Access
The museum welcomes visitors with access needs and we will do all that we can if any assistance is needed. There are plenty of places to sit throughout the house and gardens.
From the Car Park
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 every visit, (parking charges will apply out of hours).
The car park entrance is a gravel path with a steady decline, and is 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.
The House/Museum
The ground floor of the house, the café and the Gift Shop have level or ramped access. The first floor, which houses the Oates Galleries and Gilbert White’s Bedchamber, Legacy Room and Study, is only accessible via stairs: there is no lift. However, upon request you see a video that shows you the less accessible areas of the museum. There is also an audio descriptive tour of the house.
The courtyard entrance to the House and Gardens is via a ramp or a short flight of shallow, paved steps. The steps and ramp have handrails on both sides. The entrance is clearly marked beside the door. The reception desk, shop and way in to the museum galleries are located here.
The Museum is housed in an historic building with uneven floors and is on several levels, reached by steps. There is no lift access to the upper floors.
On entering the galleries from the Reception area, there is a slightly raised threshold into the Little Parlour. From there, there is level access into the Great Parlour, or ramped access along a corridor into Bell’s Library and the Discovery Room. A small ramp leads from the Little Parlour to the Rear Hall, from where there are four steps down into the Kitchen (which has a viewing platform at the entrance to the room). The first floor is accessible via the Rear Stairs (13 steps); a further 8 steps lead up to the Legacy Room from the landing, which also provides level access to the Bedroom and Study. A further 9 steps lead into the Frank Oates Gallery and the Lawrence Oates Gallery, from where a further staircase (9 + 14 steps) leads down to the Discovery Room. Visitors return via the ground floor rooms to the Exit. An Access Point providing further information for visitors who are unable to reach the first floor is located in The Discovery Room.
There is an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities in the Discovery Room.
The Garden
The garden is accessible from the house via Bell’s Library or via the Stable Yard Courtyard.
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. 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 – just ask at Reception or call (01420) 511275 during opening hours to reserve a wheelchair for your visit.
The Café
The café is mostly wheelchair accessible on the left hand side of the counter there are some uneven floors and small steps, but the right side is fully accessible. There is an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities in the cafe.
The Jubilee Tap
There is a step up into the Jubilee Tap however a ramp can be requested. the toilet in the taproom is not fully accessible.
Please click here to see our visual story to see the spaces at Gilbert White’s House
Admission
Visitors with access needs are admitted at the standard rate, but on request the necessary accompanying carer, personal assistant or companion is given free entry.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome at the Museum.
Visual Impaired Visitors
There is an audio descriptive guide that you may request at reception. Large print versions of the House & Garden guides are coming soon.
D/deaf or hard of hearing visitors
Portable hearing loops are located where we offer video presentations and at reception.
Neurodiversity
Quiet Areas: On the whole the museum is a quiet place to visit, particularly on weekdays during term time, however we no specific quiet areas. In the Discovery Room we have an area with sofas and a toy box and books to enjoy if you need to get away from it all.
SEND Backpacks: There are two SEND backpacks at reception. Which include items to help the user engage with the site or keep them busy whilst their companions look around the museum.
Baby Changing & Pushchair accessibility
There are baby changing stations at the house and café. Highchairs are available to use in the café. You are welcome to leave a pram or pushchair at reception whilst you look round the house/museum.