Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
4.5
About
Celebrating the life and literature of Elizabeth Gaskell, Manchester’s most famous Victorian writer. A hands-on experience of a Victorian middle-class house just one mile from the city centre. This beautifully restored home has spectacular period rooms, villa garden, changing exhibitions and a Tea Room for visitors to enjoy.
Booking is advised but not essential.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
224 reviews
Excellent
173
Very good
39
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
1
miles k
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Excellent. Exceeded expectations. Highly recommended. Good displays. Good videos and interactives. House beautifully restored. Staff and Guides very friendly, enthusiastic and well-informed about the house, the author and her family. (Also a lovely tearoom!)
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review - this is really appreciated and so glad we exceeded your expectations!
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bristolreviewer
Bristol, England373 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Elizabeth Gaskell had a fascinating life, not just as a writer but as part of a liberal Unitarian community that sought to improve the lives of working class Mancunians. Her home is an interesting glimpse into that life - where she hosted other Victorian luminaries - and that of her family. Volunteers here are knowledgeable, helpful and informative, and there are well curated exhibits and interactive guides in the rooms. The house is only open a few days a week, so check dates before coming. Admission is £7.00 each, and there’s a nice little tearoom downstairs.
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you!
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brian J
Mossley, UK12 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The house is located just behind the University complex off Oxford Road, not far from the Manchester Museum. It is easy to find, and the area is well served by bus from Piccadilly.
The house itself is striking, and from the moment you enter, you are guided through the house by a team of people who have a real passion for their subject.
Each room contains interactive content, as well as all the relevant period furniture. At one point, we were even treated to one of the guides playing the piano for us!
When you buy your ticket, you are able to return for free any time over the next twelve months.
Elizabeth Gaskell herself was a social reformer, not afraid to challenge the norms of her time, and her life and work still speaks to us today.
There is also a fine little cafe in the basement, and a good selection of second hand books for sale.
A visit to the house is highly recommended.
The house itself is striking, and from the moment you enter, you are guided through the house by a team of people who have a real passion for their subject.
Each room contains interactive content, as well as all the relevant period furniture. At one point, we were even treated to one of the guides playing the piano for us!
When you buy your ticket, you are able to return for free any time over the next twelve months.
Elizabeth Gaskell herself was a social reformer, not afraid to challenge the norms of her time, and her life and work still speaks to us today.
There is also a fine little cafe in the basement, and a good selection of second hand books for sale.
A visit to the house is highly recommended.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the great review!
Written 26 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janet_Sarah
Bath, UK312 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Elizabeth Gaskell is one of my favourite authors, so I just had to visit here when I was in Manchester recently, and it didn't disappoint. The room guides were *so* knowledgeable and interesting (and I appreciated them asking if I wanted to hear about the rooms rather than just launching off - I said yes in every room). The ticket price is very reasonable, and is valid for a year for those living within travel distance. Highly recommended.
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for the lovely review!
Written 2 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Seb U
Riverside8 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I had a wonderful visit today to the house. Although it is a small museum it is fascinating, and I learned a lot. My visit was made particularly good by the amazing volunteers. In three of the rooms I went into, knowledgeable and friendly people engaged me in conversation. Each time it was like sitting down with an old friend - they were so fascinating, sharing facts and anecdotes that really brought the place to life. One even invited me to take the books off the shelf and browse in them, and shared wonderful stories about Elizabeth Gaskell's reading habits. Each of them helped place Elizabeth Gaskell among her contemporaries in Manchester and beyond - another one shared anecdotes about her relationships with contemporary women such as Florence Nightingale. I asked a number of questions and every one of them was pleased to share their knowledge. I can't say enough good things about these wonderful volunteers and staff. I highly recommend a visit!!
The only negative comment I have was that my husband and I had walked up from Picadilly station, and we asked if he could accompany me to the tea room and buy a cup of tea prior to his scheduled meeting at the university. The person in reception said he couldn't go to the tearoom unless he purchased admission to the museum - as he was only planning to be there 10 minutes it seemed a bit odd - there was no chance that he would sneak into the museum, and he would have spent money in the teashop. But that aside, it was a great visit to a gem of a museum, brought to life by extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. Go!
The only negative comment I have was that my husband and I had walked up from Picadilly station, and we asked if he could accompany me to the tea room and buy a cup of tea prior to his scheduled meeting at the university. The person in reception said he couldn't go to the tearoom unless he purchased admission to the museum - as he was only planning to be there 10 minutes it seemed a bit odd - there was no chance that he would sneak into the museum, and he would have spent money in the teashop. But that aside, it was a great visit to a gem of a museum, brought to life by extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. Go!
