Local history museum celebrating the history of Wantage - the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, and the Vale of the White Horse. At the Vale & Downland, you'll discover so much more than a museum! From fossils to Formula One, we have objects and stories to fascinate all ages. Whilst you are here you can also enjoy delicious home-made cakes and lunches served in the Cafe. Our shop also stocks a range of books, gifts, toys and souvenirs. Free admission.
Fabulous local museum takes you through time, from pre history to 20th century. Well set up for adults and children a like. The museum cafe has a lovely choice of food and drinks.
Excellent little museum, there's lots to see inside (surprisingly big for a little museum) and lots of activity's for children to interact with displays and learn
Really interesting small museum. Well laid out, and very engaging. The town itself has a fascinating history, and this is extremely well charted by the curators, who fortunately have sourced lots of fascinating exhibits. Well worth a visit, and when you've finished, you can enjoy hot or cold drinks and a snack in the cafe afterwards. The gift shop and second hand book shop are also great! Follow up your visit by a walk around the historic buildings of Wantage, and see if you can find Kind Alfred's lost palace!
Always a great place to visit. All the exhibits are interesting and inform about the local area. During term time there are usually 'treasure hunts' that are good for the children. During the holidays they run craft, Lego, clay and story sessions that are very popular. (Use the website to book before they fill up.)
For a small town museum this place is pretty good. Kids love it in there and they do little events at half terms etc. Cafe is always good. Staff are helpful and Jonathan (pictured) in particular helped our girls research for their Brownies history badge. What a great guy. Small museum so don't expect natural history size but a lovely local gem. This place has always welcomed groups of mums with pushchairs and toddlers. It has babychabginv facilities and wheelchair accessible toilets.
Great, small museum, but with a lot of information related to the area, it's social and industrial identity through the years. Plus a great cafe for lunch. It's a free entry museum, but you feel happy to leave a donation as it deserves support for the great collections on display.
On-site services
Live performances
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Gender-neutral toilets
Restaurant
Toilets
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Family friendly
Good for kids
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Fabulous local museum takes you through time, from pre history to 20th century. Well set up for adults and children a like. The museum cafe has a lovely choice of food and drinks.
Excellent little museum, there's lots to see inside (surprisingly big for a little museum) and lots of activity's for children to interact with displays and learn
Really interesting small museum. Well laid out, and very engaging. The town itself has a fascinating history, and this is extremely well charted by the curators, who fortunately have sourced lots of fascinating exhibits. Well worth a visit, and when you've finished, you can enjoy hot or cold drinks and a snack in the cafe afterwards. The gift shop and second hand book shop are also great! Follow up your visit by a walk around the historic buildings of Wantage, and see if you can find Kind Alfred's lost palace!
Always a great place to visit. All the exhibits are interesting and inform about the local area. During term time there are usually 'treasure hunts' that are good for the children. During the holidays they run craft, Lego, clay and story sessions that are very popular. (Use the website to book before they fill up.)
For a small town museum this place is pretty good. Kids love it in there and they do little events at half terms etc. Cafe is always good. Staff are helpful and Jonathan (pictured) in particular helped our girls research for their Brownies history badge. What a great guy. Small museum so don't expect natural history size but a lovely local gem. This place has always welcomed groups of mums with pushchairs and toddlers. It has babychabginv facilities and wheelchair accessible toilets.
Great, small museum, but with a lot of information related to the area, it's social and industrial identity through the years. Plus a great cafe for lunch. It's a free entry museum, but you feel happy to leave a donation as it deserves support for the great collections on display.
