Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access free parking?
The car park is behind the Selborne Arms pub, GU34 3BN.
As a visitor to Gilbert White's House & Gardens all can benefit from free parking when we are open (parking charges apply out of hours for all, including annual pass holders).
All visitors (including annual pass holders) MUST hand in their car registration to Reception on every visit to the site and can only access free parking in our car park during our opening hours.
There is a small car parking charge for those NOT using the museum or café. There are 13 signs around the car park that will explain how to pay. If the car park is full, we will endeavour to open the Ewell field for additional parking. This will be clearly sign posted. Please note it is not always possible for us to open the field for additional parking, as it is weather dependent, and sometimes hired for exclusive use by private parties.
How do annual passes work?
If you buy admission at the standard rate either online or in person you will receive an annual pass. This annual pass will expire one year from your purchase and can be used to visit the house and gardens as many times as you like.
Annual passes are not issued to anyone not paying the standard rate (i.e. using an offer or voucher or having purchased a discounted ticket). Annual passes are not valid on fundraising event days such as the Unusual Plants Fair or Christmas Fair.
If you have an annual pass, you still need to come into reception and you always need to enter your car registration. Annual passes do not equal a year’s free parking. Annual passes are different to being a member, to find out more about membership click here.
How can I access the site by public transport?
We are keen for our visitors to use more sustainable modes of transport, however, we are in a rural area so we would advise that anyone visiting us on public transport research their route before setting off.
Train: Our nearest train stations are Alton, Petersfield and Liss. They have regular trains to and from London Waterloo and have bus and taxi links.
Bus: The 38 buses between Alton and Petersfield run through Selborne, our nearest bus stop is the Selborne Arms. Please check before you travel as this bus service is limited.
Taxis: You can get a taxi from Alton, Liss or Petersfield. At Alton there is a taxi rank outside the train station and outside The Swan Hotel.
Bicycle: We are a popular resting spot for cyclists, and there are bicycle racks opposite the café where you can lock up your bicycle.
What are your opening times?
Winter:
Museum 10.30am-4.00pm
Café 9.30am-3.30pm
Summer:
Museum 10.30am-5pm
Café 9.30am-4.30pm
Are you open on Mondays?
We are not open on Mondays during the Winter period, but we are open between 1st of July to 30th of September and bank holidays.
How can I get a ticket to visit?
The easiest thing to do is pop along to reception on the day and purchase your ticket on the door. Or you can purchase your ticket online via this link: https://gilbert-white-house-and-gardens.arttickets.org.uk/gilbert-whites-house-gardens
How does family ticket allocation work?
A family ticket is £38 and includes two adults and up to three children. Please note your ticket is valid for a full year (excluding events).
Do you have concession tickets?
Yes, there are concession tickets available for people over the age of sixty and students with a valid student ID card, the admission price is £15. Please note your ticket is valid for a full year (excluding events).
What is the price of a child ticket?
Under-five’s go free. For children under sixteen the admission price is £5. Please note the ticket is valid for a full year (excluding events).
Is there food served on site?
Yes, there is a cafe where you can purchase a variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, cakes ,, pastries and large or light lunches. Open between 9.30am-4.30pm during the summer period, and 9.30am-4pm during the Winter (please note the café is closed on Mondays during the Winter period).
Do you have vegan and gluten free options?
There are vegan and gluten free options available.
Is the Oates collection part of the museum?
Yes there are exhibitions of the Oates collections on the second floor of the museum.
How accessible is the site and house?
Visitors with disabilities are admitted at the standard rate, but on request the accompanying carer, personal assistant or companion is given free entry. The museum welcomes visitors with disabilities and we will do all that we can if any assistance is needed. Portable hearing loops are located where we offer video presentations.
The ground floor of the house, the café and the gift shop have level or ramped access. The second floor, which houses the Oates Galleries and Gilbert White’s Bedchamber and Study, is only accessible via the stairs, there is no lift. However, upon request you can see a video that shows you the less accessible areas of the museum. There is also an audio descriptive tour of the house.
The car park entrance is a gravel path with a steady decline and can be difficult for those using mobility aids. We suggest the use of the High Street entrance, which is level and paved, you are welcome to pull up to our High Street entrance to drop off.
There are two designated access parking bays, in our car park, GU34 3BN, up behind the Selborne Arms. The two designated bays are located near the wooden pedestrian entrance gate, near to the far right of the car park. Look for the iron arched sign over the gateway entrance. Blue badge holders like all visitors MUST hand in their car registration number on every visit, (parking charges will apply out of hours).
How accessible is the garden?
The garden is accessible on well-kept grass and paths specially laid with very shallow gravel.
There are several wheelchair adapted picnic benches throughout the grounds for use during the summer period. The parkland beyond the garden is sloping and laid to rough grass. The museum has a non-motorised wheelchair which visitors are free to borrow. Please enquire at reception or call (01420) 511275 during opening hours to reserve the wheelchair for your visit.
Do you have a disability toilet and baby changing facilities?
Located at the far end of the Discovery Room, there is an accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities. There is also a disabled toilet and baby changing facilities at the end of the cafe.
Do you have a cloakroom and pushchair facilities?
Visitors are welcome to leave pushchairs next to the reception area upon request.
Are dogs welcome?
We welcome dogs on our site. Dogs are welcome on a lead in the grounds and in the café. Dogs are not permitted inside the house unless they are a service dog.
I have an old copy of ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, what should I do with it?
We have thousands of copies of editions of ‘The Natural History of Selborne’, so it is unlikely that we do not already have your edition in the collection. But please do share with us the details of your edition to collections@gilbertwhiteshouse.co.uk and if it is of something of interest to the museum we will be in touch with regards to acquiring it.
Alternatively, if you would still like to donate your book, we sell second hand copies in the shop and the proceeds will go towards the charity.