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 20th

  • - 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
    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.

    Live Music - Greengage

    Live Music - Greengage

    –
    24th April 2026

    Live Music - Greengage

    Wantage folk band Greengage will be in the museum cafe for a lunchtime performance.

    Enjoy lunch from the cafe with some lovely live music.

    Free admission but donations to the museum welcome.

    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.”