Wantage in Oxfordshire is a lovely small market town in the Vale of White Horse, and has a good range of shops and services, including plenty of places to eat and drink. Links with the past are very strong too and Wantage is a great place to visit to enjoy this historic part of England.
Whether you are a visitor, or a resident, we hope this website will help you get the most out of our lovely town. If you’d like to get in touch – please click here.
SHOPPING IN WANTAGE
A shopping trip to Wantage is fun! The shops are close together, you can park outside of Sainsbury’s or by the Civic Hall and the square itself is full of delightful, independent shops, pubs and cafes. For example, try visiting Dolphin Art, Little Sweetie or Jason’s Flowers. Need a break? Pop into the King Alfred’s Head, Petit Pain, Costa Coffee at The Arbery or just round the corner, there’s The Bay Tree Cafe and The Downland Cafe in The Vale and Downland Museum.
MARKET SQUARE
Wantage was shaped by its importance as a market town and remains at the heart of Wantage even today. There are numerous inviting pubs and places to eat, plenty of interesting shops, annual fairs, markets on Saturday and Wednesday, Farmer’s Markets, French and Italian Markets and features the amazing Dickensian Evening held every December.
FOOD AND DRINK
Wantage has a good selection range of pubs, restaurants and take-aways – catering for all tastes! Not just in the square, but all around Wantage, Grove and nearby villages.
THE ARTS
Wantage has a fine reputation for the arts – music, dances and poetry – and this is celebrated each year with an Arts Festival during the Summer. John Betjeman lived in The Mead, Wantage (by Letcombe Brook) for many years and wrote poetry about Wantage. Thomas Hardy’s “Jude the Obscure” was set in nearby Letcombe Bassett where “Arabella’s Cottage” can still be seen. In the novel Alfredston is Wantage. There are numerous thriving music and dance groups, including the Icknield Way Morris Men, the Rose Hips Belly Dancers and band, The Vale Islanders 17th century dance group and Cornucopia Appalachian step-clog dancers.
WALKING and CYCLING
Wantage is a perfect centre from which to explore the beautiful countryside of the Berkshire Downs – particularly The Ridgeway. You can stay overnight in Wantage or one of the villages, or at The Court Hill Centre, located on the Ridgeway itself. There are historic walks around the town too – pop into The Vale and Downland Museum to ask.
See our page on walking and cycling Walking and Cycling
History
Where do we start? Birthplace of King Alfred, 13th century Parish Church, home to the first steam tram in Britain, nearby ancient White Horse Hill, Ridgeway Path (National Trail), Uffington Castle and Wayland’s Smithy. The town itself is full of beautiful historic buildings and is a delight to visit. The Vale and Downland Museum is the ideal starting point from which to explore the town and surrounding area.
The town of Wantage, Oxfordshire in World War II
Table of Contents Introduction Pre-War Wantage Wartime Wantage Air Raid Precautions Evacuation Military Presence Food and Rationing Victory Celebrations Impact of the War Conclusion References Introduction Wantage is a market town located in the county of Oxfordshire in England. The
Wantage in WW1
World War 1 played a significant role in the history of Wantage, a market town located in Oxfordshire, England. During the early part of the 20th century, Wantage served as an important recruiting ground for soldiers who were eager to
Wantage before the 7th Century
Wantage is a small town tucked away in the beautiful English countryside of Oxfordshire. It has a rich history, dating back centuries before the 7th century. The earliest evidence of settlement in Wantage dates back to Neolithic times and there
Wantage in the 8th Century
The small market town of Wantage, located in Oxfordshire, has a rich and interesting history that stretches back to the 8th century. According to records, Wantage was first mentioned as “Wandesiege” in the 8th century, which is thought to refer
Wantage in the 9th Century
The small Oxfordshire town of Wantage has a rich and vibrant history stretching back to the 9th century. During this time, Wantage was an important market town in which goods, services and livestock were traded and exchanged. The town was
Wantage in the 10th Century
Wantage has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 1000s. During this time, Wantage was an important agricultural settlement situated in the Vale of White Horse in Oxfordshire. In 1011, King Aethelred the Unready granted a charter to
Wantage in the 11th Century
The town of Wantage in the 1100s was a bustling and vibrant community. Located in Oxfordshire, it was one of the most important towns of its time; a centre of trade for local people and travelers alike. The town had
Wantage in the 12th Century
The English town of Wantage has a deep and rich history that dates back to the early 1200s. During this period, it served as an important trading center for both local goods and goods from abroad. The town was situated
Wantage in the 13th Century
The town of Wantage in Oxfordshire has a long and rich history, reaching back to the 1300s. In 1347, it was granted its first charter from King Edward III, giving it a range of rights and privileges such as the
Wantage in the 14th Century
The small market town of Wantage has a long and interesting history that dates back to the 1400s. At that time, it was part of the royal manor of Ulvritone, which was established by King Alfred the Great in 871.
