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 May 25th

  • - Paper Birds and Mindful Colouring
    Paper Birds and Mindful Colouring

    Paper Birds and Mindful Colouring

    –
    26th May 2026

    Get creative at our family drop-in craft session!

    Children will make bright and beautiful birds using paper and card.

    There’ll also be calm and creative mindful colouring activities.

    The Letcombe Brook Project will be here as well, creating bat themed Top Trumps and bat origami.

    Drop-in, get crafty, and let imaginations soar!

    Tuesday 26th May  10am - 12 noon.

    £2.50 per child

    No need to book, just come along and enjoy!

    Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

  • - Children's Art Workshop
    Children's Art Workshop

    Children's Art Workshop

    –
    27th May 2026

    Get creative at our art workshop for children ages 7+.

    Children will make their own colourful hanging bird decoration using felt, simple stitching, buttons, ribbons, and other fun materials.

    A hands-on workshop full of creativity, making, and fun to take home and enjoy.

    Wednesday 27th May  10.30am - 12 noon

    £10 per child. Spaces are limited so must be booked in advance.

    How to book:

    This is a taught workshop and parents/guardians will not be able to stay in the room with the children. Adults are welcome to remain on-site, visiting the galleries or the coffee shop, alternatively, you can leave the museum and return for the end of the session at 12 noon, to collect your child(ren).

    Please make sure to arrive on time.

  • - Yarn Birds
    Yarn Birds

    Yarn Birds

    –
    28th May 2026

    Join us for a crafty session making birds using cardboard, yarn, and beads.

    A hands-on creative session full of texture, colour, and imagination, with unique birds to take home.

    Thursday 28th May  10am - 12 noon*

    £2.50 per child.

    How to book:

    *The session is split into two arrival slots, 10-11 and 11-12. Please try to arrive within the first 15/20 minutes of your booked slot so the children have time to create their masterpiece.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

    Recommended age 7+, but all ages are welcome. Younger children may need more assistance from their accompanying adult.

  • - Family Weaving Workshop
    Family Weaving Workshop

    Family Weaving Workshop

    –
    29th May 2026

    Come weave some magic as a family!

    Join weaver Angela Pawlyn and learn how to use a small loom to make a colourful family weaving together. Fun, creative, and perfect for the whole family*

    Friday 29th May  10.30am - 12.30pm

    £10 per family

    Spaces is limited so must be booked in advance

    How to book:

    *A family group must include at least one adult and have a maximum of four people. Recommended age 7+.

Hannah

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“Lovely local museum. Interesting galleries, yummy cafe and good craft activities for all the family.”

Lucy

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“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

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“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.”