Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Home to Mrs Gaskell, an English novelist, biographer and short story writer.
84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW
Facilities
-
Accessible loos
-
Accessible parking
-
Bike storage facilities
-
Cafe / restaurant
-
Easily accessible without car
-
Facilities for children
-
Mostly wheelchair accessible
-
No parking
-
Picnic area
-
Shop
- Brail leaflets and signage
- Touch tours
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester is the former home of the famous author and her family.
Her novels include Mary Barton, Cranford, North and South and Wives and Daughters and are enjoyed on television, stage and radio.
This beautifully restored family home has spectacular period rooms and re-imagined garden for visitors to enjoy. The House, combined with the story of Elizabeth Gaskell as a writer, public figure and private person, provides a unique and engaging experience.
Take the opportunity to browse the books in William Gaskell’s study and sit where Elizabeth sat to write, overlooking her beloved garden. The majority of the furniture and objects can be touched and used, providing a very rare and hands-on experience.
Ring the doorbell and stand on the same doorstep as many of Elizabeth’s famous friends. ask one of our friendly volunteers for a Cranford the Cat exploration trail and discover what life was like in a Victorian House.
Go down into the Servants’ Hall where you can dress up as Charles Dickens, Hearn the Housekeeper or even Elizabeth herself.
Located in what was originally the kitchen and Servants’ Hall, the Tea Room and shop are in the light and airy basement of the House. Join us for freshly brewed tea and coffee and delicious cake served in style on vintage china.
Browse our collection of new and second-hand books, or pick up a literary themed souvenir of your visit.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House offers private and bespoke group tours (10-50 people) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – this must be booked in advance.
£14 per person which includes a guided tour, a hot drink and slice of cake in the tearoom.
Contact enquiries@elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk or call 0161 273 2215
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. 11-4.30pm (last entry 3pm/Tea Room closes at 4pm).
Pre-booking advised.
Houses and garden closed for two weeks over Christmas and New Year.
An average visit to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House lasts approximately 2 hours with a visit to the Tea Room.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House offers private and bespoke group tours (10-50 people) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays – this must be booked in advance.
£14 per person which includes a guided tour, a hot drink and slice of cake in the tearoom.
Contact enquiries@elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk or call 0161 273 2215
Schools visits and tours available on Mondays, Tuesday and Fridays and must be pre-booked.
Primary School Visits
£4.50 per child (£3.75+VAT). Visit lasts 1.5 – 2 hours.
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;
A tour and exploration of the four Victorian rooms (can include a focus on the role of Victorian women)
Handling and talking about Victorian household objects and a chance to dress up
A craft activity making a Victorian toy (KS1) or a literacy activity (KS2) using chalks and ink
Curriculum areas: History, Literacy, Drama and Science.
Secondary, Higher and Further Education groups
From £10 per student. Refreshments also available for additional cost. 2 hours maximum.
We offer:
A private tour with our experienced guides (typically these last an hour).
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
Other bespoke talks can also be arranged with sufficient notice.
- Brail leaflets and signage
- Touch tours
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
- Accessible parking
- Access statement available
Getting here
84 Plymouth Grove, Manchester, M13 9LW
Situated 1.5 miles from Manchester City Centre.
Several buses pass by the House (197, 191), or within a short walk. Oxford Road and Piccadilly Railway stations are both 1.5 miles away. Direct buses run from each.
Become a Historic Houses member
Explore the nation’s heritage from just £68 per year.
Hundreds of the most beautiful historic houses, castles, and gardens across Britain offer our members free entry.
Also: receive a quarterly magazine, enjoy monthly online lectures, get exclusive invitations to buy tickets for behind-the-scenes tours, and take up a range of special offers on holidays, books, and other products you might like.
