Gilbert White’s House & Gardens

About

Discover the beautifully restored house and gardens of natural history pioneer Gilbert White (1720-1793). 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 1789 book is a series of letters and observations, exploring how wildlife responds to changing seasons (phenological observations). White is also renowned for major discoveries, including identifying the harvest mouse, chiff chaff and noctule bat.

House:

Both the original manuscript and an interactive digital edition, alongside thousands of other editions in our museum are held on the ground floor. The house brings together White’s life work, personal experiences and friendships, all set in his 17th century home which has been brought back to life by restorers.

Several exhibitions are held throughout the year in our discovery room, (ground floor).

There are places to sit throughout the museum and disabled toilets. A wheelchair is available for use from reception. Please note there is no lift to the second floor, there are stairs with handrails. Portable hearing loops are located where we offer video presentations.

Gardens:

Located in the South Downs National Park, the site hosts beautiful 18th century gardens. With sweeping lawns and blooming cottage gardens there is lots to explore. There are no more than three steps outside. There is also a gently sloping meadow, where wildflowers grow, attracting lots of insects and small mammals, and consequently bats and lots of birds, from kestrels to swallows.

There is an accessible wheelchair picnic bench on the lawn. There is lots of seating throughout the main gardens.

Events:

There are children’s trails throughout the year and special holiday events. Outdoor theatre, talks, workshops and fayres are also held for adults and families in the level access venues.

Café:

Visitors can enjoy brunch, lunch and afternoon tea at the café. Craft beer is brewed at the original 1765 brewhouse. Fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden are incorporated into the dishes and any extra produce is sold in the café.

The café caters for dietary requirements, with vegetarian dishes always available and gluten free and vegan dishes available on request (it is advised that those with very restrictive dietary requirements pre-book).  

The café main dining area is a level access venue, with a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities.

Shop/Reception:

The shop is filled with nature inspired gifts, making brilliant presents for all the family. There is boutique jewellery, clothing, accessories, nature-themed books, toys and sustainable homeware products and cards by local artists. Honey from the onsite beehives and jams and gins produced from the years’ fruits are also available to purchase.

The shop is a level access venue, with a ramp leading to it.

Weddings:

Our 13th century barn set in the wildflower meadow is a perfect location for an accessible wedding, with the barn being entirely level access and having a disabled toilet. There is a level access entrance from the car park into the barn, and from the barn onto the meadow.