Car Hire Olney

Nestled on the banks of the River Great Ouse, Olney is a charming market town with a population of around 6,500 that we can easily reach via the A509, which connects directly to the M1 at Junction 14 just seven miles away. The A428 provides swift access north towards Northampton and east to Bedford. You’ll experience a temperate climate here, with comfortable summers reaching 23°C in July and crisp winters averaging 8°C in January, making any season perfect for exploration.

Attractions In Olney

Visit the birthplace of pancake racing and historic lace-making, exploring traditional market square celebrations, heritage craft demonstrations and peaceful walks along ancient trading routes.

Emberton Country Park

This exceptional country park consistently earns acclaim as Olney’s premier attraction, boasting an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 1,500 reviews. Open daily from 6 in the morning until 8 in the evening, the park offers multiple adventure playgrounds scattered throughout its grounds, including an enchanting pirate ship nestled amongst woodland slides. You’ll find ample space for picnics and the on-site café provides refreshments, though the car park can become busy during peak times.

Weston Park

Capability Brown’s original landscape design showcases an incredible variety of trees and plants at this spectacular park on Wood Lane in Weston Underwood. Sweeping vistas, immaculate gardens and meandering pathways invite exploration and the Grade I listed country house adds architectural grandeur to this remarkable setting.

Ekeney House Campsite

Outdoor enthusiasts discover a peaceful retreat away from main roads at this welcoming campsite located at Wood Farm in Emberton. Friendly peacocks roam freely across the grounds and the mixture of hardstanding and grass pitches caters to various preferences. Secluded grass areas provide additional privacy for those seeking a more intimate outdoor experience.

Explore nearby locations with convenient car hire options:

• Newport Pagnell
• Salford
• Milton Keynes
• Stony Stratford
• Bletchley
• Buckingham
• Brackley
• Weedon

Bird Hide

Strategic positioning at Grebe Lake allows this purpose-built bird watching facility to provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. You can spot various species during different seasons and remain concealed, creating memorable encounters with local birdlife.

Cowper and Newton Museum

Local history comes alive at this fascinating museum on Orchard Side, welcoming visitors Tuesday to Saturday from 11 in the morning until half past four in the afternoon. The museum occupies poet William Cowper’s former residence, featuring exquisite gardens and the summer house where he composed his celebrated poetry. Extensive collections illustrate Georgian Olney and tell the story of these remarkable men who created the Olney Hymns.

Monument To The Battle Of Olney Bridge

Bridge Street hosts this significant historical marker commemorating the 1643 Civil War battle where Prince Rupert’s forces clashed with Parliamentary troops. Excellent views and connections to peaceful riverside walks enhance the experience and its proximity to the A509 ensures easy access for visitors exploring Olney’s military heritage.

Pancake Runners Statue

Market Place celebrates Olney’s world-famous pancake race tradition with this charming tribute. The thoughtfully designed statue represents the spirit of community that has thrived here since 1445, capturing the essence of this unique annual celebration.

St Peter & St Paul Church

International significance surrounds this remarkable Anglican church on Church Street as the birthplace of “Amazing Grace” by John Newton. Beautiful architecture houses centuries of worship and musical heritage and current celebrations mark the hymn’s 250th anniversary with special events continuing throughout the year.

John Newton’s Grave

Church Street preserves the final resting place of the famous hymn writer and anti-slavery campaigner. This historically significant landmark allows you to pay respects to the man whose conversion from slave trader to devoted clergyman inspired one of the world’s most beloved hymns.

John Newton’s Vicarage

Although this historical residence remains private, observing the exterior of Newton’s former home provides context before visiting the nearby Cowper & Newton Museum for deeper insights into his remarkable life and transformation.

War Memorial

Poignant reminders of local sacrifice and community remembrance characterise Olney’s war memorial. The thoughtfully positioned monument provides a focal point for reflection and the surrounding area offers glimpses into the town’s continuing traditions of commemoration and respect.

Olney Roman Mosaic

Archaeological significance emerged during construction preparations for a modern supermarket with this fascinating discovery. The Roman remains will be preserved beneath the car park and related artefacts will find their home in Milton Keynes Museum, connecting Olney’s ancient past to contemporary life.

Cowper’s Alcove

Wonderful valley views extend down to Olney itself, rewarding visitors to this historic landmark. The easy walk from the village provides panoramic vistas. However, parking in Weston Underwood offers the most convenient access due to the narrow lanes near the site.

Olney Steps

Popular limestone steps at the riverside create an idyllic wild swimming destination that attracts visitors throughout the summer months. Water reaches adult thigh-deep at its shallowest point, abundant tree cover provides natural shade for picnickers and convenient parking at the nearby rugby club includes essential facilities like benches and bins.

Arches Theatre

Outdoor theatre reaches its finest expression at this magical amphitheatre setting in Clifton Reynes. Performances beneath ancient stone bridge arches create an enchanting atmosphere enhanced by the surrounding countryside and the venue provides bar facilities for interval refreshments. Picnickers are welcome, though we recommend dressing warmly for evening performances in the unpredictable English weather.