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Museums

Abingdon Museum

Located in the 17th Century County Hall in the centre of the market town, described as probably the grandest of its type in England. The old Sessions Hall is now the main gallery and features a programme of changing displays and exhibitions, based around the themes of history and crafts. Roof openings every Saturday from April to September inclusive. Telephone: 01235 523703, visit the Abingdon Town Council's website or send an e-mail.

Access for visitors with disabilities: Unfortunately, access for the disabled is difficult as there is a staircase.

Vale and Downland Museum - Wantage

A former cloth merchant's house with barns that were added later. Displays geology, local history and archaeology of Wantage and the Vale of White Horse. Art exhibitions are held regularly and there is a very popular cafe. The museum's Visitor Centre covers the whole of the Vale of White Horse, with orientation information on not only Wantage but also the Faringdon and Abingdon areas.

You can now help to support the Vale and Downland Museum by buying goods directly from their wesite. Payment can be made using your Credit/Debit card of Pay Pal. Alternatively you can always look at the goods and prices on the website, then pop into the museum and buy in person. For more information Telephone: 01235 771447, visit the Vale and Downland Musuem website or send an e-mail.

Access for visitors with disabilities: the majority of the museum is disabled accessible. There is a stair lift (donated by Wantage Rotary Club) and toilet facilities.

Tom Brown's School Museum - Uffington

The museum details the life and works of Thomas Hughes, author of "Tom Brown's Schooldays", together with other historical material from the area including poet laureate Sir John Betjeman and his poetry. It is situated in the village of Uffington, west of Wantage, and housed in a listed 1617 building The museum has items of local interest and annually changing exhibitions. Open at weekends from Easter to October between 2.00 pm - 5.00 pm. Telephone: 01367 820259, visit the Tom Brown's School Musuem website or send an e-mail.

Access for visitors with disabilities: Partly accessible, please contact.

Champs Chapel Museum

This museum displays Hendred's Millennium history and is housed in a Grade I Chapel. It is situated east of Wantage, off the A417 in the village of East Hendred. It was built by the Carthusian monks of Sheen in the 15th Century and is often called Champs Chapel after the family who owned it. Opening times April-September: Sunday 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm, October-March: 1st Sunday 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm, others by arrangement. Telephone: 01235 833312.

Access for visitors with disabilities: Partly accessible, please contact for more details.

Pendon Museum

Located at Long Wittenham, near Abingdon. It is a museum of detailed miniature landscapes, including working trains of the 1930's, scenery of the wilds of Dartmoor and farms and cottage groups in a typical village in the Vale. Car parking, light refreshments. Telephone: 01865 407365, visit the Pendon Museum website or send an e-mail.

Access for visitors with disabilities: Some of the museum is accessible by arrangement, please contact in advance.