Start your visit in the newly renovated Viper Barn where William encountered the Viper which inspired him to write his mock-heroic poem ‘The Colubriad’.
Don’t miss: The stone carving from the ‘Lace Factory’ in the Courtyard and the view across the gardens to the spire of Olney Church.
‘Close by the threshold of a door nailed fast Three kittens sat; each kitten looked aghast; I passing swift and inattentive by, At the three kittens cast a careless eye, Not much concerned to know what they did there, Not deeming kittens worth a poet’s care. But presently a loud and furious hiss Caused me to stop and to exclaim, ‘What’s this?’ When lo! upon the threshold met my view, With head erect, and eyes of fiery hue, A viper, …’
– ‘The Colubriad, by William Cowper
All eyes are set to be on Olney in 2022 & 2023, when the town will be at the centre of commemorations to mark the 250th anniversary of one of the world’s most beloved hymns, ‘Amazing Grace’.
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Museum and Gardens - £8.00 (includes an annual pass)
Gardens only - £3.50
Children under 16 - FREE
Hours: 11.00 - 4.30 (last entry 3.30)
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Our Museum building remains CLOSED. We are opening our gardens on limited entry. The Cowper & Newton Museum gardens will be open to welcome you on Wednesday 5th August 10.30 – 12.15 and Saturday 8th August 10.30 – 12.15
(Follow our social media accounts or check back here for further opening days & times as they become available)