Retire to Olney

a large building with a tower

Retirement living in Olney

According to The Times, Olney, Buckinghamshire, is one of the best places to live in the UK - and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. 

As well as historic architecture, Olney has a flourishing retail scene and a gorgeous country setting. It boasts great transport links, cultural attractions, access to amenities including shops, eateries and healthcare and a safe environment. This market town’s fascinating history includes: 

  • It is the source of the hymn Amazing Grace
  • It holds an annual pancake race, a dating back more than 500 years. 
  • It has Roman origins and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. 
  • The town has played a key role in the agricultural, lace-making, and brewing industries over the centuries. 
A shop in Olney with baskets for sale outside

Amenities in Olney

Olney may be small, but it has everything you need, with many shops and services on the High Street including a Post Office, library, travel agents and hairdressers. 

  • Groceries 
    The town has several major supermarkets, including Tesco and Morrisons. There are also independent bakeries, butchers, and greengrocers. Thursday is market day and there is a monthly farmers’ market.
  • Shops
    High Street and Market Place are home to a range of independent restaurants and retailers including fashion boutiques, interiors, antiques and florists. 
  • Healthcare 
    Cobbs Garden Surgery is the local GP and Peak Pharmacy on Market Place will meet your pharmacy needs. Milton Keynes University Hospital is the closest hospital. There’s a choice of opticians and dentists too.
a street with houses along it

Things for retirees to do in Olney

No matter your interests, you’re sure to find plenty of activities to keep you busy in Olney. 

  • Take part in local events - the town’s annual pancake race has been a fixture of life in Olney since 1445. There are also raft and duck races on the River Great Ouse in the summer.  
  • Enjoy the great outdoors - the countryside around Olney offers plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. Nearby Emberton Country Park is a great place for picnics and strolls. 
  • Explore the arts and culture - relive Georgian life at the Cowper & Newton Museum, in the former home of 18th-century poet William Cowper. Indulge in some stunning art at the Beeby Gallery and local productions at the Arches Theatre.  
The River Great Ouse in Olney

Transport and connections

Despite its rural charm, the town benefits from good transport links, providing easy access to shopping, entertainment, and healthcare from our retirement property for sale in Olney. 

  • By car 
    The A509 connects Olney to nearby Milton Keynes. London can be accessed from Olney via the M1 in just over two hours. 
  • By bus 
    Stagecoach and Red Rose bus services connect Olney to surrounding towns like Milton Keynes, Bedford, Lavendon, and Northampton. 
  • By rail
    The closest railway stations to Olney are Milton Keynes and Bedford, which are both around 10 miles or a 20 minute drive from Olney. 
  • By air
    London Luton Airport can be reached in around 40 minutes by road. Perfect for holidays in the sun.

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Frequently asked questions

Property prices in Olney are higher than some nearby towns due to its desirability, but it remains more affordable than many areas in the South East. There are options for different budgets, and our research found that living in a McCarthy Stone retirement property could save on household bills

Olney has bus services to Milton Keynes, Bedford, and Northampton, providing access to shopping, entertainment, and medical appointments. Taxis and community transport services are also available. 

Olney is surrounded by beautiful countryside, offering riverside walks along the Great Ouse, parks, golf courses, and nearby nature reserves like Emberton Country Park. 

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