The Vale and Downland Museum
and Visitor Centre

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 cafe with a delightful terrace and garden.

It also acts as a springboard for residents and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the countryside around Wantage.

News and Events

For current and forthcoming events and exhibitions see the Galleries pages (menu to the left).

What's On in the Museum this Month

NEW...

CBBC

CBBC’s Relic: Guardians of the Museum becomes a reality at the Vale and Downland Museum this summer

Alfred the Great; Warrior and Visionary King

Alfred Exhibition details

Railway through the Vale

Railway through the Vale exhibition details

2007 Award

At the Oxfordshire Business Awards ceremony last year, hosted by the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, the Vale & Downland Museum was runner-up for the Four Pillars Tourism Award. 2007 Award details

Broadband

Free wireless broadband is now available at the museum and visitor centre, courtesy of CTS, Milton Park.

Photograph Archive

500 of our archive photographs of the Vale of White Horse area can be viewed free of charge via www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/heritagesearch

Museum Shop

The Museum Shop sells a variety of local goods. Some of these can be viewed online.
Vale and Downland Museum Shop

Local History Downloads

We have developed a unique collection of local history articles, taken mainly from the now discontinued Friend’s publication “Blowing Stone”.

You are free to download these for reading and for printing if you wish.

Local History archive

Our Current Exhibitions...

In addition to our Main Galleries, we have three areas that are used for short term exhibitions. Click on the links below to see the current timetable.

Squires Room Usually with a thematic, local history or cultural flavour

Upper Gallery Often featuring local artists

Foyer Craft demonstrations and small exhibitions

Entry

All tickets valid for 12 months unlimited access to the permanent galleries

Adult: £2.50
Concessionary (OAPs and registered disabled): £2.00
Young person (4-25 in full-time education): £1.00
Family: (up to 2 adults and 5 children): £7.00
Prices include a small voluntary donation which enables us to reclaim Gift Aid on the whole price

Free admission to the Visitor Information Point, Downland Kitchen cafe and temporary exhibitions

prices effective from 6th April 2006

Downloads (pdf files)

Click on the logo to download a copy of Adobe Reader. This is free software that allows you to read the pdf files that are available on this, and many other websites..