A Look Inside the Milton Keynes Xscape Building-00-4027

Xscape Milton Keynes has provided this new and still-growing town a prominent landmark, positioned on the highest hill for a few miles around.

Its aggressively post-industrial front elevation is visually striking, the 14 floors contained in an immense elliptical steel-clad facade. The approach is attractively landscaped, like much of the rest of this city, and there are plenty of parking areas around. From a distance, the building resembles a snow-covered hill, and in its early days one elderly lady was heard to remark the skiers would surely fall off it!"

Indoor Skiing in Xscape Milton Keynes

Indeed they would, but she need not have worried as all the winter sports at Xscape MK take place safely on the inside, where there is a snow-covered slope (the SNO!zone) catering for both skiers and snowboarders who want to sharpen their skills and test out their gear before heading off to the challenge of the mountains. The main slope is an impressive 170m in length and covered in 1500 tonnes of snow, while a separate area is available for beginners to learn in safety. The hospital may only be a short trip away but it's better to choose the right slope for your skill level instead!

Sliding down these slopes on skis, snowboards and toboggans aren't the only mountain activities in this busy leisure centre as there is also a Climbzone for those who fancy themselves as the future Chris Bonnington. Two towers with a colourful covering of intriguing toeholds and handholds offer a variety of challenging routes that test the novice and expert alike. All the climbing is closely monitored by qualified staff who ensure your safety comes first while at the same time encourage you to attempt various routes that seem impossible at first.

Other Activities in Xscape MK

By now, you might notice your fitness needs improving, in which case you can work out in the Virgin Active gym to tighten those tired, flabby muscles. In addition to the usual gym kit, there is a 20m pool plus a kid's pool, steam room, sauna and spa pool, not to mention the tanning machine. Still got some energy to burn off after all this activity? Then why not have a go at the ten-pin bowling lanes in the Xscape Centre? If you are not sure how to bowl successfully, the staff will happily give you some coaching time as well as serving refreshments.

OK, if you've still miraculously managed to retain some carbs, then show that elderly lady she was right about falling off Xscape by skydiving in Airkix at Xscape. Well, it's actually indoors in a wind tunnel, but the experience is much the same as jumping from a plane or high building, complete with rotations and fancy moves to impress your friends (or not!). The only problem with burning carbs is they eventually need replacing but Xscape has just the answer in the form of 17 different food and drink outlets ranging from Costa Coffee through to Frankie & Benny's. And then there are the shops where you can spend what little cash you might have left, with an emphasis on activity clothing like O'Neill or Ellis Brigham.

Now it's time to have a go at being a radio presenter by visiting the Heart Experience studios and recording your own programme onto a CD. After which, it's movie time at Cineworld with its 10 screens showing a variety of films catering for all tastes and ages. For older youngsters, all that sitting around at the end can be finished off by clubbing the night away at the in-house Oceana, venue which houses two nightclubs, four bars and one restaurant! And if you are still bored, then there is officially no hope for you!