Gilbert White's House & Gardens

East Hampshire

Type:Museum

High Street, Selborne, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3JH

Tel: +44 01420 511275

Gilbert White's House & Garden

About

Discover the beautifully restored house and gardens of natural history pioneer Gilbert White. Regarded as the ‘Father of Ecology’, White’s book ‘The Natural History of Selborne’ is the fourth most published book in the English language. The book is a series of letters and observations between White and his fellow naturalists, Thomas Pennant and Daines Barrington, exploring wildlife in their local areas and how the species responded to changing seasons (phenological observations). 

A testament to White’s legacy, ‘The Natural History of Selborne’ has never been out of print since its first publication in 1789. White is also renowned for major discoveries, including identifying the harvest mouse, chiff chaff and noctule bat.

Located in Selborne, a stunning corner of the South Downs National Park, Gilbert White’s 17th century home is now a museum open to visitors. Museum highlights include, the original manuscript of ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, White’s 18th century floral embroidered bed covers and White’s taxidermy hawfinch. 

The museum also hosts collections belonging to Lawrence Oates, who was part of the fateful Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole, and the collection of Lawrence’s uncle, Frank Oates, who was a naturalist. There are interactives, original footage and children’s activities throughout the museum.

The extensive 18th century gardens have also been restored to their former glory for visitors to explore, with cottage, herb and kitchen gardens, as well as sweeping lawns and a wildflower meadow. 


Visitors can enjoy brunch, lunch and afternoon tea at the café. Dogs are welcome in the café. There is also a farm shop and gift shop, which offer organic produce from the garden, honey, jam and Gilbert’s craft beer from the onsite 1765 brewhouse. Plants and seed packets are also available to purchase. The gift shop is filled with nature inspired gifts, making brilliant presents for all the family. The shop stocks a diverse array of eco-products, from a variety of local craftspeople.

Pop in for a pint at the Jubilee Tap, after your visit! Located just across the High Street, opposite the museum, the Tap Room is a friendly and relaxed bar, where the public can try the Gilbert White range of beers from the restored brewhouse. Brewing was a part of White's life and something in which he took pleasure in. By opening the Tap Room visitors can now fully experience one of White's past times and step back into history by tasting brews made with his recipes. Tap Room opening times: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 17:30-9:00pm. Last orders 8:30pm.

The 16th Century rustic barn, nestled below the Selborne Hanger in the grounds of Gilbert White’s House & Gardens, is also available for private hire and weddings. With glorious views over the tranquil meadow it is the perfect location for more intimate ceremonies and receptions. Couples have the opportunity to work with Gilbert White’s Brewery, to make their own loving brew for their special day.


Events are held throughout the year, from outdoor theatre, to talks to children’s trails. Our biggest annual events include the family friendly Nature Day and the Unusual Plants Fair. The museum also takes part in the annual Jane Austen Regency Week, as both White and Austen had shared connections to places and people in the area. 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
(student or over 60) Full Entry:£17.00 per ticket
Adult£18.00 per ticket
Child (under 16)£6.00 per ticket
Child (under 5)Free
Family (2 Adults + 3 Children)£38.00 per ticket
Garden only£12.00 per ticket

These tickets are valid for one year from date of purchase, excluding special event days. On your return please present your ticket along with a form of ID. There are also special rates for groups.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide Dogs Permitted
  • Wheelchair user accessible - Wheelchair adapted picnic benches. A non-motorised wheelchair is free to borrow from reception. Disabled toilets in the café and museum.

Catering

  • On-Site cafe/restaurant - On-Site café/restaurant – serving brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am-4.30pm. The Jubilee Tap bar serves the Gilbert White range of beers, alongside sharing platters, wine and cocktails. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 17:30-9:00pm. Last orders 8:30pm

Establishment Features

  • Conference facilities
  • Dogs Accepted - in the garden only.
  • Event Venue - Events and conference venue, contact events@gilbertwhiteshouse.co.uk Wedding contact weddings@gilbertwhiteshouse.co.uk
  • Toilets

Parking & Transport

  • On site parking - hand in your registration number to reception on arrival to access free parking
  • Parking (free)

Payment Methods

  • American Express accepted
  • Delta accepted
  • Groups Accepted
  • Maestro Accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Solo accepted
  • Special group rates
  • Visa accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Indoor Attraction
  • No Smoking Attraction
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Village Location

Specialist Features

  • Family Fun

Tours and Demonstrations

  • Educational Visits Accepted - For educational visits to the Field Studies Centre contact: fsc@gilbertwhiteshouse.co.uk
  • Guided Tours Available for Groups - For house and garden tours available to groups contact: info@gilbertwhiteshouse.co.uk

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Nearest major road is A3. Selborne is on the B3006 from Alton to the A3. Postcode for the car park is GU34 3BN. To access the car park when travelling from Alton, go past the museum and straight after passing the Selborne Arms pub take the first right, then travel through there pub car park and up to the museum car park. Remember to hand in your registration at reception to access free parking.

Public Transport Directions

The nearest stations are Alton, Petersfield and Liss. The 38 bus between Alton and Petersfield runs through Selborne, the nearest bus stop is the Selborne Arms. Remember to check bus and train times before you travel.

Awards

  • Regional and Miscellaneous -Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20- Commended Beautiful South Awards Winners 2019/20- Commended 2019
  • Tourism South East Award -Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze Tourism South East Member 23/24 - Bronze 2023

Opening Times

01 January to 31 March (4 Jan 2023 - 31 Mar 2023)
DayTimes
Tuesday - Sunday10:30 - 16:30
01 April to 30 June (1 Apr 2023 - 30 June 2023)
DayTimes
Tuesday - Sunday10:30 - 17:00
01 July to 30 September (1 July 2023 - 30 Sept 2023)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:30 - 17:00
01 October to 31 October (1 Oct 2023 - 31 Oct 2023)
DayTimes
Tuesday - Sunday10:30 - 17:00
01 November - 31 December (1 Nov 2023 - 31 Dec 2023)
DayTimes
Tuesday - Sunday10:30 - 16:30
Christmas Eve - 24 December (24 Dec 2023)
DayTimes
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

* Cafe Opening Times 2023
Tues - Sun, 10:00 - 16.30

We are also open on Bank Holidays, and Easter Monday, opening times may depend on events happening at the museum and in the cafe.

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