Events – Please keep checking for updates and changes.
2013
May and June
Wild at White’s African Safari
Saturday 25th May – Sunday 2nd June
Entry: Normal Admission
Follow in the footsteps of Victorian Explorer Frank Oates this Summer Half-Term with an “African Safari” for the whole family to enjoy at Gilbert White’s House & Garden. Hunt for the now-extinct Quagga hidden in our famous gardens throughout the holiday, from Saturday 25th May to Sunday 2nd June. Enjoy lunches and tea-time treats in the Tea Parlour before discovering more about Frank Oates in our dedicated gallery.
21st Unusual Plants Fair
Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th June
10.30am – 5.00pm
Admission for Plant Fair and Gardens only: £6 Adults, £2.50 Children, Under 5s FREE

Join us this Father’s Day weekend for our 21st anniversary of all things unusual in plants here at Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection! Set against the backdrop of the stunning Selborne Hanger, the ancient parkland provides the perfect showcase for specialist growers and suppliers from across southern England. The Unusual Plants Fair offers such a diversity of plants, bulbs, seed, trees, accessories and expertise; it is a joy for hardy or novice gardeners alike!
Tickets for the Unusual Plants Fair and Garden only may be purchased at a special discounted rate of £6.00 at the Gracious Street field entrance. Alternatively, admission to the Unusual Plants Fair is included in the cost of a full Museum ticket, purchased at the High Street entrance.
There is ample free car parking on-site, plus a plant crèche with wheelbarrow service to the field car park. Refreshments, including a hog roast or barbecue, will be available or take a picnic to enjoy the tranquillity, simple charm and beauty of Gilbert White’s Garden.
Find out more about past Unusual Plants Fairs here, and keep checking this page for the latest details!
Please note as this is a fundraising event, Season Passes, Residents’ Passes, and ‘2 for 1’ vouchers are not valid.
Regency-Style Costume Making Workshop
Sunday 30th June, 11am-4.30pm
Part of Alton’s Jane Austen Regency Week
Limited Places – pre-booking essential: £10.00
Bring History to life with our Museum Volunteering Project, helping to add to the collection of period-style clothes and accessories worn by Volunteers and Team Members on special event days at Gilbert White’s House. Some basic sewing experience is preferred. We will be using hand and machine techniques, using a commercial pattern to create and accessorise one or two Regency outfits. Tickets include a morning coffee, light buffet lunch and afternoon tea.
Click to see the Costume Making Workshop Flyer
Ticket includes refreshments.
Book now in the museum, or by calling: 01420 511 275
July
Teddy Bear Trail & Picnic

Throughout July
Part of the Hampshire Food Festival organised by Hampshire Fare
Entry: Standard admission, with FREE entry for all children under 16 accompanied by a Teddy Bear and full-paying adult.
If you go down to Gilbert’s Garden in July, you’re sure for a pleasant surprise! A trail of teddy bears awaits for children at Gilbert White’s House & Garden and The Oates Collection, to identify all the yummy local produce that makes up the best picnic! With free entry for all children accompanied by a teddy bear and adult, this is the perfect time to enjoy your own glorious summer picnic, here in over 30 acres of beautiful parkland and garden.
August
Gilbert’s Games & Country Fair
Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th August
Admission to the House, Garden and Games: £7 Adults, £2 Children, Under 5s FREE
Gilbert’s Games & Country Fair promises to be fun and games for all the family – whatever their age or ability. Take part or compete in some traditional 18th century games and pastimes including stool ball, Aunt Sally, croquet, cricket and melon rolling! Watch local crafts people demonstrate their skills, and cheer on your favourite to win the Ferret Racing; all in Gilbert’s beautiful House and Garden.
Entry includes the House, Garden and participation in the Games at no extra cost! Some activities may not be suitable for younger children; all children should be accompanied by an adult. More information to follow.
Please note as this is a fundraising event, Season Passes, Residents’ Passes, and ‘2 for 1’ vouchers are not valid on Special Event Days.
Jane Austen’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’ Outdoor Theatre Production

By the Chapterhouse Theatre Company
Sunday 25th August, gates open from 6.30pm
Admission: Adults £13.50, Students & Children £9, Families £40 (2 Adults+2 Child), 10% discount for parties of 10 or more.
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company at Gilbert White’s this summer, for an evening of Regency wonderment with Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility. Bring a picnic along with family and friends to the elegant setting of Gilbert White’s famous Garden, and lose yourself in the tale of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood’s quest for love.
With a 10% discount for parties of 10 or more, telephone: 01420 511 275 or visit the museum to book your tickets today! Students must hold an NUS card, Children 5-16 years.
October and November
Wild at White’s Apples & Tortoises
Saturday 26th October – Sunday 3rd November
(Museum closed Mondays)
Entry: Normal Admission
More information to follow.
December
Mulled Wine Day
Sunday 1st December
Festive Celebrations at Gilbert White’s. More information to follow.
Please note as this is a fundraising event, Season Passes, Residents’ Passes, and ‘2 for 1’ vouchers are not valid on Special Event Days.
Regency Dance
Saturday 7th December, 7.30pm-11pm
More information on tickets to follow.
