Caldecotte Lake
Watersports, birdwatching, outdoor adventures and children’s activities: Caldecotte Lake is a great choice for a family outing, with some quiet corners to explore as well. During the lake’s excavation engineers discovered the skeleton of an Icthyosaur, which can now be seen at Milton Keynes Central Library.
What to see and do
Don't miss
Look out for the distinctive windmill at the park’s main entrance. Purely decorative, it nevertheless makes an interesting spot for a refreshment break.
Behind the main car park a light railway service runs every second Sunday afternoon of the month.
Also overlooking the north section of the lake you’ll find the Caldecotte Xperience, a council-run outdoor education centre offering residential accommodation, water sports, climbing, caving, archery and team-building.
Sport
Three boating clubs are based at Caldecotte, sharing a clubhouse on the south east shore:
Events
For full programme see our events pages.
Each year the Caldecotte Xperience and boat clubs hold open days, regattas and other public events. See their websites or local press for details.
Wildlife
The southern end of the lake is an excellent habitat for waterfowl, dragon and damselflies and the insects they feed on. Watch them from two bird hides on the south shoreline.
Facilities
Picnic tables
Seating
Play area
Refreshments
Bird hides
Cycling
Jogging: distance around both lakes 4.2km
Need to know
Getting there
Caldecotte Lake lies off the H10 Bletcham Way, between the V10 Brickhill St and the A5.
Opening times
The park and car parks are open at all times throughout the year. There is no admission fee.
Car parking
Free parking is available at the following locations:
- H10 Bletcham Way eastbound (hotel and play area)
- Monellan Grove, off H10 Bletcham Way westbound
- Monellan Crescent, Caldecotte (watersports and bird hides)
- Simpson Road, Simpson
Toilets
There are no public toilets at this site, but the hotel has customer toilets during opening hours.
Refreshments
The Caldecotte Arms Hotel is open for meals, snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Disabled access
There are good all-weather paths around lake with some steep gradients at north end of lake.
Make a day of it
At its north end Caldecotte Lake is connected into the Ouzel Valley Park.
