Elizabeth Gaskells House

Elizabeth Gaskell's House is still a place for all the family even 150 years later! You'll stand on the same doorstep as many of her famous friends, like Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens, before stepping into a real Victorian home.

In Summer 2016, the House will host readings of Beatrix Potter classic stories teamed with plenty of great craft activities. There are also a variety of family fun days arranged throughout the year.

The house looks just as it did when the Gaskell family lived there, recreated from pictures and photographs using Victorian techniques. It's not hidden behind ropes and glass, so you can sit at Elizabeth Gaskell's desk and start writing your own famous novel, browse the library, or even pretend to be a servant for the day. Activities go on whenever the house is open, so you can learn more about Elizabeth's life, her books and her famous friends when you visit.

If you'd prefer to play outside then the Villa Gardens are perfect for you. The Gaskell family loved the gardens and Elizabeth often described them in her letters, so volunteers at the house have planted her favourites! If you're feeling peckish, the tearoom has a fantastic selection of snacks – including healthy alternatives and gluten-free food!