Newport Pagnell

About

First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, Newport Pagnell is a charming Buckinghamshire town with a rich heritage. Standing next to the River Great Ouse and the River Ouzel (Lovat) the town was an important stopping place for travellers in the age of horse and coach travel.

Oliver Cromwell’s son died in the town while serving in the Parliamentary Army during the Civil War and John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, served here as a garrison soldier in 1643. In fact, traces of the garrison’s fortifications can still be seen today. The beautiful Tickford Bridge, located on one of the main roads into the town, is celebrating its bicentenary in 2010 and is the oldest cast-iron bridge in the world still carrying regular traffic.

With a proud industrial history, the town saw the manufacture of the famous Taylor’s peppered mustard for over 100 years, it was at the very heart of the lace making industry whilst the famous Aston Martin cars retain their presence in the town today. There is a rich mix of modern stores and traditional specialist shops to browse around, and the Farmers’ Market comes to town each month.

Top three things to do near Newport Pagnell

• Woburn Abbey
• Bletchley Park
• Woburn Safari Park

Heritage Trail

The town’s heritage trail takes you on a walking tour of the area and points out places of historical interest including the parish church which has been described as the Cathedral of North Buckinghamshire. The varied riverside walks provide a pleasant relief from the busy town centre.

Events

The annual Carnival takes place every summer with a parade of decorated floats and vintage cars and motorcycles through the town centre. Music features strongly in the summer Festival programme on Riverside and concerts in various venues in the town.

The Christmas Fayre and switch on of the Christmas Lights at the end of November is an event for residents and visitors to enjoy whatever the weather! Find more events nearby in our Buckinghamshire What's On guide.