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.

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 Jul 6th

  • - Museum Fundraising Summer Fete
    Museum Fundraising Summer Fete

    Museum Fundraising Summer Fete

    –
    11th July 2026

    We are really looking forward to our Summer Fete this year. We will have a great selection of games and activities, stalls and chances to win. Tickets for our Big Summer Raffle are on sale now from reception or via the link here. (This will take you to our Stripe payment page).

    Prizes include:

    Blenheim Palace Family Annual Pass

    Tickets to:

    Millets Maize Maze

    Roald Dahl Museum Fairytale Farm

    Oxford Bus Museum

    Bekonscot Model Village

    Oxford River Cruise

    Cotswold Wildlife Park

    Didcot Railway Centre

    Oxfords Illusion Museum

    Loose Cannon Brewery

    Snakes and Ladders

    Birdland

    Roves Farm

    Whitchurch Silk Mill

    High Score Arcade

    Farmer Gows Wellington Country Park

    Kennet & Avon Canal Trip Combe Mill

    and more!

Hannah

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

Lucy

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“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

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“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.”