Public Art at Newlands and Willen Lake

As well as physical sculptures, the parks are home to designed landscapes like the Tree Cathedral at Newlands, designed by Neil Higson in 1986. The Tree Cathedral is based on Norwich Cathedral with a range of different tree species used to establish the Cathedral’s component parts. Willen Lake North and South are home to six sculptural pieces and all can be discovered by taking in a stroll around both lakes

Willen Labyrinth
Landscape architecture by designer Neil Higson
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Souls in Love
A white marble sculpture donated to The Parks Trust by Tony Sellers to commemorate his wife Debbie Sellers who had been responsible for starting MK digital initiatives like MK Web. Tragically Tony passed away not long after his wife in February 2012 and the piece was then donated by their sons and dedicated to both Tony and Debbie.
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Peace Pagoda
The first of its kind in the Western hemisphere, the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda was built by the monks and nuns of the Nipponzan Myohoji
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Hiroshima Departed
Located in the grounds of the Temple at Willen Lake North, this piece is carved from granite in memory of those who died at Hiroshima.
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Medicine Wheel
Consisting of two concentric circles of stone, this piece of landscape design folows the ‘Midsummer Line’, which follows the Midsummer sunrise that runs through the Tree Cathedral to the Belvedere in Campbell Park, along Midsummer Boulevard in Central Milton Keynes.
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Leda and the Swan
Carved from granite, Willen Lake was chosen as an ideal location due to the proximity of the lake and the number of swans that grace the grounds and lakeside.
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Did you know we have nearly 30 pieces of Public Art across our parks?
Public Art in our Parks...

Discover our parks

Willen Lake South
Facilities:
Willen Lake is Milton Keynes’ most popular park. Visitors take part in watersports activities, go cycling, enjoy the playground, try the high ropes course or simply picnic along Willen’s shores. It’s a great place to entertain all ages of family and friends, whether it’s a visit to the café or restaurant, a stroll, trying a beginners’ course in sailing or hiring a pedalo or bike.
Refreshments
The one4six café and The Lakeside Pub operated by Fayre and Square.
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Willen Lake North
Facilities:
Willen Lake North is home to one of Milton Keynes’ best-known landmarks, the first Peace Pagoda to be built in the western world - and to a rich and varied bird population.
Refreshments
Nearest refreshments are at the Lakeside Hotel and Cafe (weekends and school holidays) at South Willen Lake. The Camphill Community runs a vegetarian café opposite the main car park.
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Tree Cathedral
Facilities:
Contrary to what many believe, Milton Keynes does have its own cathedral. But like the city itself, this cathedral is unique - made from bark and leaves rather than bricks and mortar.
Refreshments
There are no refreshment facilities at Newlands. A cafe and pub restaurant can be found at nearby south Willen Lake.
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