Welcome to Olney Chamber of Trade web site - we hope you find the site interesting and easy to use.

About Olney

Olney is a beautiful market town set on the edge of three counties: Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, shopping, eating out, walking, art, or antiques, there’s something for everyone in Olney.

The attractive wide high street and market place is home to a fascinating collection of architecturally varied buildings dating back many centuries, while the tall spire of Saint Peter and Saint Paul looks over the town. The church dates from the 14th century, and the bridge from the 19th century.

The wide variety of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are evidence of the thriving community here, once noted for its lace making industry.

Olney has historical connections with the poet William Cowper and the hymn writer John Newton. Together they wrote the "Olney Hymns" - Amazing Grace being the most famous. The Olney Hymns are commemorated in the Cowper Newton museum in the Market Place.

The world famous Olney Pancake Race is run every year on Shrove Tuesday. We have visitors from all over the world to see the lady residents of the town race with frying pan and pancake to see who’ll be the first to reach the parish church.

At Christmas time Olney celebrates with the ‘Dickens of a Christmas’ event. The town comes alive with a street market, food, entertainers and lots of seasonal and Dickensian atmosphere.

The museum and country park jostle for attention, whilst further afield, the water meadows and surrounding countryside offer a number of attractions for the visitor to this pretty and unique Buckinghamshire town.

We would be pleased to receive feedback from you on you the content of the site and any further suggestions.

Aims of the Chamber

The Olney Chamber of Trade is dedicated to promoting local businesses in the town and to the benefit of the local community
This site also helps local residents to locate local businesses or for potential visitors to find more about the town, where to stay, or help to plan a visit
The links page should help in locating interesting businesses or areas of interest in the town. If you are not listed and would like to be please contact the secretary