Gilbert White's House & Gardens

Alton

Book Gilbert White's House & Gardens tickets and explore nature, history & adventure in Selborne

Step into the former home of pioneering naturalist Gilbert White and discover how one Hampshire village helped shape the study of the natural world. Explore the historic house, uncover stories of exploration in the Oates Collections and wander through 25 acres of gardens and parkland restored using Gilbert White's own records.

  • Explore the historic Selborne home of pioneering naturalist and writer Gilbert White
  • Discover how Gilbert White's observations helped shape the study of ecology
  • See historic rooms, original writings and objects connected to The Natural History of Selborne
  • Follow the journeys of explorers Frank Oates and Lawrence Oates through fascinating displays
  • Discover objects, specimens and personal belongings from expeditions across Africa and Antarctica
  • Wander through 25 acres of gardens and parkland restored to Gilbert White's designs
  • See historic garden features including the Ha-ha, Sundial, Fruit Wall and Great Oak
  • Visit the Six Quarters, Herb Garden, Naturalist's Garden and wildlife-rich meadow

A historic house, remarkable explorers & 25 acres of gardens

Begin inside The Wakes, the historic home of Gilbert White, where rooms, writings and displays introduce the man behind The Natural History of Selborne. Long before nature documentaries and wildlife apps, Gilbert was carefully recording the animals, plants and seasonal changes he saw around his Hampshire home.

Upstairs, the Oates Collections take the story of natural discovery far beyond Selborne. Follow Frank Oates on his travels through Africa and Central America, then discover the story of Lawrence Oates and the Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole. Original drawings, writings, specimens, artefacts and personal belongings bring each journey to life.

  • Gilbert White's House: Explore the home of the pioneering naturalist and discover the rooms and surroundings in which he lived and worked
  • The Natural History of Selborne: Learn how Gilbert White's careful observations of local wildlife became one of the most influential works of natural history
  • Oates Collections: Discover objects, specimens and personal belongings connected to explorers Frank Oates and Lawrence Oates
  • Frank Oates: Follow a Victorian naturalist's journeys through Central America and southern Africa, including his travels to Victoria Falls
  • Lawrence Oates: Explore the story of the soldier and polar explorer who joined Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole
  • Gilbert's Garden: Wander through gardens recreated using the notes and observations recorded in Gilbert White's Garden Kalendar
  • Six Quarters: Explore six large flowerbeds planted with species known to have been grown by Gilbert White during the 18th century
  • Herb Garden: Discover a formal garden filled with herbs, fruit trees, grapevines and roses
  • Naturalist's Garden: See a wildlife-friendly pond, historic fruit varieties and plants first recorded in Hampshire by Gilbert White
  • Historic Features: Look out for the original Ha-ha, Sundial, Fruit Wall and Great Oak planted in 1730
  • Meadow and Parkland: Explore a landscape managed to support wildflowers, bats, bank voles and other wildlife

Seasonal flowers, heritage plants and wildlife mean the gardens offer something different throughout the year. Follow the paths, slow things down and see what you can spot. Gilbert White would certainly approve.

After exploring, stop at White's Café for freshly prepared lunches, homemade cakes and hot drinks, with seasonal ingredients grown in the Kitchen Garden whenever possible. Food and drink are not included with admission.

Book Gilbert White's House & Gardens tickets today and enjoy a Hampshire day out filled with historic rooms, remarkable journeys and plenty of space to reconnect with the natural world.

Location

Gilbert White's House and Gardens

The Wakes,
High Street,
Selborne,
Alton,
Hampshire,
GU34 3JH
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How to find us

Gilbert White's House & Gardens is located on the High Street in Selborne, Hampshire.

  • By car: Selborne is on the B3006, which can be reached from the A31 and A3. Use GU34 3BN for the visitor car park behind the Selborne Arms rather than the museum's postal address.
  • Parking: Visitor parking is free during the attraction's opening hours. Give your vehicle registration number to reception every time you visit.
  • Accessible parking: Two designated accessible bays are available in the main car park. One additional accessible space is located opposite the museum near the village green but cannot be booked.
  • By train: The nearest railway stations are Alton and Liss. Both have connections with London Waterloo and bus links towards Selborne.
  • By bus: The number 38 bus between Alton and Petersfield stops in Selborne. Leave at the Selborne Arms and check the latest timetable before travelling.
  • By bicycle: Bicycle racks are available on site.
  • By foot: Selborne is connected to nearby towns and villages by several footpaths, including the Hangers Way between Alton and Petersfield.
  • From the car park: Follow the gravel path from behind the Selborne Arms towards the house and gardens, then follow the attraction signs.
  • From the High Street: The house is opposite the church and Jubilee Tap.
Facilities
  • White's Café
  • Gift shop
  • Baby-changing facilities in the house and café
  • Highchairs in the café
  • Pushchair storage available at reception
  • Portable hearing loops at reception and video presentations
  • Wheelchairs available to reserve in advance
  • Accessible toilets
  • Quiet areas for neurodivergent visitors
  • Two SEND backpacks available from reception
  • Audio-described tour of the house
  • Alternative video showing areas that cannot be reached without using stairs
  • Two designated accessible parking bays
  • Level drop-off point at the High Street entrance
  • Bicycle racks
  • Free visitor parking during attraction opening hours
  • Assistance dogs welcome
More Info
Is Gilbert White’s House & Gardens wheelchair accessible?

The ground floor of the house, café and gift shop have level or ramped access. However, the first-floor galleries are only accessible by stairs and there is no lift. An alternative video is available showing the less-accessible museum areas. Some garden paths may also be uneven, steep or affected by wet weather.

Can I borrow a wheelchair at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens?

Yes. Wheelchairs can be reserved in advance by calling the attraction on 01420 511275.

Does Gilbert White’s House & Gardens offer carer tickets?

Yes. Visitors with access requirements pay the standard admission rate, but a necessary accompanying carer, personal assistant or companion can receive free entry on request.

Who was Gilbert White?

Gilbert White was a pioneering 18th-century naturalist and the author of The Natural History of Selborne. His detailed observations of animals, plants and seasonal changes helped shape the study of ecology and the natural world.

What does general admission to Gilbert White’s House & Gardens include?

General admission includes access to Gilbert White’s historic home, the museum, the Oates Collections and 25 acres of gardens and parkland. Separately advertised events, workshops, tours, food and drink are not automatically included.

How large are the gardens at Gilbert White’s House?

The attraction has 25 acres of gardens and parkland restored to Gilbert White’s designs. The grounds include flower gardens, wildlife areas, historic features and meadowland.

Is Gilbert White’s House & Gardens suitable for children?

Yes. The house, explorer galleries and gardens can be enjoyed by families, although some historic displays may be more engaging for older children. Children under three receive free admission.

Is there food and drink at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens?

Yes. White’s Café serves freshly prepared lunches, homemade cakes, hot drinks and seasonal dishes. The café uses ingredients from the Kitchen Garden where possible. Food and drink are not included with admission.

Is parking available at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens?

Yes. Visitors can use the car park behind the Selborne Arms at GU34 3BN. Parking is free during the attraction’s opening hours, but visitors must give their vehicle registration to reception every time they visit. Parking charges apply outside opening hours.

Is Gilbert White’s House & Gardens suitable for neurodivergent visitors?

The attraction provides specific quiet areas, two SEND backpacks and a downloadable visual story. Contact the visitor team before travelling if you need help planning a quieter or more predictable visit.

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