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One of Hampshire’s most beautiful attractions showed off its new facilities for groups this week…

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Gilbert White and the Oates Collections, in the quaint village of Selborne on the South Downs, revealed its brand new deal for groups. Group travel organisers from as far afield as Dorset, Kent and Middlesex attended the special event, which was organised by UK group travel specialists Steve Reed Tourism from Hampshire.

The GTOs could see how much easier it now is to bring groups to this superb attraction, which is famous for its intrepid explorers and Gilbert White’s ground-breaking investigation of the natural world. The visitor facilities for groups include the fascinating new galleries about the amazing men that lived at Gilbert White House. Apart from the world famous and pioneering naturalist Gilbert White, the house was also the home for explorer Frank Oates and Captain Oates of Scott Expedition fame.

Gilbert White also houses the fascinating Oates Collections celebrating two very different explorers of the natural world - including Captain Oates of the tragic Scott Expedition to the Antarctic. And it's just around the corner from the home of world famous icon and writer Jane Austen, in nearby Chawton Village.

The attraction was awarded a HLF grant which has enabled the development of the house, museum, galleries, shop, cafe and coach parking area. This means the site can now welcome groups as well as independent visitors throughout the year. The grant has allowed the museum to restore buildings built by the Rev Gilbert White, including his stable yard and brew-house, and means that the whole site is now being opened up to the public - including its library after more than 200 years. The stable yard is now an attractive entrance to the Museum and offers a range of new facilities for residents of the village of Selborne and for visitors - including a new shop and café, and new displays and exhibits.

The group also took in a delightful visit to Chawton House in nearby Chawton Village –to discover the Jane Austen connections there and explore the house and gardens.

Kimberley James is the Marketing Manager of Gilbert White and the Oates Collections:

‘It was super to see the GTOS here at Gilbert White House and to show off the new facilities including shop, café and gallery. We like to see groups coming here all year round and now we can handle them much better – for example with our much bigger café, better coach parking and access path from the coach park,’ says Kim.

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Any tour planners wishing to find out more about the superb Gilbert White and the Oates Collections are invited to contact Kimberley James on marketing@gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk or call 01420 511275.

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