Wantage in the 15th Century
The 1500s were a tumultuous time in the history of Wantage, a small town located in England. During this period, Wantage was transformed from a hamlet to an important market town. Situated at the foot of the Berkshire Downs, Wantage
Wantage in the 16th Century
The small town of Wantage in Oxfordshire has deep roots that date back to the 1600s. First mentioned in documents during the late 11th century, the area is believed to have been inhabited since the Roman times. During the 1600s,
Wantage in the 17th Century
Wantage, an idyllic Oxfordshire market town, has a long and rich history dating back to the 1700s. In the early eighteenth century, Wantage was a small but prosperous agricultural village situated in the Vale of White Horse. Agriculture formed the
Wantage in the 18th Century
The small market town of Wantage has a long and rich history, dating back to the 1800s. Located in the Vale of White Horse district in Oxfordshire, it was originally known as “Wænta” – an old English name meaning “hill
Wantage in the 19th Century
The town of Wantage, located in the English county of Oxfordshire, has a long and rich history stretching back to the early 1900s. During this period, it was an important crossroads between London and Oxford. The town also had a
The Royal Scots Guards Visit Wantage
The Royal Scots Guards visited Wantage in 2011 to commemorate the 350th Anniversary of the Battle of Edgehill. The visit was part of a special program that included several military units visiting England, including a flyover by the Red Arrows
Notable People
Wantage England is known for two famous people in particular – King Alfred and John Betjemen. King Alfred the Great was born in Wantage in 849 AD, and is well-known for his role in preserving English culture during a time of Viking invasions. Alfred also established a legal code, created a standing army, and improved the education of his people.John Betjeman was born in 1906 and is remembered as one of Britain’s most beloved poets of the 20th century. A long-time urbanite, Betjeman used Wantage as a escape from city life to focus on writing poetry inspired by traditional village life. His most well-known work includes Summoned by Bells, which won him the 1972 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. Both King Alfred and John Betjeman are celebrated figures from Wantage’s history who were able to make lasting contributions to their community and beyond.
Ray Collins
Ray Collins Charity Wantage is an incredible charity organization that has been making a positive difference in the lives of people across the UK since 2014. Founded and run by Ray Collins, this charity works to help vulnerable members of
Wantage Silver Band
The Wantage Silver Band is one of the oldest brass bands in England, having been founded in 1871. The band has a long and glorious history of performing in the town of Wantage and beyond. Originally known as the Wantage
Dr Dick Squires MBE DL
Dr. Dick Squires MBE DL from Wantage has been a figurehead in the British medical community for decades. He is a highly respected doctor, having received both an MBE and a DL, or Distinguished Lecturer award, from the Queen of
Icknield Way Morris Men
The Icknield Way Morris Men from Wantage are a traditional English Morris dance group that has been performing for over fifty years. Founded in 1965, the group is comprised of twelve dancers who specialize in their unique style of Morris
Lester Piggott
Lester Piggott is a legendary jockey hailing from Wantage, Oxfordshire. He was born in 1935, and has had an illustrious career in horse racing that spans over five decades. Piggott has won thirty British Classics Races, nine of which were
Frances O’Connor
Frances O’Connor is an Australian actress who has been captivating audiences with her dynamic performances since the early 1990s. Born in Wantage, Oxfordshire, she attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia and has gone on to become
Mother Maribel
Mother Maribel of Wantage (1864-1958) was a Catholic nun and spiritual leader who was the founder of the Order of Our Lady of the Rosary in Wantage, England. She is widely revered for her holiness and for the works she
Robert Loyd-Lindsay, 1st Baron
Sir Robert Loyd-Lindsay, 1st Baron Wantage of Lockinge was a prominent figure in Victorian England. He was born on the 27th of April, 1832 in London, to William and Eliza Loyd Lindsay. His father was a wealthy banker from Scotland
Sir John Hobbis Harris
