🚗 Howe Park Wood Car Park – Complete Tattenhoe Nature Reserve Parking Guide
Free parking at Howe Park Wood – ideal for woodland walks, birdwatching & family cycling on Milton Keynes’ largest ancient woodland trails.
đźš— Type: Free Public Surface Car Park
🏛️ Jurisdiction: Milton Keynes City Council (Howe Park Wood Local Nature Reserve)
🕒 Open: Dawn–Dusk daily (approx. 06:00–20:00 in summer; 07:00–17:00 in winter)
🌟 Rating: 4.6/5 (visitor reviews)
đź’° Pricing & Permits
Cost: Free for all users
Permits: None required
đź“Š Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~30 marked bays |
| Surface | Compacted gravel |
| Lighting | None—daylight use only |
| Security | Occasional ranger patrols; no CCTV |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for cars & small vans; no overnight parking) |
♿ Accessibility
Level Access: Gravel bays nearest entrance are level and firm for easy wheelchair or pushchair access
Blue Badge: Holders may park free—no designated bays but easy access to waymarked trails
Drop-Off Zone: Informal layby at car park entrance for quick unloading
🔌 EV Infrastructure
On-Site Charging: None
Nearest Options:
Sainsbury’s Tattenhoe (MK4 3GA) – 2×7 kW Pod Point units (5 min drive)
Saxon Gate D4 Car Park (MK9 3HS) – 4×50 kW rapid chargers (6 min drive)
đź“… Peak Times & Occupancy
| Timeframe | Occupancy | Typical Users |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday Mornings | ~20 % | Dog walkers & joggers |
| Weekday Afternoons | ~15 % | Local families & nature enthusiasts |
| Weekends (10–14 h) | ~70 % | Weekend walkers & cyclists |
| Evenings (pre-close) | ~5 % | Sunset photographers |
Pro Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends to secure a bay close to the main trailhead.
🚶 Walkability Score
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Howe Park Wood Trailhead | On-site | Immediate access to circular woodland trails |
| Caldecotte Lake & Country Park | 8 min | Lakeside walks, café & water sports |
| Tattenhoe Pavilion Café | 5 min | Snacks, drinks & public toilets |
| Woughton-on-the-Green Village | 10 min | Historic village & canal towpath link |
⚠️ Important Notices
Overnight Parking: Not permitted—site gates locked at dusk
Surface Warning: After rain, bays may become muddy; park centrally to avoid ruts
Wildlife Note: Please keep dogs on short leads during ground-nesting season (spring–mid summer)
đź“Ś Expert Tips
Trail Combo: Combine Howe Park Wood loop with a cycle to Caldecotte Lake via the redway network for a full-day excursion.
Picnic Prep: Bring a blanket—limited seating on-site; benches available around the visitor hub.
Badge Ease: Blue Badge holders enjoy level parking close to the entrance without searching for marked bays.
đź”® Future Developments
2025: MK Council exploring installation of interpretive signage and a small EV charging pod at the pavilion car park.
2026+: Feasibility study for accessible boardwalk extensions to improve mobility-impaired access.
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