Blogs & News

: Purrrfect May Half-term Family Fun

Join us at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House this May for some family fun. Get your cat ears on and bring your favourite cat toy to follow Cranford the Cat through the House on a trail of games and puzzles. Then head to the Servants' Hall for some self-led cat craft activities - available from 11am until 4pm. Book Now to Visit In the Servants' Hall you will get the chance to get creative and make your own Cranford the

: True Love or Vinegar Valentine?

Elizabeth Gaskell's House is enamoured to be displaying a collection of sweet and sour Victorian Valentine's Cards until 22 February. Keeping with the theme of romance we will be asking visitors to share their favourite literary romantic moments from either the pages or the screen. Will it be Mr Darcy and Lizzy Bennet or Heathcliff and Cathy? Tell us who you love to read! The Victorian Valentine's Cards are on loan to the House from Manchester Metropolitan Special

: International Women’s Day Walking Tour

In the week of International Women’s Day, join a unique walking tour to discover the history of Manchester women associated with the Oxford Road Corridor. Artists, writers, scientists, medics, campaigners – many were pioneers in their fields but may still lack recognition, including Elizabeth Gaskell. The guided walk starts at Grosvenor Square (All Saints Park), off Oxford Road, and will finish at Elizabeth Gaskell's House. The cost includes entry to Elizabeth Gaskell's House so you can learn more

: A Novel Introduction

Visit Elizabeth Gaskell's House between 15 October until Sunday 26 October and you can purchase a mystery Elizabeth Gaskell book for £5 with your admission ticket. This offer is linked to the House’s current exhibition, I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell, which explores how three young writers in residence have engaged with Elizabeth’s legacy for the first time, an experience shared by many of our visitors. A variety of paperback titles will be wrapped in brown paper and waiting for visitors

: I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell

Early in 2025 Elizabeth Gaskell's House announced its inaugural Writers Residency funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to celebrate the House's 10-year anniversary of opening to the public. ‘I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell’ features work by three young writers Georgia Affonso, Princess Arinola Adegbite and Guruleen Kahlo, who completed a spring residency at the House. The immersive exhibition flows throughout the House and includes Guruleen’s short stories, Georgia’s play available in audio format, and poems by Princess,