Willen Lake is man-made and serves a dual purpose as a flood control reservoir for the Ouzel Valley.
The park contains the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda, the first of its kind to be built in the Western world.
The North Lake is a designated Local Nature Reserve managed to support diverse wetland bird species.
The site hosts an annual Dragon Boat festival which is one of the largest charity events in the region.
The area features a memorial labyrinth dedicated to those who have lost loved ones.
The Peace Pagoda grounds include a statue of Nichidatsu Fujii, the founder of the Nipponzan Myohoji order.
Willen Lake is the primary watersports and outdoor activity hub in Milton Keynes, divided into North and South basins. The site features an aqua park, high ropes courses, wakeboarding, and sailing facilities. It is a man-made park landscape designed as part of the wider Milton Keynes grid expansion. The South Lake hosts the main visitor center, a café, and extensive play areas for children. The North Lake is designated as a nature reserve, offering quieter walking paths and birdwatching opportunities. Visitors can rent pedalos, kayaks, and paddleboards directly from the on-site activity center. The area is intersected by a network of paved paths suitable for cycling and running that connect to the wider Milton Keynes Redway system. It remains a focal point for regional triathlon and open-water swimming events.
The elevated walkway near the Peace Pagoda offering a panoramic view across the South Lake.
Book water sports activities online in advance during summer months to guarantee availability.
Bring a change of clothes if you plan on using the aqua park, as you will get wet.
Follow the perimeter path around the South Lake for a moderate 2-mile walk.
Check the event calendar online before visiting as the park occasionally hosts large festivals that can affect parking access.
Ignoring the designated swimming zones, as open water swimming is restricted to organized sessions only.
Water sports and the aqua park operate on a seasonal basis, typically from spring through early autumn; the park itself is open year-round.
Proper swimwear is required for water-based activities; shirts and shoes must be worn in the café.
