Blogs & News

  Despite arriving at 3 pm, and the signboard outside saying open until 4:30 pm, as did the website, we were told they had just closed. It’s not until you get... read more outside that you see the sign saying “booking essential“, this is not the place for a casual passerby to call in. While we understand the need for safety procedures, there is little point in a signboard saying museum open if it isn’t.

  Visited as part of a Literary England tour. As a literary landmark, the House is somewhat of a bust, as it has very few furnishings or writings that belonged... read more to the Gaskells. However it is a wonderfully restored Regency suburban tract house, built for the pleasure of the well-to-do, but not aristocratic client. It does give a good feeling of Gaskell's perspective when writing her novels that dealt with cities rather than small towns.

For this visitor, the highlight was the gardens that have been reconstructed with plants that were common when Gaskell was in residence (1850-1865) or which are mentioned in her writing.

  What an amazingly well-preserved, restored, and clean place to visit. Highly recommended, either for a tea, or while away an afternoon, with a friend.
The volunteers were courteous, friendly, and... read more they displayed a welcome which showed in their attitude of service.
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  We really enjoyed our visit here today. Despite turning up half an hour early - and my husband forgetting to bring a facemask with him - we were made very... read more welcome on arrival. The staff could not have been more knowledgeable about the history of the house and the Gaskell family, their passion and enthusiasm really brings the house to life. Elizabeth Gaskell's bedroom was restored over lockdown and is now open to the public. The exhibition on Cranford is also really interesting. Heartily rec

  Have been past this house many times but have never visited. Now that we have joined Historic Houses then it is free to visit.
Went on International Womens' Day... read more as there was talk about female writers which was quite interesting.
House itself has lots of interesting information and you can learn a lot about Elizabeth and her family and also others like John Ruskin.
Room guides are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Tea room had a very limited selection available and some items quite expensive.
Lots of secondhand books for sale (very disorganised display) but generally quite expensive (3 to 6 times most outlets) when compared to charity shops or even National Trust properties.

  A few weeks ago I visited with 3 family members on a quiet Sunday afternoon. The house is easy to find by car and there was free parking right outside.... read more With regards to inside, the house is a wonderful tribute to the past, and to the Gaskell family. Beautifully maintained; it's like stepping back into the past and Mrs Gaskell herself could be writing in the next room. The guides were all so lovely and helpful. Sometimes when you visiting museums, the atmosphere is a little stuffy and uncomfortable but this is absolutely not the case here. I enjoyed viewing the rooms and listening to the stories about times gone by and famous literary visitors to the property. The Ruskin exhibition in an upstairs room is wonderful and I can't wait to return to visit the bedroom that is currently being refurbished. Downstairs is the second hand book sale and lovely tea room/gift shop. Lovely and clean and all COVID rules being followed. It was a lovely visit and the house is a little gem just a stone's throw from the bustle of Manchester city centre. Tickets last for 12 months so I hope to return next year. Well done to all involved in the upkeep of the house.