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Family Fun – Christmas at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Step inside a Victorian family home for some Christmas cheer this festive season. Share some family time together and visit to enjoy a Christmas tree and traditional decorations in Manchester’s very own literary house. The kids can enjoy some Christmas creative craft in our Servants’ Hall making tree decorations. There is dressing-up, colouring, hands-on activities and our popular Cranford the Cat trail around this magnificent historic family home. You could always treat everyone to a hot chocolate and mince pie (or cake) in our famous Tea Room too!

Family craft activities are included in admission and kids go free with a paying adult. Your ticket includes 12 month entry so banish boredom and visit as many times as you like!

The craft activity is available 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm) on open days between Sunday 1st December – Sunday 15th December*. Adults are £8.50 per person and under 16s are free with a paying adult. Booking is advised as it helps us make sure you have the best time possible – or just turn up and pay on the door.

Family Friendly venue

We love to welcome families at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House:

• Buggies and prams are welcome throughout the House and garden (we have a lift and ramped entrance), there are baby change facilities and the House is breastfeeding-friendly. We also have a ‘do touch’ policy so the majority of items in the House can be touched and chairs sat on.

• Drinks (including cordial with free refills), cakes and snacks are available to buy from the Tea Room. We have a limited food offer so you are welcome to bring a picnic.

• There is a small shop with pocket money items from £1 upwards including quill pens, cat toys and erasers. We also have a small selection of second-hand children’s books on sale.

We are approximately a 10-15 minute walk from Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road.

The House is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11am-4.30pm (last entry 3pm).

*Please note – craft will not be available on Sunday 8th December due to our popular Second-Hand Book Sale. The House will close for Christmas between 18 Dec 2024 – 1 January, and reopen on 2nd January 2025.