Elizabeth Gaskell’s House will be giving families the opportunity to explore the beautifully re-established Victorian gardens of this historic house over half term with a new Gardeners’ Explorers Trail.

Running from 31 May – 2 June, the trail will encourage children of all ages to discover hidden spaces, wildlife and plant life in the garden. The gardens have been re-created using many of the plants mentioned in Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing and offer a window into the gardens of the past.

On 31 May, artist Fay Buchanan will lead a family art workshop, where families will get to make their own clay creations inspired by the beautiful gardens.

Usual admission applies (under 16 are free) and a £1 donation is requested. No booking required.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 11-4.30pm.

For more information please visit www.elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

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Notes to editors

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-65) was born in London and brought up in Knutsford, Cheshire. In 1832 Elizabeth married William Gaskell, who was assistant minister at Cross Street Unitarian Chapel in Manchester and later lived at 84 Plymouth Grove with her family from 1850 until her death in 1865. The two unmarried Gaskell daughters, Meta and Julia, lived in the house until Meta’s death in 1913.

The House is a Grade II* listed property, was built around 1835-1841 and is a rare surviving example of a suburban villa. It was designed in the fashionable Greek Revival style, probably by Richard Lane, a prominent local architect.

The Manchester Historic Buildings Trust was established in 1998 with the primary aim of saving Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. The restoration was made possible by the support and funding from The Bowland Charitable Trust, Cross Street Chapel, English Heritage, The Foyle Foundation, The Gaskell Society, J Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, Manchester City Council, Oglesby Charitable Trust, The Pilgrim Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, and The Wolfson Foundation.

Contact and Visiting Details

Elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk

@GaskellsHouse

Facebook: Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Opening times: Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 11.00am-4.30pm (last admission 4pm)

Ticket prices: £4.95, Concessions £3.95 Tickets valid for re-entry for 12 months

Tours on other days by special arrangement (separate pricing applies)

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is also available for room hire and special events.

Please contact the Manager, Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd to discuss your requirements.

For further press enquires, images and interviews, please contact Sally Jastrzebski-Lloyd on 0161 273 2215 sally@elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk