🚗 Caldecotte Lake Car Park – Complete MK7 8HP Guide
Free lakeside parking – trails, water sports & café steps away.
🚗 Type: Surface Free Public Car Park (Milton Keynes Council)
🕒 Open: Dawn–Dusk (approx. 6 am–8 pm, seasonal)
🌟 Rating: 4.7 / 5 (visitor feedback)
💰 Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free (no ticket or permit required)
Enforcement: Informal ranger checks; please vacate promptly at closing
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~120 marked bays |
| Surface | Level hardstanding with painted bay lines |
| Lighting | None (daytime use only) |
| Security | Occasional park rangers; no CCTV |
| Height Restriction | None |
| Entry/Exit | Unbarriered, single access from Bletcham Way |
♿ Accessibility
Accessible Bays: 6 bays closest to lakeside promenade
Step-Free Access: Firm, level path from bays to café, toilets & trails
Drop-Off Point: Lay-by immediately inside entrance
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Chargers: None
Nearest Public Chargers:
4 × 7 kW Pod Point at Kingston District Centre (3 min drive)
2 × 22 kW Ubitricity lamppost chargers on Monks Way (5 min drive)
📅 Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday mornings | 40 % | Dog walkers & joggers |
| Weekday afternoons | 50 % | Kayakers & anglers |
| Weekends 10 am–4 pm | 100 % | Families & water-sporters |
| Evenings (summer) | 70 % | Sunset photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 am on weekends to secure bays nearest the café and boat launch.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| The Boathouse Café & Toilets | 1 min | Lakeside refreshments & facilities |
| National Watersports Centre | 2 min | Boat hire, paddleboards & lessons |
| Caldecotte Loop Trailhead | 1 min | 4 km circular path around the lake |
| Kiln Farm Retail Park | 5 min dr | Groceries, coffee & EV charging |
🛒 Nearby Amenities
Public Toilets: On-site next to café
Picnic Areas: Tables & benches adjacent to car park
Bike Hire: At Watersports Centre (summer months)
⚠️ Important Notices
Gates Close at Dusk: No overnight stays; park locks approx. 8 pm
No Lighting: Exit before dusk; paths unlit after dark
Maintenance: Shoreline works in November; temporary bay closures
📌 Expert Tips
Water-Sport Hack: Park here then rent a kayak for a peaceful morning paddle.
Birdwatching: Early spring sees nesting grebes—bring binoculars and a spotting guide.
Local Loop: Combine the Caldecotte Loop with the Grand Union Canal towpath for a longer 10 km circuit.
🔮 Future Developments
2025: Council reviewing installation of 4 × 7 kW EV chargers at nearby retail park.
2026: Proposal for solar-powered wayfinding signage and real-time occupancy counter.
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