Gilbert White’s House & Gardens

Located in the picturesque village of Selborne, within the South Downs National Park, this historic site offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of natural history exploration through the lens of three fascinating individuals, White himself, and Lawrence and Frank Oates.

A pioneering naturalist's home

Discover the life and legacy of Gilbert White, an 18th-century naturalist considered the David Attenborough of his day. Explore his house and learn about White's meticulous observations of the natural world around him, documented in his book The Natural History of Selborne, which remains in print to this day. See the original manuscript and other fascinating artefacts.

Restored gardens

Designed to reflect 18th-century aesthetics, 25 acres of beautifully restored gardens and parkland boast a curated selection of plants that would have been familiar to White.

Legacy of exploration

The Oates Collections, housed within the estate, celebrate the accomplishments of two other explorers: Captain Lawrence Oates, a member of the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition to the South Pole, and his uncle Frank Oates, a naturalist who explored Victoria Falls. Visitors can delve into their stories through exhibits showcasing artefacts, photographs, and original footage.

Brewery

White opened his brewhouse in 1765 and the museum still holds his original brewing records. The brewhouse has now been opened as a Nano Brewery using local hops and providing craft beer to the local community. A selection of beers are for sale in the museum’s shop and by the pint in the nearby Jubilee Tap.