Gilbert White's House & Gardens

About the museum

Gilbert White's House, called The Wakes, was bought by his grandfather in 1726 and became the family home. Its oldest part dates from the 16th century, and White added the Great Parlour in 1777. From his study here, White wrote The Natural History of Selborne, first published in 1789, one of the best-known works of English nature writing.

When the house came up for sale in the 1950s, a trust formed to buy it as a museum but could not afford it. Robert Washington Oates, a book collector and natural history enthusiast, provided the funds, on condition that the museum honour both Gilbert White and the Oates family. It opened in 1955 as a memorial library and museum and has had several names since.

The upper floors tell the stories of the explorers Frank Oates, who travelled in southern Africa and to Victoria Falls, and Lawrence Oates, a member of Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole. The ground floor has period rooms restored using White's letters, and the grounds include about 25 acres of gardens and parkland with a kitchen garden, wildlife garden and meadow.

Highlights

• Gilbert White's study with his writing desk
• Original manuscript of The Natural History of Selborne
• Bed hangings embroidered by his aunts in the early 18th century
• Oates Collections on Frank and Lawrence Oates
• 25 acres of restored gardens and parkland

Permanent exhibitions

• Gilbert White's House – Period rooms including the old kitchen, Great Parlour, bedchamber and study show how the naturalist lived and worked.
• The Oates Collections – The upper floors present the lives and travels of the explorers Frank Oates and Lawrence Oates through objects, specimens and personal belongings.

Founded

1955

Operated by

Gilbert White's House (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Prices are the standard rate; online and at the desk a Gift Aid price about 10 percent higher is also shown (for example £18.15 for an adult). Tickets are valid for one day. RHS members enter the garden free Tuesday to Thursday and pay an extra £5 to add the house. Visitors arriving sustainably (bicycle, bus or train) receive 50 percent off admission at the front desk. Vouchers, offers and membership cards must be used at the desk, not booked online.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The ground floor of the house, the café and the shop have level or ramped access. The first floor (Oates Galleries, bedchamber, study) is reached by stairs only; an Access Point in the Discovery Room, a video of the upper rooms and an audio descriptive tour of the house are available. Non-motorised wheelchairs can be borrowed free (reserve by phone). Portable hearing loops are available at reception and where videos are shown. Two accessible Blue Badge bays are in the car park behind the Selborne Arms. Quiet areas and two SEND backpacks are available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Family tickets are available and there are seasonal holiday activities, for example an October half-term folklore activity best for ages 5 and over. Children can dress up in 18th-century clothing in the Great Parlour. Baby changing is in the Discovery Room and in the café, and pushchairs can be stored at reception. Highchairs are available in the café.

Getting there & parking

The village is on the B3006. The Hangers Way footpath links Selborne with Alton and Petersfield. Bicycle racks are on site. The High Street entrance is level and paved.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with seasonal lunches and cakes using produce from the kitchen garden; Gilbert White's Brewery and the Jubilee Tap are also on site. Gift shop on the ground floor. Bicycle racks.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 150 guests.

Weddings, parties and celebrations of life as well as meetings. The 16th-century Heritage Barn holds up to 100 seated or 150 for a drinks reception; the Ponting Room has AV equipment.

Plan your visit