Sir John Hobbis Harris from Wantage was a distinguished British soldier and politician who served both his country and his home county of Oxfordshire. Born in 1790, Sir John’s early life was spent in the town of Wantage where he
Alice FitzWarin
Alice FitzWarin was a woman of great historical significance during the late medieval period. She was married to Dick Whittington, the famous Lord Mayor of London and merchant from Wantage. Her husband’s success as a businessman and leader made her
William John Butler
William John Butler was a beloved vicar from Wantage, Oxfordshire. Born in 1775, he was the son of William Butler, a draper and merchant who ran the Wantage business. He was called to the Church and ordained in 1800. He
Joseph Butler
Joseph Butler was an English cleric and philosopher born in Wantage, Oxfordshire in 1692. He is best known for his work Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed (1736) which sparked philosophical discussions about the nature of religious truth. He also
John Betjemen
John Betjemen was a renowned British poet who spent much of his life in the small village of Wantage in Oxfordshire. He was born to a middle-class family and his father worked as a gents outfitter and his mother stayed
King Alfred the Great
King Alfred the Great of Wantage is remembered in history as one of the most influential and respected leaders of Anglo-Saxon England. Born around 849 CE, he was the fourth son of King Aethelwulf and his wife Osburh. Throughout his
Photography
Wantage England has many beautiful photography locations for shutterbugs to explore. The town of Wantage is home to the stunning Vale of White Horse, which offers sweeping views of rolling hills and lush greenery, perfect for capturing magnificent landscapes. There are also plenty of historical sites such as the ruins of King Alfred’s Palace and the ancient church of St Peter ad Vincula that make for interesting photo ops. The town also boasts beautiful Victorian architecture and a variety of charming shops and pubs in the high street, all prime subjects for photographers. On top of these attractions, photographers in Wantage England can take advantage of some spectacular open spaces such as Uffington Castle, hoping to capture moments of rural beauty or wildlife. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why Wantage continues to be an attractive destination for photography enthusiasts around the world.
Wantage & Surrounding Villages 2023
A collection of stunning photographs captures the charm and beauty of Wantage and its neighboring villages. From panoramic views of serene countryside landscapes to snapshots of bustling local events, these images celebrate the unique character of our vibrant community. Thank
Wantage Presents
A host of local fundraisers raised an impressive amount of money in support of several important causes. The community came together through music, dance, and other performances to support charities and projects close to their hearts. Highlights and Contributions Sarah
Wantage Mummers Boxing Day 2022
Mumming is a ritual play that is well over a thousand years old. Whilst it is traditionally associated with the Christmas period, it is said to be linked with pagan rites showing the triumph of life over death. The Wantage
Tom Reveley
Photos by Tom Reveley Wantage Marketplace Wantage Marketplace Wantage Marketplace Reveley Studio reveley photographers Reveley and Wood Pickles Bulldog1 Ardington and Lockinge Band 1897 Royal Visit to Ardington
Trevor’s Old Wantage Gallery
Photos by Trevor Market Place The Cosy Tea Rooms Market Place Grove Street
Will’s Old Wantage Gallery
Photos by Will Wantage market Wallingford Street top Grove Street Three men by statue Three men by statue and King Alfred Statue and Bear maybe 1960s Marketplace Marketplace south side Marketplace royal visit Marketplace pond Marketplace north side Marketplace maybe
Wantage Market April 2017
Celebrating Community Moments in Wantage Wantage has always been a hub of activity, embracing local charm and community spirit. Here are some captured moments that highlight the vibrant life of our town and surrounding areas. From markets to fundraising efforts,
Videos of Wantage & Grove
Here’s a chance to check out the range of great places to eat and drink we have in Wantage and Grove. They’re showcased in a new series of short films that give residents and visitors an insight into the choices
Wantage Mummers
Mumming is a ritual play that is well over a thousand years old. Whilst it is traditionally associated with the Christmas period, it is said to be linked with pagan rites showing the triumph of life over death. The Wantage