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the feedback - positive and negative - glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written 2 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LancashireBrightStar
Lancashire94 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
We had a wonderful private group tour of the House today which was excellent value for money. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we stepped through the door. Our guide was fascinating and made the Gaskells and their world come alive. We almost wish we hadn't been today so that we could enjoy the experience all over again!
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your feedback about your group visit to Elizabeth Gaskell's House. We hope to see you at the House again soon.
Written 14 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
132aryan
Kildare, Ireland12 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Very interesting incite into a fabulous 19th century author. Beautifully kept house, exhibitions kept us interested. The volunteer guides were informative, passionate and helpful. Gardens an added bonus. Simple but adequate coffee shop. Highly recommend.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for the review.
Written 1 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KentChris
Manchester, UK73 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
When it was built the surrounding area was semi-rural. It's now firmly inner-city and I doubt whether Gaskell or any of her famous visitors over the years (Charles Dickens, Charlotte Brontë, Charles Hallé...) would recognize anything except the house itself and the one next door. The interior has been faithfully restored with objects & decor from the time, plus many of Gaskell's personal possessions.
The volunteers were welcoming and well informed, and they really added to the pleasure of exploring the house and garden. A fascinating visit.
The volunteers were welcoming and well informed, and they really added to the pleasure of exploring the house and garden. A fascinating visit.
Written 27 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review.
Written 1 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan C
Chesterfield, UK343 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Excellent place to visit, especially if you are interested in literature. The house is painstakingly restored to as close to how it was in Elisabeth Gaskell’s time, using Elisabeth's detailed descriptions of the house in letters. The friendly guides are very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and encourage you to sit on the furniture! The gardens are great too. Bike racks available to the right of the building. If you go once you can come back again as many times as you like within a year. Great tea room and second hand bookshop downstairs.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the 5 star review. Hope to see you again soon
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Millie024
Llantwit Major, UK532 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This beautiful house is so much nicer than the buildings around it, though next door looks equally attractive and old. The modern surroundings of Plymouth Grove are so mundane and miserable by comparison with the civilised charm of number 84. It must have been a beautiful area when the Gaskell family moved there. The house ‘s contents were sold when the last member of the family died, which is sad. The present displays aim to reconstruct the appearance of the house when the Gaskells and their family and friends were there. We enjoyed looking round, the short videos about Elizabeth Gaskell’s novels, and the family tree, showing how they were connected with the Wedgwood and Darwin families. Staffed by very enthusiastic and knowledgable volunteers, who were a mine of information. We bought a very good guide book for £2, and the entry fee of £7 allows a visitor to return as often as theywish. We ate our picnic lunch in the garden, and had a cup of tea in the cafe. This was a very pleasant visit, making good use of the chairs !
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review
Written 4 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jocelyn N
1 contribution
Hello, planned to visit tomorrow. Do I need to book the ticket in advance, or can I just buy it at the entrance? Thanks.
You can pay on the door, no need to book. Its £5.50 or £4.50 for concessions (under 16s free) and your ticket is then valid for 12 months. We accept cash or card payment. See you soon!
Wendy B
Stockport, UK
Is there a restaurant on site
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Manchester, UK
Hi Wendy
We have a Tea Room which serves a selection of cake, snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Many thanks
Wendy B
Stockport, UK
Is there a restaurant on site?
gourmet_ou_gourmand
Manchester, UK262 contributions
Not really a restaurant, but you can get coffee / tea and cake. Have a good time.
josephine196
Manchester, UK1 contribution
Does the no 15 bus stop outside the house? Is it open on a Friday late morning? And how much does it cost to get in?
busybeeManchester
Manchester, UK128 contributions
I am not sure about the bus, but it is not open on Friday only Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, last admission is 4pm. The price is £4.95 but that ticket lasts for a year. It is well worth a visit.
Alhussien Elhishani
2 contributions
How much should I pay for a visit?
Saraki
Trentham, UK170 contributions
Admission is £4.95, concessions £3.95.
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Claim your listingELIZABETH GASKELL'S HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth Gaskell's House
- Elizabeth Gaskell's House is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 - 16:30
- Wed - Thu 11:00 - 16:30
- Hotels near Elizabeth Gaskell's House:
- (0.12 mi) Travelodge Manchester Upper Brook Street
- (0.65 mi) Hyatt House Manchester - Aparthotel
- (0.64 mi) Hyatt Regency Manchester
- (1.11 mi) Dakota Manchester
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- Restaurants near Elizabeth Gaskell's House:
- (0.00 mi) Plymouth Grove Restaurant
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- (0.59 mi) MyLahore Manchester
- (0.30 mi) Safire Restaurant & Grill