VALE & DOWNLAND

At the Vale & Downland, you’ll discover so much more than a museum! From fossils to a Formula One, we have objects and stories to fascinate all ages.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

Our vibrant and frequently changing programme of exhibitions and events ensures there is always something new to see and do for families and schools.

COFFEE SHOP & GIFT SHOP

Enjoy delicious home-made cakes and light lunch served in the Coffee Shop. Our shop also stocks a range of books, gifts, toys and souvenirs.

Welcome to the Vale & Downland Museum

We are open Monday to Saturday 9.30am • Last admission to the Galleries is 3.30pm • Admission is free.

The Vale and Downland Museum is located in the busy market town of Wantage in Oxfordshire, UK.

The museum has been nationally acclaimed as an outstanding example of community partnership.

The range of services is very broad ranging, from galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region, to a Coffee Shop with a delightful terrace and garden.

It also acts as a springboard for residents and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside around Wantage.

Admission to the museum galleries is free but we welcome donations. (suggested donation of £5)

We have lots of exciting events taking place at the museum throughout the year.

See below for our upcoming and current events. For a calendar of events, check out our ‘What’s On’ page!

Week of Oct 13th

  • - The Wantage Tramway Exhibition and 1 other event
    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    –
    20th September 2025 – 31st January 2026

    The Story of a Bucolic Road Side Steam Tramway

    A special exhibition marking 100 years since the closure of the Wantage Tramway passenger line and the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

    Co-curated with Dr Richard Marks
    20th September 2025 - 31st January 2026 in the Squires Gallery

    Toddler Tunes

    Toddler Tunes

    –
    13th October 2025

    A fun and friendly music session of traditional songs and rhymes played on a variety of instruments.
    Monday 8th September, 13th October, 10th November and 8th December
    10am - 10.30am.
    £2 per child, adults go free but must book an adult ticket.
    Book tickets online here

     

  • - The Wantage Tramway Exhibition
    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    –
    20th September 2025 – 31st January 2026

    The Story of a Bucolic Road Side Steam Tramway

    A special exhibition marking 100 years since the closure of the Wantage Tramway passenger line and the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

    Co-curated with Dr Richard Marks
    20th September 2025 - 31st January 2026 in the Squires Gallery

  • - The Wantage Tramway Exhibition
    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    –
    20th September 2025 – 31st January 2026

    The Story of a Bucolic Road Side Steam Tramway

    A special exhibition marking 100 years since the closure of the Wantage Tramway passenger line and the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

    Co-curated with Dr Richard Marks
    20th September 2025 - 31st January 2026 in the Squires Gallery

  • - The Wantage Tramway Exhibition and 1 other event
    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    –
    20th September 2025 – 31st January 2026

    The Story of a Bucolic Road Side Steam Tramway

    A special exhibition marking 100 years since the closure of the Wantage Tramway passenger line and the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

    Co-curated with Dr Richard Marks
    20th September 2025 - 31st January 2026 in the Squires Gallery

    Friends of VDM talk - Oxfordshire's Medieval Gardens

    Friends of VDM talk - Oxfordshire's Medieval Gardens

    –
    16th October 2025

    Oxfordshire's Medieval Gardens

    Oxfordshire contains the remnants of nearly a hundred medieval gardens. Most of them are accessible as a result of research using a variety of archaeological and historical methods. This talk examines the evidence for early gardens in the county but also looks further afield for examples of medieval designed landscapes, parks and gardens.

    Join the Friends of the Museum for another fascinating evening talk, this time from speaker Stephen Wass.

    Thursday 16th October

    7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)

    Tickets:

    Members £5 (requires a password*)

    Non-members £7

    Must be booked in advance online here or at the museum.

    *Members should have received the password from the Friends committee. If you believe you are a member but haven't received the password please email hconder@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk or speak to the reception team at the museum.

  • - The Wantage Tramway Exhibition
    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    –
    20th September 2025 – 31st January 2026

    The Story of a Bucolic Road Side Steam Tramway

    A special exhibition marking 100 years since the closure of the Wantage Tramway passenger line and the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

    Co-curated with Dr Richard Marks
    20th September 2025 - 31st January 2026 in the Squires Gallery

  • - The Wantage Tramway Exhibition
    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    –
    20th September 2025 – 31st January 2026

    The Story of a Bucolic Road Side Steam Tramway

    A special exhibition marking 100 years since the closure of the Wantage Tramway passenger line and the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

    Co-curated with Dr Richard Marks
    20th September 2025 - 31st January 2026 in the Squires Gallery

  • - The Wantage Tramway Exhibition
    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    The Wantage Tramway Exhibition

    –
    20th September 2025 – 31st January 2026

    The Story of a Bucolic Road Side Steam Tramway

    A special exhibition marking 100 years since the closure of the Wantage Tramway passenger line and the 200th anniversary of the modern railway

    Co-curated with Dr Richard Marks
    20th September 2025 - 31st January 2026 in the Squires Gallery

Hannah

-

“Lovely local museum. Interesting galleries, yummy cafe and good craft activities for all the family.”

Lucy

-

“What a great museum we have in Wantage. It’s the best. Today was a Science exhibition and was totally amazing. Well done. Keep up the great work.”

Sean

-

“A nice Museum for a nice little town and the staff is always happy to help. I recommend all friends and family should visit the museum it’s well worth it.”