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.

Create a Character
23, 24, 30, 31 July
What’s your favourite book? Who is your favourite character? Create your favourite character to take home. (Self-led drop in).

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 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 enjoy a summer bike ride or go green and 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).

Supported by Museum Development North and Arts Council England.