Wantage is an attractive market town in the Vale of White Horse in South Oxfordshire. In addition to serving as a social and shopping hub for the surrounding villages, Wantage has a strong creative presence, hosting several art and culture events through the year.
Each summer, a month-long music and arts festival takes place in and around Wantage, featuring dozens of events. The Wantage literary festival in October pays homage to Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman, and has grown over the years to include literature, comedy, history, science and the arts.
In the heart of the town centre there is a statue of King Alfred who was born in Wantage. Regular markets are hosted around the statue in the town square, including a twice weekly farmers market, French and Italian markets and a Christmas Dickensian evening. Spanning out from the square are a wide range of shops, independent restaurants and cafes, cobbled streets and passages with 17th and 18th century buildings.
The famous Uffington White Horse and ancient Ridgeway footpath are nearby, with spectacular views and walks. Letcombe Brook runs through Wantage and Grove, home to protected species it offers opportunities for paddling and discovery walks.
Transport links
Wantage is situated within 20 miles of Oxford, Swindon and Newbury
There are excellent bus services to Oxford, running regularly throughout the day and late into the evening.
Didcot Parkway mainline train station is 9 miles away, with regular direct trains reaching London in 45 minutes.