Looking across Wantage’s Market Place is the marble statue of one of England’s most famous kings, Alfred the Great, who was born in the parish in 849AD. Presented to the town in 1877, the artwork was sculptured by Count Gleichen,...

This oasis of semi-mature trees, wild flowers and meandering paths was created in 1997 as a memorial to one of Britain’s best-loved poets, Sir John Betjeman, who lived in Wantage from 1951 to 1972. The park, almost hidden behind the...

This magnificent building with its imposing clock tower is located just off the Market Place in Wantage. Poet laureate Sir John Betjeman was a worshipper here, and the illustrious Victorian reformer Dean Butler its most famous vicar. It’s also possible...

Dragon Hill is an ancient, natural mound, flattened by man and situated in the valley below the White Horse of Uffington. The hill is steeped in mystery and legend because of its proximity to the White Horse and the bare...

This pretty chalk stream runs from Letcombe Regis, through Wantage and Grove, to East Hanney. Some 12kms in length, it passes through the ends of gardens, under bridges, alongside parks, paths and through fields. It is home to protected species...

The Manger is a curious-shaped valley on the side of a hill below the famous White Horse of Uffington. It is believed that its strange shape was formed by the melting of ice in the last Ice Age. On the...

Uffington Castle is one of a chain of Iron Age hill-forts sited along the ancient Ridgeway path. The fort was built in around 500BC to a single ditch, single rampart design. Originally, there were two entrances at east and west,...

This impressive heritage centre is designed as an introduction to the long and interesting history of the market town and its surrounding areas. There are specially produced films on the area narrated by David Attenborough, a Wantage Tranmway exhibit...

The Vale and Downland Museum explores the history of Wantage and the surrounding countryside, from prehistoric times to the present day. Exhibits include an Anglo-Saxon skeleton, a recreation of a rural Victorian kitchen, and a modern day Formula 1 car...

Nestled under the trees in the heart of Wantage Memorial Park is the town’s bowling club. Players of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join, with new members welcome to try the facilities before signing up. All necessary equipment,...

With spectacular views across the town, Wantage Memorial Park is a beautiful open space for dog walkers, picnickers, visitors and children. Just five minutes’ walk from the town centre on the A338, the seven hectare park has a massive grassed...

Wayland’s Smithy is an ancient burial site situated right next to the Ridgeway long-distance path. Atmospherically enclosed by a ring of beech trees, the site comprises a Neolithic long barrow, with four large standing stones at the entrance and marker...

Four generations of the Munsey family have been running one of the smallest flour mills left in Britain. Wessex Mill, in Mill Street - just a two-minute walk from Wantage market place - mills bread flour for over 150 craft...

Lying close to the Ridgeway prehistoric track-way, the White Horse of Uffington is believed to be Britain’s oldest hill figure. It is thought to date from around 1000BC in the late Bronze Age. The striking image is cut into the...