Facts and places of interest in Olney

Interesting Facts about Olney

• For 300 years Olney was at the heart of bobbin lace making industry in the area.

• Olney has historical associations with the poet William Cowper and John Newton. They both wrote the ‘Olney Hymns'.

• William Cowper lived in Orchard House between 1769 and 1786 and Orchard House is now the Cowper and Newton Museum.

• John Newton was the curate of the church St Peter and St Paul between 1764- 1780. He had previously been a slave trader between Africa and America but later converted to Christianity. He was the author of the famous hymn ‘Amazing Grace'.

• Olney is famous for the annual Pancake race, which was first run back in 1445.

• One of Olney's features is its High Street, which is one of the widest High Streets in England.

Interesting Places to visit in Olney

Olney is a beautiful town with many attractions including antique shops, restaurants, cafes, four public houses, places historical interest and a market held each week on a Thursday.  A farmers' market is also held on the first Sunday of each month, where local produce can be purchased.

The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul

The Church of St Peter and St Paul is a Grade I Listed building which is said to have been built between 1325 to 1350. Quite a lot of renovation work took place in 1807. The magnificent broach spire is 185 feet tall and dates back to the 14 th century and has eight bells, the oldest of which is dated 1532.

The Cowper and Newton Museum

The Cowper and Newton Museum is located in the Market Place in the home of the 18 th Century poet William Cowper. The museum opened in 1900 and celebrates the lives and times of Cowper and Newton .

Houses of Interest Close by  

Close to Olney you will find Weston Underwood, Emberton and Clifton Reynes all of which are Conservation areas in recognition of their special architectural or historic interest. The majority of the listed buildings within the locality lie within these Conservation areas.

Olney Bridge  

Olney Bridge dates from the 19th century.

Emberton Country Park

Close to Olney you can find Emberton Country Park which is great for outdoor pursuits and water sports such as sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and fishing, as well as walks and picnics and there is a permanent caravan park here.

Flamingo Gardens and Zoological Park

The Flamingo Gardens and Zoological Park can be found to the west of Olney in Weston Underwood.

Annual Town Events  

The Pancake Race - held on Shrove Tuesday  

Shrove Tuesday is the date for a unique event which first started in 1845 – the Olney Pancake race. Racers line up to run 415 yards from the Bull Hotel to the Parish Church .

Floral Fiesta Week – held in July  

This is an annual event which includes a carnival, raft race, competitions, funfair and flower displays around the town.  

Fiesta Fireworks – held in November  

The town celebrate bonfire night with a great fireworks display, hog roast and bar.

Christmas Market – held in December  

The ‘Dickens of a Christmas' Market is held annually. The stall holders put on Victorian garb and Father Christmas pays an early Christmas visit to Olney. There are street entertainers, craft fairs, food, music and fun.