Looking for an action-packed summer of nature activities to keep your children busy and inspired? Our Wild Wednesdays at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens in Selborne, Hampshire might just be the perfect thing. Each Wednesday throughout the summer holidays, you and your family can soak up the fresh air and enjoy fun-filled nature experiences, exploring creatures and their habitats in the very landscape that inspired the father of ecology.  

Gilbert White, the pioneering 18th century naturalist and author of The Natural History of Selborne, spent much of his life observing the wildlife surrounding his Hampshire village. Today, his beautiful house and gardens offer a wonderful setting for your children to follow in his footsteps. 

Wild Wednesdays supply a mixture of outdoor fun, discovery and learning. From pond dipping and bug hunting to butterfly sweep netting and dissecting owl pellets. Each week features a different activity theme to celebrate the wildlife which calls Selborne home.  

Pond at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens

Whether your child dreams of being an explorer, scientist or artist, there’s something to fuel their curious mind. Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, Gilbert White’s House and Gardens is the perfect place to connect with nature and the peaceful surroundings of the countryside. Our team of friendly staff and volunteers are always on hand to guide and support you.  

Make a Day of It: Food, Picnics, and Play 

Our Stable Yard Café is open and ready to welcome hungry families with a delicious selection of locally sourced food, drinks, and freshly baked sweet treats. It’s a lovely spot to relax and chat about the day’s discoveries. 

Or, if you prefer to bring your own lunch, our gardens and grounds offer plenty of perfect picnic spots. Spread out a blanket under the trees, listen to birdsong, and soak up the peaceful Hampshire countryside. 

Gilbert White’s Stable Yard Cafe

Share the Fun 

We love seeing your children’s wild moments. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting an insect, the concentration of sifting through pond water, or simply the joy of running through our meadows. Don’t forget to snap a few photos and share your favourite memories on social media using #WildWednesdays. We might even feature you on our pages! 

Plan Your Visit 

Location: Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, Field Studies Centre, Selborne, Hampshire
When: Every Wednesday during the summer holidays
Ages: Activities designed for children aged 5–11
Extras: On-site café and picnic areas available 

With up to 30 acres of land to explore we guarantee you won’t get bored. So, if you’re searching for family-friendly things to do in Hampshire this summer, make Wild Wednesdays your weekly tradition.  

Gilbert White’s House