Downland Cafe - Wantage

Large museum and very family-friendly. we came and much to do, we went with age of 1-64 in our group and all had a great time. interactive dinge for children, 5 years old really enjoyed the quizzes and interfoil, while 3 and 5 years old enjoyed the duck fishing game and the books.

Amazing Museum packed with exhibits and history. Lovely Cafe with a selection of home made cakes and good menu. Well priced.

A fantastic little museum with history from fossils to a Williams F1 formula one car. As a Williams F1 fan I was especially pleased to see the Sir Patrick Head Adrian Newey designed FW16B which Williams F1 which had won the 1994 constructor’s championship with the various car race car parts from it, such as a brake disk, steering rack, brake cooling pod brake accelerator pedals, as well as Damon Hill’s race suit. Entry is free, plus there’s free WiFi and donations are welcome. The staff are very friendly helpful, and there’s a lovely restaurant area too which serves hot cold food, cakes, teas various coffee’s, as well as cheap bottled canned beers. I paid £2.30 for a 500ml can of Old Speckled Hen £2 for a coffee, which is cheaper than many of the local establishments around Wantage. In addition to the nice little restaurant there’s a lovely little gift shop, which has a wide selection of new second-hand books, and various other gifts. Some of which I found amusing good gifts for family or friends. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 0930-1600 (except Bank holiday’s). There is access for individuals with disabilities and a chair lift to the museum. There is car parking nearby at Portway, which is close to The Beacon. Parking chargeable Monday to Saturday. 0-2 hours is free 2-3 hours is £1.30 3-4 hours is £3.30 4-6 hours is £4.30 Over 6 hours is £5.30 The car parking is owned by the Vale of White Horse District Council.

Popped in here for a coffee. Very nice atmosphere. Coffee and cakes very good. We did not have time to look around the museum but it looks good with a children's trail.

This is a small place and perfectly formed. It has a really good community feel and the latest displays about King Alfred are very interesting. I do wish they could get a more modern Formula One car but seeing an old one in the flesh is still a treat. The cafe always does OK food and nice tea/coffee. Cakes is where it excels I would say. Its a good place to spend a couple of hours and learn about local history.