The Cowper and Newton Museum

Relive Georgian life by walking through the doors at the Cowper and Newton Museum, Olney, with its historic townhouse, authentic gardens and some of the greatest stories of the Georgian era.

Step back into Georgian life by walking back through Cowper’s original home featuring a vast array of personal artefacts and belongings. Discover his comic sense of humour, his poetry and writings, his dark depressions and love of garden and animals – especially his three pet hares. Why he never opened his front door and why he is important figure in our literary heritage.

Experience life on board a slave ship and discover the journey that took Cowper’s friend, John Newton, from slave trade captain and slave himself to Olney Parish Curate and inspired him to write the world’s most famous hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ right here in Olney.

Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the sensory pleasures of two peaceful and tranquil Georgian gardens – The Walled Flower Garden with its numerous plants, shrubs and flowers dating back to 1800 and The Summer House Garden with its 300 year old garden house, medicinal plants, herbs and heritage fruit and vegetables all maintained organically, encouraging all forms of wild life.

Spend the rest of your visit looking round Olney with its beautiful 13th century church; Georgian architecture and market place; nearby country park at Emberton; unique gift and boutique shopping; and a great choice of restaurants, cafés and pubs for quick stops or leisurely dining.

Step back in history at The Cowper and Newton Museum, 115year old museum in the heart of Buckinghamshire.

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Venue Details

Venue image

Address

The Cowper and Newton Museum Orchard Side Market Place
Olney
Buckinghamshire
MK46 4AJ
England

Links

Telephone

  • 01234 711516

Entry Charges

Adults £5.00 for an annual pass Children under 16 - FREE Parties of 12 people or more: £5.00 per head, £6.00 with pre-booked guided tour Garden only £1.50 Special events: See website for details

 
  • Opening Hours

    Open from 4 March to 20 December

    Mondays: Closed
    Tuesday – Saturday: 10.30am – 4.30pm (last admission to museum 3:45pm)
    Sunday: Summer time only in June, July and August – 12pm – 4pm

    Open Good Friday, Easter Monday, Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Race Day).

    Winter Closure: Christmas, New Year, January and February for refurbishment.

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  • Venue Services
    • Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
    • Guided tours
    • Object identification and/or written enquiry service
    • Pre-booking service for groups
    • Events and resources for children and families
    • Activities for pre-school children
    • Public access available to collections information
    • Specialist publications on collections available
    • Touch exhibits
    • Information point provided
    • Membership and/or Friends scheme offered
    • Online shop
    • Volunteering scheme offered
    • Community outreach programme/service
    • Member of staff available with responsibility for education
    • Primary school education service available
    • Secondary school education service available
  • Venue Facilities
    • Education facilities available
    • Gardens open to public
    • Library
    • Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
    • Shop
    • Study facilities
    • Wheelchair access to some public areas
    • Baby changing facilities
    • Buggy parking facilities
    • Meeting room available
    • Toilets for disabled
    • Parking for disabled available
    • Members/Friends facilities offered
    • Parking for coaches
    • Picnic area
    • Public car park
    • Refreshments
    • Toilets

At a glance

The Cowper and Newton Museum Orchard Side Market Place
Olney
Buckinghamshire
MK46 4AJ
England

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