Join our Youth Council for our annual ‘Easter Treasure Hunt’ on The Square in Wolverton between 11am and 2pm on Thursday 17th April 2025. For more information visit our Easter Treasure Hunt Event Page.
Map of the Parish
Our parish is located in the North West of the city of Milton Keynes and consists of the town of Wolverton, with Old Wolverton, and nearby estates of Greenleys, Hodge Lea, Stacey Bushes and the industry in Stonebridge. To the north of Wolverton lies Ouse Valley Park which includes the Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve and Iron Trunk Aqueduct; to the west is Stony Stratford, a historic market and coaching town, and to the east and south sits the rest of Milton Keynes.
The map below shows key locations across the parish and you can read more about some of them below.
A Google Map has been embedded on this page and is a 3rd party provided service and may not be fully accessible. If you require further help with getting location information please contact us.
Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve
Formerly pasture land, these fields were quarried for sand and gravel by Hanson between 2007 and 2014. Once quarrying ceased, the site was redeveloped with 2km of footpaths, bridges and boardwalks and three bird watching hides installed, giving great views across this new landscape and its rich wildlife, with information boards explaining how the site was created. The nature reserve was finally opened to the public in August 2016 and has already gained a reputation as one of the best sites for bird watching and natural history in Buckinghamshire.
For further information please visit the Parks Trust’s website.
Iron Trunk Aqueduct and Grand Union Canal
As you walk along the canal from Old Wolverton you can discover The Iron Trunk Aqueduct which is a magnificent Georgian structure, which carries the Grand Union Canal over the River Ouse. Built in 1811 by canal engineer Benjamin Beavan, following the collapse of the previous brick-built structure, the aqueduct stands at an impressive 10.8 metres high and connects Wolverton with Cosgrove. In 2011 the Iron Trunk Aqueduct celebrated its bicentenary and the Town Council were awarded a grant from the Lottery to invest in improvements.
Visit the Canal River Trust’s website for a brief history of the Iron Trunk Aqueduct and to download the Iron Aqueduct Trails with places of interest you can visit along the way.
Ouse Valley Park
Experience an escape to the countryside with a visit to Ouse Valley Park, a linear park that is a fantastic place to enjoy a walk, run or cycle. Either wander along for a peaceful adventure, take in the abundance of wildlife, or explore the historical sites that make up the history of Milton Keynes. This area has so much to do and explore, making it a great place to plan a visit for a day.
For further information about Ouse Valley Park, visit the Park Trust’s website.
Milton Keynes Museum
The history of Milton Keynes didn’t start in the 1960s! Find out all about the history of our extraordinary city at the Milton Keynes Museum, a converted Victorian farmhouse dating from 1847. The Museum hosts local artefacts relating to the heritage of Milton Keynes. This is a great place to visit with all the family to learn about the rich history of our railway towns, farming and printing industry and much more. From McConnell Drive you should be able to spot a replica Bloomer, said drive is named after the Superintendent of Wolverton Works who designed the “Bloomer” locomotive. For more information visit MK Museum’s website.
The Community Orchard
Hidden away in the alleyway off Woburn Avenue, at the back of Western Road, sits the Community Orchard. The site used to be used for allotments but became disused and there were fears that it might be used for development. In 2003 the community were consulted about turning the site into a community orchard and residents formed a group to take on the project and regenerate the site. The orchard now includes a sensory garden, an original railway carriage and of course, apple trees. It is usually unlocked and welcomes everyone to visit for a moment or two of peace and calm.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to volunteer, visit the Community Orchard Facebook page.
The Secret Garden
In a patch of ground alongside the Grand Union Canal members of the local community transformed a piece of derelict land into a new greenspace for the enjoyment of all of the community – the Secret Garden. The Secret Garden can only be accessed on foot, either from the canal towpath or from Stratford Road near the train station. Originally sited on the land were large villas built for the railway works’ senior managers, you can still see the preserved cellar of one of the villas. There are also a number of sculptures in the garden, which is maintained by volunteers. Alongside the canal is the black and white mural of a steam train. This mural is the work of the late Bill Billings, a community artist who lived and worked in Milton Keynes.
To find out more information on the Secret Garden including events and activities held please visit The Secret Garden Facebook page and the Living Archive entry. Better still, why not visit yourself?
The Old Bath House
The Old Bath House was built in 1890 between the Finishing Shop and the Horse Box Repair Shop on Stratford Road. It was built by the London and North Western Railway Company as a public bath house for residents and railway workers in Wolverton.
In 1992 Tesco obtained planning permission to build a new superstore on neighbouring land, on the condition that they financed a brand-new community centre and refurbished the Old Bath House. The new centre became home to Living Archive, who stayed at the Old Bath House collecting and preserving Milton Keynes’ history until they moved to Milton Keynes Museum in 2013. The Old Bath House is now a community centre, you can visit The Old Bath House website to find out more.