Wantage

Welcome to Wantage

Welcome to Wantage, a charming market town nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, renowned for its picturesque streets lined with independent shops, cafés and restaurants. Wantage is most famous as the birthplace of Alfred the Great. A statue of King Alfred, sculpted in 1877 by Count Gleichen, a relative of Queen Victoria, stands in the busy market place. Alfred was born here in AD 849, when Wantage was an important Saxon town.

The chalk hills of the Vale are dotted with prehistoric remains. The Romans established a settlement here, and built a road linking Wantage and Oxford.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day out or planning a short break in Oxfordshire, Wantage is a great base. Explore its rich heritage, wander through bustling markets, browse through a wealth of shops or unwind in the tranquil countryside surrounding this delightful town.

Local walks in and around Wantage

Route 1 – The Dudley Iles Nature Trail Part 1
Route 2 – The Dudley Iles Nature Trail Part 2
Route 3 – Victorian Wantage part 1
Route 4 – Victorian Wantage part 2
Route 5 – Old Grove Walk
Route 6 – White Horse Hill Walk
Route 7 – Stockham Walk
Route 8 – Aeroplane Walk
Route 9 – Springfield Walk
Route 10 – Harcourt

A series of walking routes maps are available – call into the Vale & Downland Museum in Church Street to pick one up or download a copy on wantage.com.

Journey across the Ridgeway

The Ridgeway stretches 140 kilometers and Wantage is a perfect centre from which to explore the beautiful countryside.

Keen walkers and cyclists can find out more about 3-day Ridgeway itineraries, stopping in Wantage.

The Betjeman Bust

A sculpture commemorating well-known former Wantage resident Sir John Betjemen, an English poet, writer and broadcaster, stands proudly outside the Vale & Downland Museum. Sir John Betjemen lived in Wantage between 1951 and 1972.