Vale & Downland Museum
  • Visit Us
    • Where to find us
    • Opening times
    • Families
    • Accessibility
    • Group Tours and Talks
    • Coffee Shop
    • Shop
    • Free Digital Guide
    • About Us
      • Mission
      • History
      • Management
      • Recruitment
      • Policies
      • Contact us
    • Contact us
  • What’s On
    • What’s On
  • Explore
    • Galleries
    • Floorplan
    • Research Library
    • Exhibitions
    • Free Digital Guide
    • Living Landscape
  • Learn
    • Primary Schools
    • Secondary Schools
    • Families
    • Student Opportunities
    • Lifelong Learning
    • Resources
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Trusts and Foundations
    • Legacy Giving
    • Volunteer
    • Join the Friends
  • Friends
    • About the Friends
    • Join the Friends
    • Photo Gallery
  • Local Info
    • Community Links
    • Tourist Info
  • 50 Appeal
    • Corporate
    • Become a Patron
    • 100 Club
Vale & Downland Museum
  • Visit Us
    • Where to find us
    • Opening times
    • Families
    • Accessibility
    • Group Tours and Talks
    • Coffee Shop
    • Shop
    • Free Digital Guide
    • About Us
      • Mission
      • History
      • Management
      • Recruitment
      • Policies
      • Contact us
    • Contact us
  • What’s On
    • What’s On
  • Explore
    • Galleries
    • Floorplan
    • Research Library
    • Exhibitions
    • Free Digital Guide
    • Living Landscape
  • Learn
    • Primary Schools
    • Secondary Schools
    • Families
    • Student Opportunities
    • Lifelong Learning
    • Resources
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Trusts and Foundations
    • Legacy Giving
    • Volunteer
    • Join the Friends
  • Friends
    • About the Friends
    • Join the Friends
    • Photo Gallery
  • Local Info
    • Community Links
    • Tourist Info
  • 50 Appeal
    • Corporate
    • Become a Patron
    • 100 Club

Floorplan

  1. Home
  2. Floorplan

NEWSLETTER

Sign Up & Subscribe

Subscribe to our email newsletter to stay in the loop on Events & Exhibitions. You can also follow us on Facebook & Instagram!

Vale & Downland Museum

The museum has been nationally acclaimed & offers a very broad range of services, from galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse, to a café with a delightful terrace & garden.

Tel: 01235 771 447

Email: info@valeanddownlandmuseum.org.uk

Events

Events in June 2026

MMonday TTuesday WWednesday TThursday FFriday SSaturday SSunday

9:30 am: Possible disruption

9:30 am – 10:30 am
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.

9:30 am: Possible disruption

9:30 am – 10:30 am
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.

9:30 am: Possible disruption

9:30 am – 10:30 am
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.

1:30 pm: CANCELLED - Ice Stations to Action Stations Talk

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
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.

 

9:30 am: Possible disruption

9:30 am – 10:30 am
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.

2:00 pm: Coffee shop last orders 2pm

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
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.

9:30 am: Possible disruption

9:30 am – 10:30 am
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.

1:30 pm: The Fourth Queen Book Talk

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
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:

  • Online www.ticketsource.com/vale-downland-museum
  • Phone 0333 666 3366
  • In person at the museum

Copies of The Fourth Queen will be available to purchase on the day from Wantage Bookshop.
66th June 2026
77th June 2026

10:00 am: Toddler Tunes

10:00 am – 10:30 am
8th June 2026

A fun and friendly music session of traditional songs and rhymes played on a variety of instruments.
Monday 13 April, 11th May, and 8th June.
10am - 10.30am.
£2 per child, adults go free but must book an adult ticket.
Book tickets online here

 

 

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

1:00 pm: Have a go at Weaving

1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
17th June 2026

Have a go at Weaving - On a Rigid Heddle Loom
with Angela Pawlyn

Weave a sample on a rigid heddle loom set up so the weft completely covers the warp. Interesting patterns can be formed by using two colours for the weft. You could also have a go at techniques that can be used on a frame to weave a picture.
If you have taken Angela’s previous course you could weave on a loom with the warp closer together so the warp shows.

Wednesday 17th June  1 - 3.30pm

£30 per person.
Space is limited so must be booked in advance.

How to book:

  • Online www.ticketsource.com/vale-downland-museum
  • Phone 0333 666 3366
  • In person at the museum

This workshop is for adults only.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.

9:30 am: Wantage Art Group Exhibition

9:30 am – 3:45 pm
9th June 2026 – 20th June 2026

The latest exhibition of artworks from members of the Wantage Art Group will be on display and for sale in the museum's Squires Gallery.

 

Wantage Art Group are a friendly club that welcomes anyone with an interest in visual arts. Find out more about the group on their website: Wantage Art Group

Tuesday 9th to Saturday 20th June.

Open during normal museum opening times

Free admission but donations to the museum very welcome.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times within the museum.
2121st June 2026
2222nd June 2026
2323rd June 2026
2424th June 2026
2525th June 2026

12:30 pm: Live Music - Greengage

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
26th June 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.

 
2727th June 2026
2828th June 2026
2929th June 2026
3030th June 2026

1:30 pm: The 'Port' of Wantage Talk

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm
1st July 2026

1810 - 1895

Seam Seabourne will tell us why anyone would want to bring boats into Wantage and why did they keep doing it for eight five years. How expensive was  it to do that, and what were the reasons? Find out by learning about the days when Wantage became a 'port' and the best faggots in Berkshire could be bought at the Jolly Waterman in Wantage.

Wednesday 1st July  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.

 
22nd July 2026
33rd July 2026
44th July 2026
55th July 2026
Awards

© Copyright V&D Museum 2025 • Vale & Downland Museum, Church Street, Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8BL • Registered charity number - 1126995

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.