Visit Selborne
Hampshire, United Kingdom
A beautiful village located in the South Downs National Park, made famous by naturalist Gilbert White and home to many fascinating walks, rare natural sights and beautiful views; particularly from the top of the Zig Zag Path, carved into Selborne Hanger, part of the Hanger’s Way and a route straight up to Selborne Common.
Selborne is a very warm and welcoming village with a strong community spirit. The village hall was refurbished in recent years and provides an ideal venue for various activities, craft fairs, club meetings and the annual ‘Zig Zag Fest’ beer, wine and music festival (held the first weekend in October every year). There's a pub - The Selborne Arms, a bar - The Jubilee Tap, La Luna Coffee shop and White's Cafe - which also serves as a village store.
Parking for both cars and coaches is located behind the Selborne Arms, as are the public conveniences.
Food & Drink
Eating out in Selborne
The Selborne ArmsCosy Village Pub
A traditional country village pub serving excellent locally sourced food, quality local real ales and ciders, with real fires and large garden.
La LunaArtisan Coffee Shop
Coffee shop in the heart of Selborne in the South Downs National Park. Serving local artisan coffee, teas, freshly baked baguettes, and cakes including gluten free and vegan.
White's CafeFriendly Cafe & Bistro
Village shop, cafe & bistro. Part of Gilbert White's House and open all day for breakfast, lunch & afternoon tea. Well stocked shop selling essentials and local produce.
The Jubilee TapBar & Brewery Taproom
Across the High Street from the brewhouse the Jubliee Tap gives members of the public the chance to try the Gilbert White range of beer along with other local beers, wine and cocktails. Also serves snacks, tapas and platters. Limited opening hours, check the website/Facebook for latest information.
Walking around Selborne
Selborne is surrounded by beautiful walking opportunities with footpaths fanning out in all directions. We also sit on the Hangers Way which runs from Petersfield to Alton. There is free parking and toilets in the village car park behind the Selborne Arms.
Popular routes include:
Church Meadow & The Lythes, a beautiful spot for a picnic, accessed by walking through the churchyard. Leads down to Oakhanger Stream and through to The Short and Long Lythes, a spectacular walk, which takes you down to three ponds, inhabited with many ducks and some majestic swans. This can be a circular walk if you continue to priory Farm and return along the path through Dorton Wood, back to Selborne.
The Zig Zag Path, cut in 1753 by Gilbert White with help from his brother. The views from the top are spectacular and climbing the Zig Zag is a highly recommended excursion for any visitor to Selborne. Paths from the top lead to many routes across and around Selborne Hanger.
Noar Hill, once the site of medieval chalk workings and now a nature reserve. A walk through this unusual and historic landscape is always a fascinating experience.
More detailed information on the various walks in the area can be found at The Gilbert White's Museum Shop.
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Gilbert White's House & GardensHistoric house & museum
Beautifully restored house and gardens of natural history pioneer Gilbert White. Plus travel the natural world through the collections of Frank Oates, explorer and naturalist and Lawrence Oates who was part of the fateful Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole. We have a museum, fascinating historic collections and educational activities for the whole family..
St Mary's ChurchDating back over 1000 years
St Mary's Church was founded in Saxon times and mentioned in the Domesday Book, the present church with its Norman tower and nave, largely dates from 1180. The church was greatly restored in the mid-19th-century by the great nephew of Gilbert White, the naturalist, who was Curate for many years until his death in 1793 and who is buried here.
Wander AroundThatched Cottages in Abundance!
Take some time to stroll around the village and feast your eyes on the numerous beautiful and historic houses. Many are built from the local stone known as malmstone, sometimes decorated with ironstone chips. There are a lot of thatched roofs and it's worth keeping your eyes peeled for the many roof ornaments crafted from straw - can you spot a flying pig?
Candy ToursDay trips, sightseeing and minibus hire
Candy Tours provides high quality 16 seat minibuses for hire with one of our friendly drivers, ideal for wedding parties, sports events, evenings out, corporate events, school trips and airport transfers. We also offer sightseeing tours and scheduled day trips for groups and individuals to destinations in Hampshire, Surrey and all over Southern England and beyond.
Treat Yourself!
Selborne PotteryHand thrown & decorated stoneware
The pottery was established by Robert Goldsmith 35 years ago in the beautiful and historic Hampshire village of Selborne. Each piece of stoneware is hand thrown and decorated. Rich blues and deep red glazes decorate the pots. The lustre range adds a luxurious opulence not normally found on studio pottery.
The Little Gift ShopGifts
A friendly little shop where you're guaranteed to find a gift to suit anyone! A huge range of adorable and unusal gifs including toys, clothing, models, children's stools, gardening and books. Plus a good stock of cards, gift bags and gift-wrap.
Gilbert White's Gift ShopMuseum Shop
Gifts and products related to Selborne, Gilbert White and Lawrence Oates. Large selection of books on the Antarctic and Natural History. Also Gilbert White Gin and bottled beer from the brewhouse.