School visits are available to pre-book Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
Explore Victorian life in Manchester and learn about an important Manchester woman with a private school visit to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House.
Elizabeth Gaskell (born in 1810) was a celebrated Victorian author and social activist, best known for writing Cranford and North and South. The Gaskells did a lot to help the working people of Manchester; they delivered education to working class Victorians, ran early forms of food-banks, supported unmarried mothers and were actively involved in the anti-slavery movement.
Building on the legacy of Elizabeth Gaskell and her family, our hands-on approach and relaxing environment mean we are an inspiring, sensory and creative space for school children of all ages.
Bring your primary class to discover the house Elizabeth Gaskell lived in from 1850 until her death in 1865. A tour of our Victorian rooms reveals what life was like in the Victorian times, before a hands-on Victorian object handling session and the opportunity to try out Victorian crafts.
We also tailor tours for secondary, higher and further education. Discover why this author was described as ‘one of the greatest female novelists of all time’ and delve into her connections to famous Victorians such as Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë and Florence Nightingale.
Primary School Visits
KS1/KS2: Victorians / Then & Now
Who lived in a Victorian house like this? Through a variety of playful and hands-on activities, we will discover more about Elizabeth Gaskell’s Victorian home. Pupils will compare life in Victorian times to life today through three activities during their visit. These are usually;
1. A tour and exploration of five Victorian rooms (can include a focus on the role of Victorian women)
2. Handling and talking about Victorian household objects used by Victorian servants.
3. A craft activity making a Victorian toy (KS1) or a literacy activity (KS2) using chalks and ink
Key information
£6 per child (£4.80+VAT) Minimum charge of £120
- Up to 30 children per session
- Visit lasts 2 hours.
- Available to book Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Coach drop off on the road next to the House
- We ask for 1 member of staff per 10 children plus extra for children with special needs.
- The House has step-free access, a lift to all levels and accessible toilets on each floor.
- Subject to the availability of space packed lunches may be eaten in the Tea Room. Let us know at point of booking.
Curriculum areas: History, Literacy, Drama and Science.
Additional Resources for KS2 Teachers
We have created a learning pack is designed for Key Stage 2 teachers, supporting English and History through creative writing and activities.
Although it has been designed as a resource for KS2 students after a visit to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House it can be adapted as a stand-alone resource.
“Being able to touch and be amongst the exhibits and feel as though they were in someone’s house… made the learning feel ‘real'” Feedback from a KS2 visit 2025.
Secondary, Higher and Further Education groups
Secondary and FE students
1. A private tour with our experienced guides (typically these last an hour).
2. For an additional cost we can offer a range of specialist talks/discussions on topics including:
- An introduction to Elizabeth Gaskell: writer and woman
- The Gaskells: a Victorian Manchester family
- Elizabeth Gaskell’s Novels
- Mary Barton and Manchester
- Gothic Novels
Other bespoke talks can also be arranged with sufficient notice
Key Information
From £12 per student. (minimum charge of £120).
- We can take groups of between 10-50 students
- Specialist talks available for additional fee per student
- Refreshments available at extra cost but must be pre-booked
- Visit lasts 1-2 hours
- Available to pre-book Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.
- Shop selling books and gifts
We are now a partner of Hyundai’s Great British School trip. You can find us at:
https://greatbritishschooltrip.com/event/elizabeth-gaskells-house/
Booking
Fill out the enquiry form below or contact the team directly on enquiries@elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk or call 0161 273 2215
