I have called Newport Pagnell my home off and on since 2017. My husband was born and raised here, and we've lived with his parents several times when figuring out our own housing situation. Between living and visiting here regularly over the last few years, I like to think I've gotten to know the town pretty well. So, in no particular order, here are my top 5 list of things to do in Newport Pagnell!

1. Go for a nature walk along the River Ouse through Riverside Meadow and Castle Meadow

There are so many walking paths in and around Newport Pagnell that meander through lovely green spaces. All make for nice walks in the great outdoors no matter the weather, but I am particularly partial to walking through Riverside and Castle Meadows on a sunny morning. Best to avoid them if there’s been much flooding though as they turn into absolute bogs!

2. Spend a Saturday having a mooch about the adorable indie and charity shops on the high street

Some of my favorite shops in Newport Pagnell to while away a morning in are No. 38 Vintage Emporium (vintage & locally made goods, handmade jewelry), Nothing Wasted Refill Shop (all things eco-friendly, vegan treats), and the Keech Hospice Care furniture store. And don’t forget to pick up your favorite coffee from Out of Office Coffee House while you’re out and about - they make a mean oat latte!

3. Take a walk around the town borders to find all the new Gateway Welcome Signs

Sometime last year, these gorgeous signs celebrating different facets of Newport Pagnell’s town history popped up on every road that leads into town. If you’ve got a free afternoon, they’re all well enough connected by footpaths and sidewalks that it makes a lovely longer walk around and through town. If you time it right, you’ll even be able to end your walk with a coffee or a pint on the high street as one of the signs is right by the old toll bridge!

4. Have a date night (with friend or partner) at any of the great independent restaurants on the high street

For a town as small as Newport Pagnell, there are a lot of really good restaurants perfect for a delicious date night out. Murati's Pizzeria Ristorante (Italian) and Pin Petch Thai Restaurant (Thai) are perfect for dietary requirements, as they both have dedicated vegan menus and consistently label their meals for GF/V/VG options. Kakori (Indian) and Capadocia Turkish Restaurant (Turkish) don’t label their menus as clearly, but they’re always more than happy to accommodate needs and make really tasty food in lovely settings.

5. Indulge in a night of drinking your favorite tipples with friends

There are enough pubs to make for a grand pub crawl - almost too many to hit in one afternoon or night to be honest! Our go-tos for a regular pub night are The Cannon Free House, The Rose & Crown, and The Kings Arms.

If you’re more in the mood for cocktails, Murati's Pizzeria Ristorante make a mean Cosmo, and make gigantic sharing cocktails that look so fun and delicious!

Written by Jessica Nelson