Cowper & Newton Museum
Visit the house in Olney where one of England's favourite poets William Cowper lived for twenty years.
Experience 18th Century life and the beautiful gardens at the Cowper & Newton Museum. Once home to the poet William Cowper, Orchard Side is now a delightful local museum, showcasing the lives of William Cowper and his friend, John Newton.
Step back in time to the late 1700s with rooms dressed for the era. Discover Cowper’s life, poetry, and his love of animals – especially his pet hares! Learn about Newton’s life as the slave ship captain turned curate turned anti-slavery campaigner, not forgetting his world-famous hymn, Amazing Grace.
The museum is also home to the Three Hares Gallery where, each month, a new artist displays their wonderful artwork.
SPECIAL EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
Children’s Trail – Follow our garden trail to discover and learn about the animals and birds that live there. Trail sheet costs £2.50 including a small prize.
Discover more
CAR PARKING:
There is ample free parking in Olney. Please consider alternative means of transport if you can, including walking and cycling. Please note that there is no parking in the Market Place car park on Thursdays and the first Sunday of each month due to the local market being held in Olney.
ACCESSIBILITY:
The House has limited access for wheelchair users, but the Viper Barn & Gardens are accessible. Three rooms in Cowper’s house (Orchard Side) are accessible via two or three steps, thereafter the museum is over 3 floors and 6 flights of stairs. A portfolio of photographs of the exhibits in the upper rooms is available & videos about the museum are available to watch in the Viper Barn.
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and medical detection dogs are allowed in the museum and gardens. No other dogs are permitted inside the building or beyond the Courtyard.
Opening times
| Label: | Time: | Additional information: |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 16:30 | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 - 16:30 | |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 16:30 | |
| Friday | 11:00 - 16:30 | |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 16:30 |
Pricing
| Label: | Price: | Overview: |
|---|---|---|
| Individual admission | £8 | |
| Children 0-15 yrs | Free | |
| Garden only | £3.5 |
Further information:
All standard admission tickets give unlimited return visits for 12 months. Admission Prices – Groups Group visits (10 people and more) £7 per person self-guided (annual admission pass/2for1 not included) Tour guide: Extra £25 (to be booked in advance of your visit) Admission Prices – School Groups School/Children’s Educational Group Visits. Please contact the Museum directly to arrange visits.