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 Feb 9th

  • - Toddler Tunes
    Toddler Tunes

    Toddler Tunes

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    9th February 2026

    A fun and friendly music session of traditional songs and rhymes played on a variety of instruments.
    Monday 12th January, 9th February and 9th March.
    10am - 10.30am.
    £2 per child, adults go free but must book an adult ticket.
    Book tickets online here

     

     

  • - Friends of VDM Talk - The Harcourt Arboretum
    Friends of VDM Talk - The Harcourt Arboretum

    Friends of VDM Talk - The Harcourt Arboretum

    –
    12th February 2026

    Join the Friends of the Vale & Downland Museum and speaker Timothy Walker for another fascinating talk

    The Harcourt Arboretum was founded in 1835 when the Harcourt family started to collect the wonderful conifers that were being introduced into this country from North America.
    The soil at the Arboretum is acid (very rare in Oxfordshire) and so, in addition to the mature conifers, the Arboretum houses a fine collection of rhododendrons and other calcifuge plants.
    It was annexed to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden in 1963 and this talk looks at the history of the site plus a walk around the 130-acre Arboretum.

    Tickets:
    Members of the Friends £5 each (requires a password)
    Visitors £7 each

    How to book:

    Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

    Find out more about the Friends of the Vale & Downland Museum here

    Booking online or by phone will incur booking fees

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.”