Selborne Common
HampshireDiscover the magnificent beech woods and flower-filled meadows that inspired Gilbert White
Selborne, Hampshire, GU34 3JR
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 20 February 2026
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Public car park behind Selborne Arms in middle of High Street (not National Trust) and toilets including disabled (not National Trust).
- Steps/uneven terrain
Especially during the winter, the area can become very muddy which may make it difficult for pushchairs or buggies.
- By road
- Nearest major roads are A31/A3. Follow signs to Selborne on B3006.Parking: Park in free public car park behind Selborne Arms in middle of High Street.
- On foot
- Just off the Hangers Way.
- By train
- Alton 3 miles (4.8km); Liss 3.5 miles (5.6km); Petersfield 6 miles (9.6km)
- By bus
- Stagecoach 38, from Alton or Petersfield. Limited service daily, weekdays only.
- Cycling
- Just off the Hangers Way. Links between Selborne and Newton Valence are on a combinations of country roads and a statutory bridleway that runs along the edge of the Common close to Newton Valence.
Highlights
Common
Beech woods and flower-filled meadows that inspired the pioneering naturalist Gilbert White.
Things to see and do
Things to see and do at Selborne Common
This diverse and unspoilt corner of Hampshire offers plentiful opportunities to spot wildlife and find plants and flowers, as well as some impressive views.
Top trails
Selborne Common and The Lythe butterfly walk
Experience this nature trail at Selborne Common and The Lythe in Hampshire that has a wide range of butterflies and birds.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Selborne Common
We look after 267 acres of countryside around Selborne. The largest area, Selborne Common, lies on the hill to the west of the village, while the valley meadows and woodlands of the Lythes lie beyond St Marys Church to the east.
Rev. Gilbert White (1720-1793), the pioneering naturalist, lived for most of his life in a house in Selborne called ‘The Wakes’. His book - ‘The Natural History of Selborne’ - published in 1789 and inspired by the landscape, provided an invaluable record of its wealth of wildlife, including descriptions of many now rare plants and animals.