Visit Us
The Vale and Downland Museum, situated in the bustling market town of Wantage (Oxfordshire, UK), has lots to offer for a fun, interactive family day out!
Nationally acclaimed as an outstanding example of community partnership, the Vale and Downland Museum attracts about 60,000 visitors per year. Offering galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse, an Artist/Craft Exhibition space, a Visitor Information hub, Gift Shop and Cafe.
How to Find Us
By Car
The main North / South roads are the A338 and the A34. The main East / West road is the A417. The closest carpark can be found at The Beacon, just off Portway.
By Bus
Buses run regularly from Oxford (S8/S9), Didcot (X1/X32), Abingdon (S8) and Faringdon, with Saturday services from Swindon and Newbury. There is an easy walk through to the museum from the bus stop in the Marketplace.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Wantage is Didcot, from where you can hire a taxi or catch the bus (X1/X32) to Wantage. www.nationalrail.co.uk
Our Address
Vale & Downland Museum
19 Church Street,
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 8BL
Tel: 01235 771447
Free 2 hr parking is available in The Beacon Car Park, just off Church Street.
Please note that buses/coaches are not able to drive down Church Street to the Museum, please use the Beacon car park for dropping off & picking up.
For a contact list and area map, please see our Contact page.
Normal Opening Times
9.30 am - 4 pm - Monday to Saturday
(galleries open 10.00am)
Cafe open 9.30 am - 3.45 pm (Last food order 1.50 pm)
The museum is closed on Sundays & Bank Holidays.
Special events and pre-booked group/school visits can be arranged outside these hours.
(Wantage visitor information, museum café and shop are all accessible during our normal opening hours).
Museum Admission
Entry to the museum is free, but we welcome your donations. The Vale and Downland Museum is a registered charity which relies on donations to keep its doors open.
For current exhibitions check out the Events Page.
Visitor Information Point
In cooperation with the Vale of White Horse District Council and with support from Wantage Town Council, we operate a Visitor Information Point. This provides information about places to visit, events, entertainment, transport and accommodation in Wantage and the surrounding Vale of White Horse area of Oxfordshire. We can also tell you about major attractions within day-trip distance of Wantage.
The service operates from 10.00am to 4.00pm Mondays to Saturdays.
It is closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The Visitor Information Point has its own telephone line and e-mail address:
Tel: 01235 760176.
Email [email protected]
