Events
Our events calendar is updated weekly, so please keep checking for the latest updates and changes.
FEBRUARY
Sunday 5th February
Snowdrop Weekend
Don’t miss the opportunity to join a garden tour on Sunday morning – these will be run at regular intervals – and a fascinating talk on snowdrops by our resident expert at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.
All are invited to come and celebrate the awakening of spring at Gilbert White’s House & Garden! The dainty snowdrops are expected to be looking their best early February, delicately blanketing Baker’s Hill with their pretty, nodding heads. Varieties pushing through the cold and frosty ground include Galanthus Nivalis, Galanthus Plicatus and Galanthus Elwisii.
Saturday 11th – Sunday 19th February
Half-Term Children’s Activities: Antarctic Adventures
The penguins will be on parade for this week-long array of Antarctic-themed activities for children of all ages! Have a go at pulling the sledge, discover the small rations that explorers survived on, try on some expedition clothes plus see if you can solve the clues and follow the map to reach our temporary South Pole where you can raise the Union Flag!
Normal museum admission applies.
MARCH
Saturday 10th March
The Official Opening of the New Lawrence Oates Galleries
All are welcome to attend the much anticipated official opening of our exciting, new and interactive galleries to commemorate the life of Antarctic Hero Captain Lawrence Oates who died 100 years ago this month.Conducting the official opening will be Oates’ great Nephew Bryan Oates, and Ed Parker, co founder of the charity Walking With The Wounded (recently seen in the BBC1 documentary ‘Harry’s Arctic Heroes’ which saw wounded servicemen trek to the North Pole).
Normal museum admission applies.
Saturday 17th March 10am-4pm
Workshop: Flowers in Watercolour with Jan Harbon
This is the only chance this year for keen artists, experienced or beginner, to learn from renowned watercolour artist Jan Harbon in the inspiring surroundings of our beautiful 16th century barn.Refreshments and a sandwich buffet lunch are provided plus afternoon tea and cake.Tickets £70. Please telephone 01420 511275 to book – ONLY FOUR PLACES REMAINING!
APRIL
Saturday 31st March – Sunday 15th April
Easter Holiday Activities: Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza!
Come and explore the glorious vistas, the shadowy corners, the quirky features and the atmospheric areas of Gilbert White’s Garden whilst your children or grandchildren hunt for Easter bunnies which are hiding there! Great fun for all the family! Normal museum admission applies.
Thursday 5th – 15th April
Art Exhibition: Drawn to Antarctica by Frances Hatch
A wonderful opportunity to see this delightful exhibition which features paintings, drawings, photographs and sketchbook notes which trace a fascination with Antarctica which began in 2004. Frances explores qualities of anticipation, the immediacy of the journey and her enthusiasm for this stunning landscape with the audience. Normal museum admission charges apply.
MAY
Monday 14th May 10am-4pm
Workshop: The Good Life – Self sufficiency for Beginners with David Standing & Helen de Peyrecave
Whether you harbour dreams of keeping hens in your garden, are interested in producing honey from your own hive of bees or would like to grow your own fruit and vegetables on an allotment, this fascinating workshop is aimed at all those with an interest in following the trend of becoming more self-sufficient. David & Helen, with many years experience, will guide you through the preliminary stages of enjoying the good life and answer your questions.
Tickets £38. Please telephone 01420 511275 to book your place. Refreshments provided but please bring a packed lunch or feel free to lunch in our Tea Parlour.
JUNE
Saturday 2nd –Sunday 10th June
How Does Your Garden Grow? Half-Term Activities
Children of all ages are invited to come along to take part in these fun but interesting activities with a gardening theme. Outdoor clothes and footwear a must!
Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th June 10.30am-5pm
Unusual Plants Fair
Join us for our annual and much-loved plants extravaganza! Over 30 specialist growers of rare and unusual plants, trees, shrubs and seeds will plus unusual garden paraphernalia for sale and to chat and share their knowledge. Pimms & Strawberries bar available. Special reduced price entry all weekend. Free parking in our field.
