Vale and Downland Museum facts for kids
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Established | 1958 |
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Location | Wantage, Oxfordshire, England |
Type | Museum of Local Culture and History |
Visitors | 53,000 |
Public transit access | S9 & X32 buses from Oxford, X1 buses from Abingdon and X36 & X32 buses from Didcot |
The Vale and Downland Museum is a cool local history museum located in the market town of Wantage, Oxfordshire, England. It's a great place to discover the past of the area!
Discover the Vale and Downland Museum
This museum is often called a "hidden gem." You can find it in a building known as the 'Old Surgery' on Church Street. It's right in the middle of Wantage, across from the Church of St Peter and St Paul.
What Can You See at the Museum?
The museum's galleries show off the history and culture of the Vale of White Horse region around Wantage. You'll find many interesting things, including:
- A Victorian kitchen that shows how people cooked long ago.
- An Iron Age skeleton, giving you a peek into ancient times.
- A life-sized bronze statue of Lester Piggott, a famous jockey born in Wantage.
- A bust of Sir John Betjeman, a well-known poet.
- A special display about Williams F1, a famous Formula 1 racing team.
There are many more exhibits to explore and learn from!
Museum Activities and Events
The Vale and Downland Museum is more than just a place to see old things. It's a busy community spot with lots to do. They have:
- Talks for adults on different topics.
- A research library if you want to dig deeper into history.
- A monthly book group for reading enthusiasts.
- Music sessions for pre-school children every month.
- Fun themed family days, especially during school holidays.
You can also grab a snack at the museum's cafe. The best part? Admission to the museum is completely free!