What's On

October Half-Term

Join us at your local museum this October Half-Term for family fun and Halloween kids activities.

Discover our Hidden Wonders Trail around the House, join our drop-in creepy craft activities and share some Autumn time out with friends and family.

Children aged 4+ and their families are invited to experience the joy of discovery at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House this October half term. The Hidden Wonders Hunt is a free spotter trail from Kids in Museums and Walker Books, celebrating the release of The Search for our Cosmic Neighbours, a new book from bestselling author-illustrator Chloe Savage.

Discover hidden wonders around the museum and take on a special drawing challenge. Complete the activity sheet to receive your Hidden Wonders Hunt sticker!

Share your drawing on Instagram or BlueSky with the hashtag #HiddenWondersHunt and tag @kidsinmuseums for a chance to win out of this world prizes, including a Double National Art Pass Plus Kids and a signed Hidden Wonders book bundle.

Find out more on the Kids in Museums website:

PLUS we have our Cranford the Cat family trail and Victorian dressing-up in Manchester’s very own literary House.

• Under 16s go free with a paying adult (£8.50 valid for a year so adults only pay once for 12 months!)
• No charge for craft activities. All activities are drop-in between 11am until 3pm.
• Booking in advance is advised as it helps us make sure you have the best time possible – and speeds up the entry process.

Family Friendly venue

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

• Buggies, prams and wheelchair users 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 – although we ask to buy a drink or snack.

• 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.

Getting Here

Why not go green on your bike or take the bus?

• We have bike racks in the courtyard.
• We are approximately a 10-15 minute walk from Manchester Museum and the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road.
• We are near several bus routes. Bus 197 runs along Plymouth Grove or many buses run along Upper Brook Street (2 mins walk) and Oxford Road (5-10 mins walk).
• The nearest train stations are Oxford Road Station (1.4 miles) and Manchester Piccadilly (1.2 miles). You can get train times via The trainline website.

You can find out more about visiting here.

Accessibility

We welcome visitors with physical, sensory and learning disabilities.

• The House and Garden are fully wheelchair accessible with a ramp or lift to each level.
• Accessible toilets on the ground and first floor.
• Registered careers may visit free of charge with a paying visitor and Assistance Dogs are welcome.
• Most of the collection and furnishing in the House can be touched and the chairs sat on – volunteers will advise.
• Limited parking for blue badge holders on site. Please phone us 0161 273 2215 to reserve.

Find out more by clicking here. You can read our Accessibility Policy by clicking here and find a detailed AccessAble guide by clicking here.

Our team will do all they can to ensure that your visit is both comfortable and enjoyable. If you have questions regarding your visit please email enquiries@elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

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