Gilbert White's House & Garden and The Oates Collection , Hampshire

Gilbert White (1720 – 1793) was a pioneering English naturalist and ornithologist.
Gilbert's family moved into this house around 1728. At that time the property would have been no more than a small 2 bedroom house but over the years the house was extended creating the sizeable property you see today.

The rooms have been restored following descriptions in White’s letters and include a chair he used at Oriel College, Oxford, items of contemporary furniture, family portraits and bed hangings embroidered for him by his aunts. The house also contains the original manuscript of his book, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne.

The garden was also restored to its 18th century state based on White's descriptions.

The Oates Collection exhibits focus on the lives and adventures of two members of the Oates Family, pioneers and explorers of the natural world.

On display in the Frank Oates Gallery is a stunning display of Central American birds collected from his travels there. The Gallery also details his fateful journey to Africa, begun in 1873, with displays of various artefacts and specimens he collected during his trek from Durban, through Natal, Transvaal and finally to Matebeleland and the Victoria Falls.

The life of Captain Lawrence Oates (1880 – 1912), nephew to Frank, is celebrated in the next gallery. The Lawrence Oates Gallery explains the life and tragic death of the soldier and explorer.

There is a gift shop and tea parlor in the grounds.

Opening Times

1st January – 30th January Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm
1st February – 31st March Tuesday-Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm
1st April – 30th October Tuesday-Sunday 10.30am-5.15pm
1st November – 23rd December Tuesday- Sunday 10.30am-4.30pm

Open on Bank Holiday Mondays, and Mondays in June, July & August

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Ticket Prices

Adult £7.95
Concession £6.95
Under 16 £2.50
Under 5 Free
Family Ticket (2A + 3C) £18.50
Pre-booked group of 10 or more £5.95
Garden Only £5.50

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01420 511275
Email: info@gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

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