Thursday 14th June 7pm
Talk and Garden Tour: Roses by award-winning rose experts Catherine & David May
Join us in the beautiful surroundings of Gilbert White’s Garden for this fascinating talk by Catherine & David May of Seal Nurseries Farnham, who are award-winning rose experts, followed by a garden tour.Please telephone 01420 511275 to book. Ticket price TBC.
Thursday 21st June 7.30pm
A Celebration of the Summer Solstice
Gilbert White’s Garden will be open for the evening for those wishing to picnic in the grounds with family and friends and celebrate the Summer Solstice.
JULY
Monday 2nd July 10am-4pm
Workshop: Propagation, Planting & Pruning – a Beginners’ Guide with David Standing
Gardeners old and new may like to take this opportunity to learn from our Head Gardener of over 30 years who had a wealth of horticultural experience and knowledge plus huge enthusiasm which he is keen to share. The topics of propagation, planting and pruning will be tackled, plus questions answered and you will depart with the confidence to improve your own garden however big or small.
Saturday 14th July
Antarctic Themed Summer Lectures & Art Exhibition Preview 90° South – A Virtual Voyage
With our focus this year on the centenary of the death of Antarctic explorer and hero Captain Lawrence Oates, this fascinating one day event offers polar enthusiasts and adventurers the opportunity to listen to a series lectures given by leading experts, plus the chance to view an exhibition of work arising from the British Antarctic Survey scientists.
AUGUST
‘Wild at White’s’ Summer Holiday Activities
Fun, action-packed activities for children of all ages with the opportunity to learn about the countryside whilst letting off steam!
Saturday 4th – Sunday 5th August
Gilbert’s Games & Country Fair
Join us in The Great Mead where local craftsmen and women will be demonstrating their unique talents, selling their wares and encouraging a wider audience to learn ancient skills and crafts. There will also be fun and activities for all the family in the form of a Stool Ball demonstration and tournament, Ferret Racing and Tug o’War plus Gibert’s own Olympics!
Sunday 26th August from 6pm
Open Air Theatre Production: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy and whisks you away on a thrilling journey to the most magical of forests. Star-crossed lovers, playful fairies and raucous travelling players come together to create one of the most fun and frolicsome evenings of the summer. Bring family and friends and enjoy a picnic in the magical setting of Gilbert White’s Garden prior to the performance. Refreshments available.
Tickets: Adults £13.50, Children & Students £9.00, Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 Children) £40.00. 10% discount for parties of 10 or more. Please telephone 01420 511275 to book.
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 22nd September 7.00pm – 11.00pm
Barn Dance in our beautiful 16th century barn
Back by popular demand! Usually home to Gilbert Whites Field Studies Centre, for one night only, our beautiful restored barn will be transformed for a ho-down! A professional caller will lead the dancing with music provided by a live band plus you can tuck in to a traditional ploughmans supper followed by homemade apple pie and custard! Dressing in denim and gingham is compulsory! Bar available. Please telephone 01420 511275 to book.
OCTOBER
Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November
Apples & Tortoises Half-Term Activities
Children of all ages are welcome to come along to enjoy these fun, autumnal themed activities and take part in Timothy the Tortoises’ Trail.
NOVEMBER
Friday 30th November 7.30pm-9.30pm
Regency Dance Workshop
This light-hearted workshop offers the chance to learn the steps of many traditional regency dances from the professionals. Please telephone 01420 511275 to book your place.
DECEMBER
Sunday 2nd December
Mulled Wine Day
Join us for our annual Christmas celebrations! Gilbert White’s House will be bedecked with traditional decorations reflecting the different ages of the building, staff will be in period costume, the shop will be full of inexpensive gifts and the mulled wine and homemade mincepies will be warm and spicy! Take a tour of the winter garden with Gilbert’s manservant Thomas Hoare who will be wassailing the apple trees!
Saturday 8th December 7.30pm-11pm
Regency Ball
A wonderful opportunity to step back in time, don a regency costume and partake Country Dances, Cotillions and Quadrilles! Led by professional regency dancers and accompanied by live musicians in the historic setting of Gilbert White’s House. Dance cards will be provided and a caller will be on hand to talk you through the steps.