Wantage Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque county of Oxfordshire, Wantage is a charming town that offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its quaint streets lined with Georgian and Victorian buildings, Wantage exudes a timeless charm that captivates visitors from the moment they arrive.

One of Wantage's most notable attractions is the Vale and Downland Museum, which showcases the rich history and heritage of the area. Housed in a beautifully restored Georgian building, the museum offers a fascinating insight into Wantage's past, from its connections to King Alfred the Great to its role in the birth of the modern British aviation industry. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, providing a unique window into the town's history.

For those seeking a taste of nature, Wantage is surrounded by breathtaking countryside and picturesque landscapes. The nearby Ridgeway National Trail, an ancient pathway that stretches for 87 miles, offers stunning views of the rolling hills and lush green valleys. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy leisurely walks or challenging hikes along this historic route, immersing themselves in the natural beauty that the region has to offer.

Wantage is also a haven for food lovers, with a range of charming cafes, traditional pubs, and fine dining establishments. The town's bustling market square is a vibrant hub of activity, where visitors can sample delicious local produce and artisanal goods from the weekly market. From hearty British classics to international cuisines, Wantage's culinary scene offers something to satisfy every palate.

No visit to Wantage would be complete without exploring the town's connections to King Alfred the Great. The statue of the legendary king stands proudly in the market square, commemorating his role in the town's history. Visitors can also visit the King Alfred's Great Hall, a replica of the original Saxon hall where he held court and made crucial decisions that shaped the destiny of the nation.

Alternative names: Population: 18.5 thous.Elevation: 308 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°35'19"N, 1°25'37"W

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EnglandUnited Kingdom

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Wantage Top Attractions

Wantage Attractions - What to See and Explore

Wantage offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Vale and Downland Museum, Church of St Peter and St Paul, Statue of Alfred the Great, Blowing Stone. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Museum • History museum
Vale and Downland Museum
The Vale and Downland Museum is a local museum in the market town of Wantage, Oxfordshire, England. Its galleries present the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region around Wantage. A Victorian kitchen, Iron Age skeleton and a bust of Sir John Betjeman are amongst its attractions, along with a cafe serving home-made food.
Church
Church of St Peter and St Paul
The Church of St Peter and St Paul is a Church of England parish church in Wantage, Oxfordshire. The church is a grade I listed building.
Monuments and statues
Statue of Alfred the Great
The statue of Alfred the Great, in the Wantage market place, was sculpted by Count Gleichen, a relative of Queen Victoria's, and unveiled on 14 July 1877 by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Historical place • Mysterious site • Sacred and religious sites
Blowing Stone
The Blowing Stone is a perforated sarsen at grid reference SU32412 87083 in Kingston Lisle, which is in the traditional county of Berkshire, but is currently administered as part of Oxfordshire.
Nature • Natural attraction • Hill
Chain Hill
Chain Hill is one of the hills of the North Wessex Downs, located in the civil parish of Wantage in the English county of Oxfordshire. In 1974 it was transferred from Berkshire.
51°35'35"N • 1°22'37"W
Ardington and Lockinge
Ardington and Lockinge are two civil parishes in the Vale of White Horse district, centred about 2 miles east of Wantage, Oxfordshire, that share a single parish council.
Memorial
Hackpen
Hackpen, Warren & Gramp's Hill Downs is a 71.4-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Letcombe Bassett in Oxfordshire. The site is composed of three separate sloping areas of unimproved chalk downland, representing a type of habitat now uncommon in the Berkshire Downs.
51°35'24"N • 1°22'48"W
Lockinge Estate
The Lockinge Estate is a 3,035-hectare agricultural and housing estate near Wantage that today includes most of the land and property encompassing the villages of West Lockinge, East Lockinge and Ardington. The current manager of the Lockinge Estate is Thomas Loyd.
51°33'31"N • 1°29'19"W
Highlands Farm Pit
Highlands Farm Pit is a 0.6 hectare geological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. It is a Geological Conservation Review site.
51°35'2"N • 1°27'0"W
Reed Hill
Reed Hill is a 14-hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest west of Stonesfield in Oxfordshire. It partly overlaps Stonesfield Slate Mines SSSI. This sheltered dry valley has unimproved limestone grassland, secondary woodland and scrub. A spring at the northern end makes the ground there seasonally damp.

Day trips

Wantage – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Wantage, it's worth seeing attractions such as: High Street (Oxford), Blenheim Palace (Woodstock), Cornmarket Street (Oxford).

14 milesNE
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
High Street, Oxford
High Street, commonly referred to as the "High," is a bustling artery of commerce and history in the heart of Oxford, United Kingdom. This iconic street is renowned for its vibrant shopping district, offering a harmonious blend of traditional boutiques, modern...
18 milesN
Extravagant Baroque palace and grounds
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Blenheim Palace, a monumental country house located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, is one of England's most magnificent palaces. Built between 1705 and 1722, the palace is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
13 milesNE
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Cornmarket Street, Oxford
Nestled in the heart of Oxford, United Kingdom, Cornmarket Street is a bustling shopping district steeped in history and brimming with contemporary charm. Known colloquially as 'Cornmarket,' this pedestrianized thoroughfare offers a blend of high-street favorites...
14 milesNE
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Broad Street, Oxford
Broad Street in Oxford, United Kingdom, is more than just a thoroughfare; it is a historic and cultural hub that offers a unique shopping experience amidst the city's prestigious academic backdrop. Known for its blend of architectural beauty and retail charm, Broad...
13 milesNE
Street, Shopping, Shopping district
Queen Street, Oxford
Queen Street in Oxford, United Kingdom, is a bustling shopping district nestled in the heart of this historic city. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of shops, Queen Street is a prime destination for both locals and tourists looking to indulge in...