A historic market town brimming with artisan food, drink, independent shops and wide-open spaces – that’s Olney.
Set in the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Olney is a charismatic market town of timeless charm, with impeccably preserved Georgian architecture, confirming and strengthening its rich history.
A regular ‘Best Kept Village’ winner, Olney retains a distinctive and original feel unlike any other town. Packed with unique, independent shops, boutiques and vintage stores, individual, locally owned restaurants and bars, and places of interest, Olney is enjoyed by its thriving community and visitors alike.

Shop and Relax
As well as browsing along the High Street (one of the widest in England), there are plenty more discoveries to be made, with shops and eateries situated in the town’s many courtyards and alleyways, often garnished with beautiful floral arrangements. Olney has numerous ‘Britain in Bloom’ and ‘Bucks Best Kept Village’ awards, and that floral feel is instantly obvious as soon as you enter the town.
Olney’s ‘cafe culture’ continues to blossom year after year and is perfect for foodie lovers and hungry shoppers alike. On offer are a wealth of crafted food and drink vendors, from stylish restaurants and traditional ‘Ye Olde’ pub dining to modern bistros, delis, bakeries, and butchers. Thursday is Olney’s traditional market day and there’s even a monthly Sunday farmers’ market.

Visit Olney and you’re not just stepping into a bustling, lively market town. You’re stepping back in time.
Olney’s history and heritage is world-renowned and it doesn’t take long to see why. Its artisanal and interesting farmers’ market, which has been held on the town’s Market Place since 1206, is one example.
The bridge you cross to enter the town is another. Close to the 14th century St Peter and St Paul church, it’s the site of the famous Battle of Olney Bridge, a clash between Royalists and Parliamentarians in 1643.
Then there’s the internationally-recognised Cowper & Newton Museum. This beautiful old building – Olney’s star attraction – houses papers and exhibits celebrating the lives of two remarkable men: celebrated poet William Cowper and abolitionist and former slave trader John Newton, who wrote the famous hymn Amazing Grace.
Walk around the town and you’ll discover much evidence of Olney’s lace industry, which dates back to 1560, including the former Lace Factory on the High Street, which today has been turned into stylish apartments.
And, every Easter, the main High Street is closed and the townsfolk come together for the famous Pancake Race, which dates back as far as 1445.

The Shrove Tuesday race is not the only well-known event that takes place in Olney each year. The Cherry Fair, which celebrates Olney’s decades-old cherry production trade, is a must-see attraction each summer while, later in the year, probably the most popular event of all takes place: A Dickens of a Christmas, a fabulous outdoor festive celebration, in a nineteenth century setting.
There’s also the Motorama automotive gathering in summer, a food festival, summer duck races and raft races and the annual fireworks display in November.

Leave the city bustle behind and experience town life - and with a proper town too, Olney. Cross the River Great Ouse at its famous bridge and enter the calming, picturesque and yet exciting world of a busy market town.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, rolling meadows and parkland, Olney is a place to escape for the day; to relax, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy yourself.
Nearby Emberton Park provides lakeside walks with stunning scenery while the many playparks there, and throughout Olney, give younger visitors plenty of opportunity to let off steam.

Stop for a drink with a snack or lunch in one of Olney’s many welcoming pubs and restaurants, or enjoy afternoon tea in a choice of tea and coffee shops. Take your time browsing through a wide range of shops, offering antiques, fashion, vintage goods, toys and unique gifts - several of these businesses lie tucked away in hidden lanes and alleyways.
And when evening comes around, it’s time to enjoy a beer, a bottle of wine and a meal in one of the many exciting restaurants presenting international cuisine, from Turkish to Indian, Chinese to Italian, English to Thai.
Eat, drink, shop, play, walk, enjoy... that’s not the only way.

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE A SHORT WALK FROM THE MARKET PLACE