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 Feb 10th

  • - Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition and 1 other event
    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition


    4th February 2025 15th February 2025

    Artists April Jones and Emma Woodford are bring a collection of their artwork to the museum for an exciting exhibition.

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections

    Tuesday 4th - Saturday 15th February.

    Come along to meet the artists on Friday 7th and 14th February.

    Open during normal museum opening times.

    Free admission but donations welcome.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by April Jones

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by Emma Woodford

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Toddler Tunes

    Toddler Tunes


    10th February 2025

    A fun and friendly music session of traditional songs and rhymes played on a variety of instruments.
    Monday 13th January, 10th February, 10th March, & 14th April
    10am - 10.30am.
    £2 per child, adults go free but must book an adult ticket.
    Book tickets online here
  • - Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition
    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition


    4th February 2025 15th February 2025

    Artists April Jones and Emma Woodford are bring a collection of their artwork to the museum for an exciting exhibition.

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections

    Tuesday 4th - Saturday 15th February.

    Come along to meet the artists on Friday 7th and 14th February.

    Open during normal museum opening times.

    Free admission but donations welcome.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by April Jones

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by Emma Woodford

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • - Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition
    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition


    4th February 2025 15th February 2025

    Artists April Jones and Emma Woodford are bring a collection of their artwork to the museum for an exciting exhibition.

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections

    Tuesday 4th - Saturday 15th February.

    Come along to meet the artists on Friday 7th and 14th February.

    Open during normal museum opening times.

    Free admission but donations welcome.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by April Jones

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by Emma Woodford

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • - Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition and 1 other event
    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition


    4th February 2025 15th February 2025

    Artists April Jones and Emma Woodford are bring a collection of their artwork to the museum for an exciting exhibition.

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections

    Tuesday 4th - Saturday 15th February.

    Come along to meet the artists on Friday 7th and 14th February.

    Open during normal museum opening times.

    Free admission but donations welcome.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by April Jones

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by Emma Woodford

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Friends of VDM talk - The Elusive Lewis Carroll

    Friends of VDM talk - The Elusive Lewis Carroll


    13th February 2025

    The Elusive Lewis Carroll by Alastair Lack

    A look at the man behind the name Lewis Carroll. A writer, poet, mathematician, photographer and Anglican deacon.
    Not just the author of Alice in Wonderland.

    Join the Friends of the Museum for another fascinating evening talk.

    Thursday 13th February

    7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)

    Tickets:

    Members £5 (requires a password*)

    Non-members £7

    Must be booked in advance online here or at the museum.

    *Members should have received the password from the Friends committee. If you believe you are a member but haven't received the password please email hconder@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk or speak to the reception team at the museum.

  • - Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition and 1 other event
    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition


    4th February 2025 15th February 2025

    Artists April Jones and Emma Woodford are bring a collection of their artwork to the museum for an exciting exhibition.

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections

    Tuesday 4th - Saturday 15th February.

    Come along to meet the artists on Friday 7th and 14th February.

    Open during normal museum opening times.

    Free admission but donations welcome.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by April Jones

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by Emma Woodford

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Book Group

    Book Group


    14th February 2025

    The museum book group meet in the museum café every second Friday of the month at 2pm.

    The friendly group read a wide range of books, chosen by members and enjoy an insightful discussion about each book.

    It is completely free to join and attend but we do ask you support the museum café.

    If you would like more information about joining, please speak to our reception team at the museum or email info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk

    Suitable for adults only.

  • - Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition
    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections Exhibition


    4th February 2025 15th February 2025

    Artists April Jones and Emma Woodford are bring a collection of their artwork to the museum for an exciting exhibition.

    Figurative and Abstract Reflections

    Tuesday 4th - Saturday 15th February.

    Come along to meet the artists on Friday 7th and 14th February.

    Open during normal museum opening times.

    Free admission but donations welcome.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by April Jones

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Artworks by Emma Woodford