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Pictures of Olney

a Historic Market Town in the county of Buckinghamshire

Church at Olney, 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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Hotels & Accommodation in Olney

Book the Swan Revived Hotel in High Street, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, England3 stars

Swan Revived Hotel

High Street, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, 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 £74.00

Book the Harben House in Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England3 stars

Harben House

Tickford Street, Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England (5.0 miles, 8.0 km, direction S)
Harben House is a modern purpose-built training venue with excellent facilities for learning. It is situated in a very accessible central location just off Junction 14 of the M1. All training and ...
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Book the The Falcon Hotel in Castle Ashby, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England2 stars

The Falcon Hotel

Castle Ashby, Northampton, Northamptonshire, England (5.2 miles, 8.4 km, direction N)
The Falcon is a traditional 16th century country hotel. Our charming restaurant, with rosette standard food, overlooks the lawns. The menu concentrates on modern English cuisine and meals are made...
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Book the Welcome Lodge Newport Pagnell in Welcome Break Service Area, M1, Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England2 stars

Welcome Lodge Newport Pagnell

Welcome Break Service Area, M1, Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England (5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction S)
Newport Pagnell Welcome Break is on the edge of Milton Keynes and offers budget accommodation at budget prices. This hotel is ideal for that rest stop between London & the North. Situated on the m1,...
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Book the Hatton Court Hotel in Bullington End, Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England3 stars

Hatton Court Hotel

Bullington End, Hanslope, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England (6.2 miles, 9.9 km, direction SW)
This Country House Hotel, set in acreage of Parkland in the Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire Countryside. With our elegance and hospitality, and the Buckinghamshire countryside, your stay will be ...
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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)

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