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 Apr 27th

  • - Warneford 200 Exhibition
    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    –
    21st April 2026 – 3rd May 2026

    Mental Health Through the Ages

    Commemorating 200 years of Warneford Hospital

    Step into 200 years of mental health history in Oxfordshire: Trace the story of Warneford Hospital from its early 19th-century beginnings to its role today at the heart of mental health care and research.

    Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 3rd May

    On display in the museum's Squires Gallery

    Open 9.30am - 3.45pm (last admission 3.30pm)

    Free admission but please consider donating to the museum

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - Warneford 200 Exhibition and 1 other event
    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    –
    21st April 2026 – 3rd May 2026

    Mental Health Through the Ages

    Commemorating 200 years of Warneford Hospital

    Step into 200 years of mental health history in Oxfordshire: Trace the story of Warneford Hospital from its early 19th-century beginnings to its role today at the heart of mental health care and research.

    Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 3rd May

    On display in the museum's Squires Gallery

    Open 9.30am - 3.45pm (last admission 3.30pm)

    Free admission but please consider donating to the museum

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Drop-in Art Workshop

    Drop-in Art Workshop

    –
    28th April 2026

    To celebrate our participation in the Warneford 200 project we are offering this free drop-in art workshop which is open to everyone. Come and have a go at a variety of techniques inspired by the Warnford 200 exhibition which is currently on display in our Squires Gallery.

    Tuesday 28th April 

    10.30am - 1.30pm

    Free to attend and no need to book!

    This workshop is suitable for all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Although this workshop is free, please consider giving a donation to the museum.

    Warneford 200 is a year-long programme of events led by Oxford Health Charity and partners, marking 200 years of mental health care at the Warneford Hospital in Oxford.

  • - Warneford 200 Exhibition
    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    –
    21st April 2026 – 3rd May 2026

    Mental Health Through the Ages

    Commemorating 200 years of Warneford Hospital

    Step into 200 years of mental health history in Oxfordshire: Trace the story of Warneford Hospital from its early 19th-century beginnings to its role today at the heart of mental health care and research.

    Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 3rd May

    On display in the museum's Squires Gallery

    Open 9.30am - 3.45pm (last admission 3.30pm)

    Free admission but please consider donating to the museum

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - Warneford 200 Exhibition
    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    –
    21st April 2026 – 3rd May 2026

    Mental Health Through the Ages

    Commemorating 200 years of Warneford Hospital

    Step into 200 years of mental health history in Oxfordshire: Trace the story of Warneford Hospital from its early 19th-century beginnings to its role today at the heart of mental health care and research.

    Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 3rd May

    On display in the museum's Squires Gallery

    Open 9.30am - 3.45pm (last admission 3.30pm)

    Free admission but please consider donating to the museum

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - Warneford 200 Exhibition and 1 other event
    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    –
    21st April 2026 – 3rd May 2026

    Mental Health Through the Ages

    Commemorating 200 years of Warneford Hospital

    Step into 200 years of mental health history in Oxfordshire: Trace the story of Warneford Hospital from its early 19th-century beginnings to its role today at the heart of mental health care and research.

    Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 3rd May

    On display in the museum's Squires Gallery

    Open 9.30am - 3.45pm (last admission 3.30pm)

    Free admission but please consider donating to the museum

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Age UK Information Drop-in

    Age UK Information Drop-in

    –
    1st May 2026

    Community Links worker Sam from Community Links Oxfordshire (Age UK) will be in the Museum Coffee Shop to share information and give advice on a wide-range of activities, services and organisations.

    Friday 1st May

    10.30 am - 12 noon

    Free admission but please support the Coffee Shop

     

  • - Warneford 200 Exhibition
    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    –
    21st April 2026 – 3rd May 2026

    Mental Health Through the Ages

    Commemorating 200 years of Warneford Hospital

    Step into 200 years of mental health history in Oxfordshire: Trace the story of Warneford Hospital from its early 19th-century beginnings to its role today at the heart of mental health care and research.

    Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 3rd May

    On display in the museum's Squires Gallery

    Open 9.30am - 3.45pm (last admission 3.30pm)

    Free admission but please consider donating to the museum

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  • - Warneford 200 Exhibition
    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    Warneford 200 Exhibition

    –
    21st April 2026 – 3rd May 2026

    Mental Health Through the Ages

    Commemorating 200 years of Warneford Hospital

    Step into 200 years of mental health history in Oxfordshire: Trace the story of Warneford Hospital from its early 19th-century beginnings to its role today at the heart of mental health care and research.

    Tuesday 21st April - Saturday 3rd May

    On display in the museum's Squires Gallery

    Open 9.30am - 3.45pm (last admission 3.30pm)

    Free admission but please consider donating to the museum

    Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.”