Summer Family Fun

Rain or shine, indoor or outdoor, we have a summer of trails and games for all the family when you visit Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.

Outdoor Fun & Games

Explore our historic garden on the garden trail by scanning the QR codes to learn fun facts, play games, tell jokes and find out ways you can help to support wildlife and reduce your carbon emission at home. (We also have a paper version of the garden trail so don’t worry if you don’t have a phone to scan the codes.)

Victorian family games to play in the garden

During the summer holidays we have Victorian family games like croquet and skittles on the lawn and you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the garden.

Indoor Fun & Games for all the family

Inside our Victorian House we have our much-loved Cranford the Cat Trail, dressing-up for all ages, activity baskets and colouring sheets in the basement.

Family trail at Elizabeth Gaskell's House

Elizabeth’s cat, (yes she really did have a cat called Cranford), will take children on a tour of the house, with puzzles, cats to spot and games to play along the way.

The important stuff

Both trails are free and children under 16 are free with a paying adult. Adults are £7 per person and tickets are valid for 12 months so you can return as many times as you want within the year. Booking is advised as it helps us plan how many volunteers we need for the day to make sure you have the best time possible.

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.

We also have 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).

For more information on how to find us