfordshire, SG18 9AA

The Crown at Northill is re-opening from 13th April. For updates have a look at their Facebook page.

Market Cross, 14 Luton Road, Dunstable, LU5 4JN

Market Cross in Dunstable is re-opening 12th April for outdoor food and drink. They have a play area but apparently only three children are allowed on it at one time. They advise that you book via their website. For the latest info have a look at their Facebook page. 

Pubs and restaurants with play areas in Northamptonshire

The Red Lion, 39 The Green, Evenley, Northamptonshire, NN13 5SH. 

Pub on the village green in Evenley near Brackley, Northamptonshire. For the latest info have a look at their website. They told me “From the 12th of April we’ll be serving snacks at lunchtime and takeaway food in the evening Wednesday to Sunday (which can be eaten at the pub). And the bar is open all day everyday. Currently we’re not taking table bookings due to outdoor only rule and weather dependence. We do have a covered seating area with heaters and blankets”. For updates check out The Red Lion Facebook Page.

The Overstone Arms, Stringer’s Hill, Pytchley, Kettering NN14 1EU

The Overstone Arms is scheduled to open on 18th May. You are advised to book for inside tables but not for outside ones. Have a look at their Facebook  page for all the latest info. 

Pubs and restaurants with play areas in Hertfordshire

The Boot at Sarratt, The Green, Sarratt Hertfordshire, WD3 6BL

The Boot At Sarratt is re-opening from 12th April. Have a look at their Facebook page for updates. 

The Angels, Bedford Road, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 2NG

The Angels, Hitchin has both an indoor and outdoor play area. The indoor play area is not due to open until 17th May. 

Others that you may have suggested… 

Lots of you had suggestions of pubs and restaurants with play areas. Some no longer do, or the play area needs replacing. The Globe Inn in Leighton Buzzard does have a beer garden, but the play area was out of use at the point where I contacted them.