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Olney Pancake Race

Olney

The world-famous Shrove Tuesday race in the Buckinghamshire market town of Olney, said to date back to 1445. Local women in aprons and headscarves race about 415 yards from the Market Place to the parish church, tossing a pancake in a frying pan as they go. In 2027 it is on Tuesday 9 February, with stalls, children's races and a church service around it.

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Where to stay

  • OlneySmall inns and B&Bs in the town itself
  • Newport PagnellAbout 15 minutes' drive, with chain hotels by the M1
  • Central Milton KeynesThe most choice, about 25 minutes' drive
  • BedfordRiverside town about 25 minutes' drive away

Getting there

  • There is no station in Olney; Milton Keynes Central, Wolverton and Bedford are the nearest, about 20 to 25 minutes away by taxi or bus
  • Buses run to Olney from Milton Keynes and Northampton
  • The town centre is busy on the morning of the race, so use the signed car parks and walk in
TipOnly women who live or work in Olney can enter, but anyone can watch. The race itself is over in about a minute, so get to Church Street or the Market Place well before midday to find a spot near the finish.

Travel details can change, especially on event days — check with the venue or operator before you travel.

Questions people ask

Where is the best place to stay near Olney Pancake Race?

Olney: Small inns and B&Bs in the town itself. Newport Pagnell: About 15 minutes' drive, with chain hotels by the M1. Central Milton Keynes: The most choice, about 25 minutes' drive. Bedford: Riverside town about 25 minutes' drive away.

How do I get to Olney Pancake Race?

There is no station in Olney; Milton Keynes Central, Wolverton and Bedford are the nearest, about 20 to 25 minutes away by taxi or bus. Buses run to Olney from Milton Keynes and Northampton. The town centre is busy on the morning of the race, so use the signed car parks and walk in.

Any tips for visiting Olney Pancake Race?

Only women who live or work in Olney can enter, but anyone can watch. The race itself is over in about a minute, so get to Church Street or the Market Place well before midday to find a spot near the finish.

Which airport is closest to Olney Pancake Race?

The nearest airport on this site is London Luton Airport, about 24 miles away in a straight line. See hotels near the airport.

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