Tourism
Places to see and visit in Whitehill and Bordon
The area of Whitehill and Bordon offers many attractions for visitors and residents alike. Walkers will be particularly entertained by the 16 or more mapped walks. Historians will enjoy the Woolmer Forest Heritage Society. Children and young people can take advantage of Birdworld, The Mid Hants Railway, Hollycombe Steam Park and Alice Holt Woodland Park.
A good family day out should be spent in the Deadwater Valley. Explore the river, wildlife and wild pants. And remember our popular Pheonix Theatre with production for everyone all year round.
The Deadwater Valley
The Deadwater Valley area is managed by the Deadwater Valley Trust. Established in 1983 to preserve, restore and promote the natural features of the river Deadwater area to their relevant archaeological, social and economic history, geology and ecology.
In 2002 the area was declared a local nature reserve and together with an ancient meadow and ancient monument form a much valued and important historical preservation area along the west bank of the river.
The local ranger organises walks through the area along with other annual activities such as the "Duck Race", a great fun day out for the whole family.
Duck Race
Phoenix Theatre
The Phoenix Theatre offers two seasons of programming a variety of drama, music and comedy to suit all tastes and ages. The productions are very popular and early booking is recommended. Visit the Phoenix website for programme details and booking.
The Phoenix Theatre Players
Hollycombe Steam Park
The steam park is a short journey from the centre of Bordon and offers a superb family day out consisting of fair ground rides, steam train rides and traction engine rides. Other attractions include period farming demonstrations, farm animals, sawmill and spectacular historic woodland gardens including azaleas and rhododendrons which are in bloom during May.
The fairground is from the Edwardian period where you can experience all the fun of the fair from the 1870's; from the gentle "Golden Gallopers" to the first "White Knuckle" rides.
One of many Steam attractions
Some of the steam engine rides at Hollycombe
The Steam Driven Fair Ground
Oates Memorial & Gilbert White Museum
Just a short distance for Bordon The Oates Memorial and Gilbert White Museum is a great visit for those with the heart of an explorer and or the inquisitiveness of an ecologist. You may think this an odd combination especially as Lawrence Oates' home was in Gestingthorpe, so why is the museum in Hampshire? Because a family member was looking for a place to house the collection of family memorabilia at the same time as Gilbert White's house came up for sale in 1954, and a public appeal had been launched to save the house for the nation.
It was hoped that enough money would be raised to purchase the house and set up an endowment fund.
Gilbert White's House
However enough money was not found until Robert Washington Oates came forward. A joint Gilbert White and Oates Memorial Trust was created to run the house as a museum.
The Oates Museum commemorates the Oates family and their exploits, in particular Captain Lawrence Oates who accompanied Scott to the South Pole in 1911, and his uncle Frank Oates a remarkable Victorian explorer. While the house belonged to The Reverend Gilbert White (1720-1793), author of the world-famous Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne was, with the help of a friend and correspondent Daines Barrington, the founding father of modern natural history recording.
How about that for a day out.
Birdworld
Well what can you say about Birdworld? There are so many attractions for all the family. There's Under Water, Jenny Wren Farm, Heron Theatre, Safari Rides, Owl Prowl, Play areas and places to eat.
And don't forget it is home to more birds than you can shake a feather at. Set in 26 acres of land you can explore the vast gardens, enjoy the birds, feed Penguins and see Crocodiles, Alligators and their relatives such as Caimen.
Birdworld
