About the Forest Centre

The natural place to meet, explore, and learn.

The Forest Centre lies in the heart of the Millennium Country Park and is the hub of the Forest of Marston Vale Trust. Come and visit to relax, connect with nature and enjoy stunning views across the Park, while enjoying a tasty treat from our Café.

Something for everyone

Whether you’re here for a relaxing walk, a family day out, brunch or just a good coffee – the Forest Centre has something for everyone.

Relax in our dog-friendly café, or head to the Balcony and Terrace for a quieter, dog and child-free space – perfect for remote working! Pick up a new read from the Forest Bookshelf, or have a browse in our gift shop.

There’s a large outdoor play area for kids, a fully accessible Changing Places toilet, and a large on-site car park – making visits easy for all. Click here to view parking information.

Every penny you spend during your visit goes back to the Charity to help us keep growing and protecting our Community Woodlands.

From tribute nights and family craft sessions to volunteer days and seasonal trails, there’s always something happening at the Forest Centre.

Events in the Forest

The Forest Centre Café

Whether you're after brunch, a slice of something sweet or just a great cup of coffee, the Forest Centre Café is the perfect place to refuel after exploring the Park.

We serve a range of hot and cold food, refreshing drinks and homemade cakes and bakes, freshly prepared in-house. You'll find plenty of gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options available every day.

Our café is dog friendly - and for those looking for a quieter space, our Balcony and Terrace areas upstairs are both dog and child free.

With lots of outdoor seating and picnic benches overlooking the reedbeds and the play area, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing break.

Dogs welcome!
Clean, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Forest Centre Café but must follow our house rules to make sure everyone can enjoy their visit: Dogs must be kept on a short lead • No dogs allowed in the upstairs area • Keep your dog with you at all times • Ask the owner’s permission before approaching their dog

Venue hire at the Forest Centre

The Forest Centre offers versatile spaces for hire, perfect for any occasion - whether you're planning a conference, meeting, special celebration, or even your wedding day. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Millennium Country Park, our spaces provide everything you need, and a view to remember.

Explore our options

The Millennium Country Park

The Millennium Country Park is a space for everyone to enjoy the outdoors - from peaceful walks and wildlife watching to family days out.

Set across 225 hectares of woodlands, meadows and grasslands, the park is an 18-time Green Flag Award winner. With 8km of level, surfaced trails, the Park is perfect for wheelchairs, buggies, bikes and mobility scooters. You'll also find benches, and picnic areas throughout, offering plenty of spots to relax and take in the views.

Discover the Wetlands Nature Reserve with its four bird hides, including the one-of-a-kind Tower Hide, or wander through the Sensory Wildlife Garden, specially designed to engage all the senses.

Find out more

About the Trust

We’re the Forest of Marston Vale Trust, a charity leading the environmental, social and economic regeneration of 61 square miles between Bedford and Milton Keynes through the creation of the Forest of Marston Vale.

By planting trees, creating and managing diverse habitats, we’re transforming this area from a landscape scarred by industry to one where people want to live, work, and spend time. Because when nature thrives, we all do.

We believe that trees make life better, for people, for nature, and for the planet.