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 busy market town of Wantage, which is in Oxfordshire, England. It's often called a "hidden gem" because it's full of interesting things to discover.
You can find the museum in a building called the 'Old Surgery' on Church Street. It's right in the middle of town, across from the historic Church of St Peter and St Paul.
Contents
Discover the Vale and Downland Museum
The museum is a fantastic place to learn about the history and culture of the Vale of White Horse area around Wantage. It shows how people lived and what was important to them throughout different times.
What You'll See Inside
The museum has many different rooms, called galleries, each with its own special theme. You can step back in time and explore a real-life Victorian kitchen, which shows how families cooked and lived long ago.
One of the most exciting exhibits is an Iron Age skeleton. This gives you a glimpse into ancient times and the people who lived here thousands of years ago. You can also see a life-sized bronze statue of Lester Piggott, a famous jockey who was born in Wantage.
For those interested in literature, there's a bust of Sir John Betjeman, a well-known poet. If you love cars and racing, you'll enjoy the special display about Williams F1. This exhibit celebrates the local connection to the exciting world of Formula 1 racing. There are many more fascinating items to explore too!
Fun Activities and More
The Vale and Downland Museum is more than just a place to look at old things. It's a lively community hub with lots of activities for everyone. They have a regular program of talks for adults, where you can learn even more about local history.
If you love books, there's a monthly book group where you can discuss different stories. For younger visitors, there are monthly music sessions designed especially for pre-schoolers. During school holidays, the museum often hosts themed family days. These days are packed with fun activities and workshops for kids and their families.
Visiting the Museum
After exploring all the exhibits, you can relax and grab a snack at the museum's cafe. It's a great spot to take a break. The best part is that admission to the museum is completely free, so everyone can come and enjoy learning about local history!
