VALE & DOWNLAND

At the Vale & Downland, you’ll discover so much more than a museum! From fossils to a Formula One racing car, 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.

CAFÉ & SHOP

Whilst you are here you can also enjoy delicious home-made cakes and lunches served in the Café. 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 café 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 Dec 2nd

  • - The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition
    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    –
    5th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

    Visit this new exhibition to see a brief overview of the Historic Ridgeway Project. Find out what they do and how you can get involved.

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition
    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    –
    5th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

    Visit this new exhibition to see a brief overview of the Historic Ridgeway Project. Find out what they do and how you can get involved.

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition and 1 other event
    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    –
    5th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

    Visit this new exhibition to see a brief overview of the Historic Ridgeway Project. Find out what they do and how you can get involved.

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    The Wilts and Berks Canal Talk

    The Wilts and Berks Canal Talk

    –
    4th December 2024

    The Wilts and Berks Canal was built in the early 1800s between the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington, south of Melksham, to the Thames at Abingdon, primarily to take coal from the coalfield around Radstock, south of Bath, eastwards.  There were short branches off towards Faringdon and to Wantage.  In the 1810s, it was joined by the North Wilts Canal which ran from the Thames and Severn Canal at Latton, near Cricklade, to north of Swindon with the aim of bringing coal and wood south from the Forest of Dean.  The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust is aiming to restore these Canals along their whole lengths.  John, a past Secretary to the Trust’s Swindon Branch for 15 years, will give a brief history of the Canal, pictorially show what can be seen today and describe plans for the future.

    Wednesday 4th December  1.30pm

    £7.50 per person

    Please book in advance online here or pop into the museum.

    This talk is part of the Adult Gallery Talks and it is for people aged  16+.

     

  • - The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition
    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    –
    5th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

    Visit this new exhibition to see a brief overview of the Historic Ridgeway Project. Find out what they do and how you can get involved.

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition and 3 other events
    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    –
    5th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

    Visit this new exhibition to see a brief overview of the Historic Ridgeway Project. Find out what they do and how you can get involved.

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Museum & Cafe Closed 1-4pm

    Museum & Cafe Closed 1-4pm

    –
    6th December 2024

    The museum and cafe will be closed from 1pm so we can prepare for Dickensian Evening.

    Find out more information about what is happening at the museum for Dickensian evening here.

    Dickensian Evening

    Dickensian Evening

    –
    6th December 2024

    The museum and cafe will be open this Dickensian Evening, with live music, stalls and games.

    Come along and enjoy the festive evening in the warmth of the museum, do some christmas shopping at the stalls in the galleries. Play games such as splat the sprout and enjoy a nice hot drink and mince pie in the cafe. Don't forget the museum gift shop has lots of unique gifts available as well as stocking stuffers!

    Friday 6th December 4-9pm

    Free admission.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

     

    As usual Father Christmas will be making an appearance (4-8pm) and children will have the chance to meet this special guest and receive a small gift.

    £6 per child.

    Must be booked in advance online here or pop in to the museum.

    Meet Father Christmas

    Meet Father Christmas

    –
    6th December 2024

    Father Christmas is visiting us this Dickensian Evening and will be here to meet lots of children from 4-8pm.
     
    £6 per child. Must be booked in advance online or at reception.
    Book tickets online here or pop into the museum to book at reception.
    You will have the choice of 15 minute time slots and you will need to be at the museum at the start of your chosen time slot, children will meet Father Christmas within that 15 minute slot.
    Children must be accompanied by an adult.
    Father Christmas will also be visiting us on Saturday 7th December 2.30-4.30pm. This will include a quiet hour for children with additional needs.
  • - The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition and 2 other events
    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    –
    5th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

    Visit this new exhibition to see a brief overview of the Historic Ridgeway Project. Find out what they do and how you can get involved.

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Meet Father Christmas

    Meet Father Christmas

    –
    7th December 2024

    Father Christmas is making an extra visit to the museum this year on Saturday 7th December 2.30-4.30pm*

    Children will meet the man of the festive season and receive a small gift.

    *This visit is split into two sessions, the first hour will be while the museum and cafe are open. The second hour is a quiet hour for children with additional needs, the museum and cafe will be closed so we can limit the number of people in the building and lower noise levels. All videos and interactive elements will be switched off in the museum and only essential lighting will be on. This is to create a calmer environment for children that need it.

    £6 per child.

    Must be booked in advance online or pop into the museum.

    2.30-3.30pm book here

    3.30-4.30pm quiet hour book here

    We kindly ask that if your child does not need a quieter visit then please leave the quiet hour spaces for families that do need it.

    Families with multiple children: siblings of a child with additional needs are welcome to be booked on to the same session during the quiet hour, where there are tickets available.

    If you have a child with additional needs and would like to discuss any aspect of the visit before attending, please email hconder@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Meet Father Christmas - Quiet Hour

    Meet Father Christmas - Quiet Hour

    –
    7th December 2024

    Father Christmas is making an extra visit to the museum this year on Saturday 7th December 2.30-4.30pm*

    Children will meet the man of the festive season and receive a small gift.

    *This visit is split into two sessions, the first hour will be while the museum and cafe are open. The second hour is a quiet hour for children with additional needs, the museum and cafe will be closed so we can limit the number of people in the building and lower noise levels. All videos and interactive elements will be switched off in the museum and only essential lighting will be on. This is to create a calmer environment for children that need it.

    £6 per child.

    Must be booked in advance online or pop into the museum.

    2.30-3.30pm book here

    3.30-4.30pm quiet hour book here

    We kindly ask that if your child does not need a quieter visit then please leave the quiet hour spaces for families that do need it.

    Families with multiple children: siblings of a child with additional needs are welcome to be booked on to the same session during the quiet hour, where there are tickets available.

    If you have a child with additional needs and would like to discuss any aspect of the visit before attending, please email hconder@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition
    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    The Historic Ridgeway Project in Focus Exhibition

    –
    5th November 2024 – 4th January 2025

    Visit this new exhibition to see a brief overview of the Historic Ridgeway Project. Find out what they do and how you can get involved.

    Tuesday 5th November 2024 - Saturday 4th January 2025

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Vale1
  • Vale48
  • vale109
  • Vale46
  • Vale45
  • Vale44
  • Vale42
  • Vale25
  • Vale24
  • Vale19
  • Vale12
  • Vale49

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.”