Once upon a time… Elizabeth Gaskell’s House invited families to a summer of full of events and activities inspired by children’s literature.
Every W
ednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11am-4.30pm you can enjoy craft activities, dress up as a Victorian and follow our new House trail led, Cranford the cat. Plus, we’ve got special events on every Wednesday.
Alice in Wonderland
Wednesday 25 July, 12.30-3pm
Come to our whacky workshop and make a Mad Hatter’s mad hat! And if the weather’s good, head to the garden and wear it outside for a game of croquet on the lawn. Curiouser and curiouser! Drop in, no need to book. Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s.
Edward Lear’s Stuff And Nonsense
Wednesday 1 August, 2.30-4pm
Fun-filled theatrical event with a difference! Enjoy an audience with Edward Lear, King of the nonsense rhyme and loopy limerick, courtesy of esteemed practitioners of theatrical Victoriana, Don’t Go Into The Cellar. Prepare to be entertained by the wonderful wordplay of the marvellous Mr Lear in this new one-man show which mingles the madcap writer’s much-loved works with music and multi-roleplay. And maybe a little audience participation too… find out more Tickets £10. Booking essential click here
The Tale of Two Bad Mice
Wednesday 8 August, 12.30-3pm
Help our two bad mice make some mini accessories for the doll’s house in this drop-in craft workshop inspired by Beatrix Potter’s classic tale. Drop in, no need to book. Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s.
Make Your Own Book
Wednesday 15 August, 12.30-3pm
Prepare to get creative! Learn some basic bookmaking skills in our hands-on workshop and take home a book made and decorated by you. Drop in, no need to book. Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s.
Servant School
Wednesday 22 August, 12.30-3pm
Calling all Hetty Feather fans! Come and learn how to be a Victorian servant, just like Hetty Feather. Our House servants, Hearn and Margaret, are on the loose again. They’ll put you to work on some light servant duties, so you can earn your Servant School Certificate. Drop in, no need to book. Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s.
Interactive Poetry Workshop
Wednesday 29 August, 1-3pm
Join the award-winning performance poet, Dominic Berry, for an afternoon of poetry, laughter and fun for all ages. Usual admission plus £1 for under 16s. Booking recommended.
Discover what life was like in a Victorian House. Ring the servants’ bell, dress up in Victorian clothes, write at Elizabeth’s desk, and make yourself at home – most of the furniture and objects can be touched!
Admission price – £5 for adults, £4 for concessions, under 16s free except for special events listed. Tickets to the House last for 12 months. Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is one mile from Manchester city centre and easily reached via public transport. Limited free parking on the roads around the House. Find out more
