What's On

Family Fun – Summer at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Join us at your local museum for a summer jam-packed with family activities.

Write, weave and paint your way through the House in a series of free workshops led by artists
and writers.

PLUS we have our Cranford the Cat family trail, Victorian dressing-up, traditional garden games and craft activities throughout the summer.

Garden Adventure
6 & 7 August
Join acclaimed nature writer, Anita Sethi on
a creative adventure through the garden
and create your own story inspired by the
different sights and smells.

Write Your Own Book
13 & 14 August
Writer and artist Stevie Ronnie will
help you bind your own book before
you explore the House to fill it with watercolour paintings and poetry.

Wind & Weave
20 & 21 August
Using inspiration from objects and letters,
artist Eleanor Godfrey will teach you basic
weaving techniques so you can create a piece that brings words and art together.

Garden of Hope
27 & 28 August
Together with artist Katherine Harrison you
will build a Garden of Hope, a shared space
filled with all your favourite treasures.

• Under 16s go free with a paying adult (£8.50 valid for a year so adults only pay once for the summer!)
• No charge for workshops. All workshops are drop-in sessions between 11am until 3pm.
• 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, 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.

• 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).

Supported by Museum Development North and Arts Council England.