If you’re seeking a charming slice of English countryside to explore with your furry friend this Summer, we’ve got you covered!
Our House and Gardens are nestled in the heart of Selborne which dwells in the rolling Hampshire Hills. This tranquil little village boasts heaps of nature, history and gorgeous greenery.
Here you can roam around 25 acres of land that was once owned by Gilbert White, a pioneering English naturalist and ecologist born in the 18th century who was best known for his Natural Histories and Antiquities of Selborne. Inspired by the Landscape Movement, Gilbert White’s Garden is characterised by a natural parkland appearance and focuses on creating a picturesque scape comprising unique features.
History lovers will be pleased to hear that some of the historic features of the garden can still be seen such as, the original Haha, the Sundial, Fruit Wall and the Great Oak planted in 1730.
The Six Quarters
The Six Quarters is an area surrounded with walls and hedges, which contains six large flowerbeds.
The Herb Garden
After walking through the Six Quarters, you will find the Herb Garden in a secluded corner of the garden.
It is enclosed within espaliered apple and pear trees; grapevines and roses grow on the wall.
The Naturalists Garden
This area of the garden was originally occupied by an Italianate villa built by Gilbert White’s brother Thomas which was later replaced by a gardener’s cottage. The pond in the naturalists’ garden contains plants first recorded in Hampshire by Gilbert White including Bogbean and Greater Bullrush.
The Meadow
The main meadow is currently managed under a stewardship agreement with Natural England to keep it as a habitat for wildflowers.
The Orchard
In the 18th century Gilbert White grew a wide range of fruit in the garden including apples, pears, plums, apricots, figs, nectarines and peaches. Our fruit trees are mainly on Baker’s Hill near the house, located in the Naturalists Garden and in the orchard near the gardener’s area.
The Kitchen Garden
Gilbert White kept detailed notes on his vegetable and fruit growing in the ‘Garden Kalendar’ between 1751 and 1767. The crops grown in the kitchen garden are either genuine varieties grown by Gilbert White or varieties that represent those grown here in the 18th century. Our aim is to maintain the kitchen garden as a working garden supplying produce to the kitchen and shop.
After a delightful stroll through the gardens, you and your four-legged companion can head over to our charming café for a well-deserved rest and some scrumptious treats. If the sun is shining you could bask outside and soak up the warmth with a cream tea or fresh lemonade, and don’t worry your pup won’t be feeling left out as we’ve got plenty of dog treats and water bowls to keep them cool. Our café also offers a dog friendly section inside, perfect for those colder cloudy days.
Before you leave, be sure to pop into our gift shop, where you’ll find a wonderful selection of eco-products, from a variety of local craftspeople. It’s the perfect place to pick up a memorable present or a little something for your four-legged companion to remind you of your visit.
With beautifully preserved grounds, open green spaces and vibrant flowers blooming, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll with your canine pal.
We kindly ask that your furry friend is kept on a lead during your visit. Whether you’re exploring the fascinating nature of the gardens or popping into our cosy café for a tasty treat, both you and your pup will find plenty to enjoy here at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens.