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 May 12th

  • - Artweeks Exhibition
    Artweeks Exhibition

    Artweeks Exhibition

    –
    12th May 2025

    Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum.

    Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home!

    Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm.

    Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jill Smith Artwork

     

     

     

     

  • - Artweeks Exhibition
    Artweeks Exhibition

    Artweeks Exhibition

    –
    13th May 2025

    Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum.

    Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home!

    Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm.

    Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jill Smith Artwork

     

     

     

     

  • - Artweeks Exhibition and 1 other event
    Artweeks Exhibition

    Artweeks Exhibition

    –
    14th May 2025

    Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum.

    Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home!

    Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm.

    Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jill Smith Artwork

     

     

     

     

    Swindon Mountain Book Talk

    Swindon Mountain Book Talk

    –
    14th May 2025

    In this talk author Harriet Hitchen will take a closer look at her long former career as an archaeological illustrator and the landscape and archaeology of the Marlborough and Lambourn Downs, in particular the prehistoric monuments such as Wayland's Smithy. She'll also share the surprising journey which inspired the book, and how embracing the idea of the impossible in a familiar landscape can reshape our perception of the past.

    Copies of Harriet's book Swindon Mountain will be available to purchase on the day from Wantage Bookshop.

    Wednesday 14th May 1.30pm

    Tickets: £7.50

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

    This event is in partnership with Wantage Bookshop.

  • - Artweeks Exhibition
    Artweeks Exhibition

    Artweeks Exhibition

    –
    15th May 2025

    Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum.

    Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home!

    Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm.

    Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jill Smith Artwork

     

     

     

     

  • - Artweeks Exhibition
    Artweeks Exhibition

    Artweeks Exhibition

    –
    16th May 2025

    Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum.

    Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home!

    Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm.

    Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jill Smith Artwork

     

     

     

     

  • - Artweeks Exhibition
    Artweeks Exhibition

    Artweeks Exhibition

    –
    17th May 2025

    Rendering Light is the latest Artweeks exhibition from Jill Smith and Patsy Jones at the museum.

    Come along and see some of their recent work and maybe even grab yourself an original piece for your own home!

    Meet the artists on Saturday 17th May 11am - 1.30pm.

    Tuesday 6th - Saturday 31st May

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Jill Smith Artwork

     

     

     

     

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.”