Visit Olney

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The Town of Olney – “Home of Amazing Grace”

Olney, a quiet market town and a short drive from the heart of Milton Keynes, was once a centre of lace-making and more recently the boot and shoe industry. It is a thriving, bustling community with plenty to offer visitors and best known for its annual Pancake Race established 1445.

The Cowper & Newton Museum on the Market Place, was home to William Cowper from 1768-1786. Together with John Newton, ex-slave trader, curate and author of Amazing Grace, they wrote the famous Olney Hymns.

The 14th Century church of St Peter & St Paul, with its 200ft spire dominates the entrance to the town. Emberton Park and Clifton meadows are near by offering river and lakeside walks, canoeing, fishing and many other activities.

Quick Links for your Visit

Places to Eat – spoilt for choice

A whole variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants to choose from.

Olney has a real ‘cafe culture,’ with amazing places to eat and drink. The town is alive with activity through the day, and it really is spoilt for choice for decent coffee, traditional tea shop or fabulous food…    See the Olney offer at Visit Olney, UK

Parking is free throughout the time but there are time restrictions in some places.  Check out details here Olneytowncouncil.gov.uk/facilities/parking

Places to Explore

Visit the Discover section of the Visit Olney website to find out more about places to explore in Olney: from a wander through the Amazing Grace Orchard, along the river or nearby Emberton Park.  

And don’t forget us! Did you know we are bigger on the inside than we look on the outside?  Orchard Side House, a Courtyard, the Viper Barn, the Three Hares Gallery, Museum shop & 2 gardens to explore. 

View our opening days, times and entrance arrangements

Find out more about Olney – take a walk around the area

Self-guided Walks Olney

Explore the world of the lacemakers, local history & trades or walk in the footsteps of 2 famous residents – the influential poet William Cowper & slave ship captain turned man of faith and Abolitionist John Newton.  Along the way find out about the landscape and local life which inspired William to write the poetry loved by the Romantic poets and John to write the famous hymn “Amazing Grace”.

Download the ‘MK Trails’ App to your smart phone or tablet

John Newton’s Olney and Cowper’s Rural Walk to Weston Underwood

Download the ‘PocketSights App to your smart phone or tablet by opening up the ‘Pocketsights’ App in PlayStore or equivalent.  Find ‘Olney’ for tours of the Market Place Lace Walk and Olney High Street Walk

What else Happens in Olney?

Dates of annual events such as the Pancake Race on Shrove Tuesday, the Cherry Fair, raft and duck races, the Big Olney food festival (BOFF) , firework display and the Dickens of a Christmas can be found on the Olney Town Council website or the Visit Olney website

Emberton Park which offers lakeside walks, children’s play areas, fishing, boating and camping facilities is also just a walk over the bridge.

We Look Forward to Welcoming You

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Book Museum Tickets

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)