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Pictures of Olney

a Historic Market Town in the county of Buckinghamshire

About Olney

Amongst other things the small town of Olney in Buckinghamshire is famous for its hymns - Amazing Grace was one of the so-called Olney Hymns written by the rector John Newton, and William Cowper, the poet. William Cowper came to live in Olney in 1757, he spent the last 20 years of his life here. His house is now The William Cowper Museum.

The history of Olney stretches way back, it was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. It's welcoming town sign gives some hint that you are entering an historic market town and this quickly becomes evident as you gaze around at the town noting the wide High Street, and the friendly atmosphere at the weekly and monthly markets where local produce is sold.

The town is a tranquil place set peacefully beside the River Ouse. The High Street is lined with gracious properties mostly of the 18th century of which many are now listed. There are three good church buildings, the United Reform Church is probably the third church to stand on its spot, it is full of Victorian splendour and was built between 1879-1880. The delightful building housing the Baptist Chapel is in Market Place and St.Peter and St.Paul is believed to have been a foundation of 1018, with the present church, built in an entirely different location to the original, is a magnificent church in the Decorated-Gothic style of the 14th century. Its attractive 185 ft high broach tower soars above the town, making it a landmark spotted from miles around. The church, the meandering river, and the fine multi-arched bridge spanning the Ouse in the distance define the lush rural landscape as you approach the town from the east.

Since 1445, every Pancake Day has seen the town stage its pancake race, but this is no longer a "fun" event for the townsfolk, but a spirited competition between Olney and the good people of Liberal, Kansas, U.S.A as they compete for the fastest time!

Visitors will find this an enjoyable town for either a weekend stay or for a Sunday afternoon visit to explore the wealth of antique shops and craft galleries. Enthusiastic followers of fashion will be delighted at the number of up-market boutiques, in these you are usually greeted by the owner offering friendly service and often, that something a little bit different from what is crammed into the usual High Street stores.

Olney has excellent inns, cafe's, restaurants and friendly hotels. It has lovely leafy lanes for walking, particularly near to the river. Its fine architectural gems blend well with fresh housing development, making it a desirable place to reside.

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History of Olney

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Hotels & Accommodation in Olney

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Olney Hotels Olney Cottages Olney Bed & Breakfast

	Swan Revived Hotel Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England (4.8 miles, 7.6 km, direction S) The Swan Revived Hotel is a former Coaching Inn dating back to the 15th century, situated in the heart of the quaint Buckinghamshire town of Newport Pagnell; just two miles from junction 14 of the M1 ... More info and book online.. Price from £65.00
	De Vere Venues Harben House Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction S) De Vere Venues Harben House is located just off junction 14 of the M1, only a 15 minutes' drive from Milton Keynes. It offers contemporary accommodation with free Wi-Fi. Rooms at the De Vere feature ... More info and book online.. Price from £19.00
	Days Inn Milton Keynes East M1 Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England (5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction S) Situated off the M1, this Days Inn has free Wi-FI, a restaurant, a bar and free parking. Central Milton Keynes is only a 10-minute drive away. Each room at Days Inn Milton Keynes is modern and has en... More info and book online.. Price from £39.00
	Holiday Inn Milton Keynes East M1 Junc 14 Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England (6.2 miles, 9.9 km, direction S) Blending Georgian elegance with modern comfort, the hotel is set in a rural location with views over open countryside, within easy reach of the M1 and central Milton Keynes.... More info and book online.. Price from £34.00
	Mitchell Hall Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England (6.4 miles, 10.2 km, direction SE) Just a 5-minute drive from the village of Cranfield and the M1 motorway, Mitchell Hall is set within the grounds of Cranfield University. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking, and full English br... More info and book online.. Price from £79.00

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Nearby travel help

M1 Junction 14	(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction S)
Wolverton Station	(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction SW)
M1 Junction 15	(8.7 miles, 14.0 km, direction W)
Milton Keynes Central Station	(8.9 miles, 14.4 km, direction S)
London Luton Airport	(23.9 miles, 38.4 km, direction SE)
Cambridge Airport	(37.4 miles, 60.2 km, direction E)
Olney to London	(51.0 miles, 82.1 km, direction SE)