Puffins, Penguins and Ladybirds: Summer Family Fun
Join us at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House this summer for some family fun to celebrate the National Year of Reading.
Families can squawk, waddle and scuttle through Elizabeth Gaskell’s House on the hunt for creatures on our new trail, Puffins, Penguins and Ladybirds. With easy, medium and hard levels, it’s fun for all ages.
After collecting your critters, families can stop by the Exhibition Room, where there is a cosy and colourful reading corner. Complete with free book swap, so bring along all your aged-out and over-read books and exchange them for something more inspiring.
Before finally, you can head down to the cool Servants’ Hall, where you can transform into a puffin with our beak-making craft. Or try using oil pastels to create your own classic book cover.
Don’t forget to spend the last of your energy playing our traditional garden games.
All these activities are self-led, so there’s no rush to the finish line, take your time and spend all day with us. Just remember to book so we know you are coming!
The important stuff for grown-ups
Admission
The trail and craft are free and children under-16 are free with a paying adult.
Adults are £9 per person and tickets are valid for 12 months, so you can return as many times as you want within the year.
Booking is required as it helps us plan how many volunteers we need for the day to make sure you have the best time possible. (You can book on the morning of the day you visit).
The activities are available on open days (Wed/Thurs/Sun) from Wednesday 22 July – Sunday 30 August.
Access
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.
Refreshments
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 – we just ask that you buy a drink.
We have a small shop with pocket money items from £1 upwards including quill pens, cat toys, and colouring books. We also have a small selection of second-hand children’s books on sale.
Location and Opening Times
We are approximately a 10-15 minutes walk from The Pankhurst Centre, 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).
22 July - 30 August
11am - Last entry 3pm
Family Friendly
