1st – 5th June, we are having an important electrical installation condition report done throughout the museum and coffee shop.
We will try to keep the disruption to a minimum but at times this may be unavoidable.
The coffee shop will close early on Thursday 4th June so we can carry out the work in that area of the museum. Last orders will be at 2pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Visiting somewhere new can be daunting, so to help new visitors to the museum we have created a visual story, which shows you exactly what to expect and how to find facilities during your visit.
Download it here Everyday Visual Story PDF 6.5 MB
To see the museum thrive for another fifty years, we are launching a new public fundraising campaign. We have options for all budgets, including a 100 club, patron scheme and sponsorship opportunities. If you can support us financially, we will be hugely grateful, if not, please spread the word.
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!
–
1st June 2026 – 5th June 2026
This week were are having an important electrical installation condition report done throughout the museum and coffee shop.
We will try to keep the disruption to a minimum but at times this may be unavoidable.
The coffee shop will close early on Thursday 4th June so we can carry out the work in that area of the museum. Last orders will be at 2pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
–
1st June 2026 – 5th June 2026
This week were are having an important electrical installation condition report done throughout the museum and coffee shop.
We will try to keep the disruption to a minimum but at times this may be unavoidable.
The coffee shop will close early on Thursday 4th June so we can carry out the work in that area of the museum. Last orders will be at 2pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
–
1st June 2026 – 5th June 2026
This week were are having an important electrical installation condition report done throughout the museum and coffee shop.
We will try to keep the disruption to a minimum but at times this may be unavoidable.
The coffee shop will close early on Thursday 4th June so we can carry out the work in that area of the museum. Last orders will be at 2pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
–
3rd June 2026
Unfortunately this talk has been cancelled due to the speaker no longer being available. We hope to include this talk in a future programme of events.
By Dr Linda Parker
We'll hear the story of the 'curious little war' that took place on the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard 1941 - 1945. The island of Spitsbergen was the site of the confrontation between allies and Germany as weather stations that both sides attempted to maintain there were strategically important for the course of the war in Europe, including D-Day.
Wednesday 3rd June 1.30pm
£7.50 per person
Please book in advance online here or in person at the museum
Suitable for people aged 16+
This talk is part of our Adults Gallery Talks Programme for Autumn 2025 - Summer 2026.
The Museum Coffee Shop will be open with refreshments available to purchase before and after this talk. Last orders at 3pm. Please note food and drink are not permitted in the Museum galleries, so please allow enough time to visit the Coffee Shop.
–
1st June 2026 – 5th June 2026
This week were are having an important electrical installation condition report done throughout the museum and coffee shop.
We will try to keep the disruption to a minimum but at times this may be unavoidable.
The coffee shop will close early on Thursday 4th June so we can carry out the work in that area of the museum. Last orders will be at 2pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
–
4th June 2026
The coffee shop will be closing early today so we can carry out an electrical installation condition report.
Last orders will be at 2pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
–
1st June 2026 – 5th June 2026
This week were are having an important electrical installation condition report done throughout the museum and coffee shop.
We will try to keep the disruption to a minimum but at times this may be unavoidable.
The coffee shop will close early on Thursday 4th June so we can carry out the work in that area of the museum. Last orders will be at 2pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
–
5th June 2026
Join us at the museum as Nicola Cornick talks about her writing and latest book; The Fourth Queen.
A dual-time novel set in the present and the Tudor period.
Set in Wantage and in the Vale of the White Horse, The Fourth Queen draws on Nicola's expertise of the Tudor period and her deep knowledge and love of our local history.
Nicola will take questions from the audience and sign books.
Friday 5th June 1.30pm
£7.50 per person.
Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
How to book:
Copies of The Fourth Queen will be available to purchase on the day from Wantage Bookshop.
