Enjoy a summer of literature-inspired family fun at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

This August, Elizabeth Gaskell’s House stages a summer of creative adventure with a series of hands-on workshops and family-friendly activities spanning painting, weaving, writing and more, set within Manchester’s only dedicated literary house and its enchanting Victorian gardens.

Running on selected dates throughout the month, the free sessions will be led by acclaimed artists and writers, while the gardens offer the chance to explore and find inspiration from one of Manchester’s most influential authors as part of an unforgettable family day out.

On Wed 6 and Thu 7 Aug, esteemed writer Libby Loughland hosts a guided exploration of the gardens, inviting visitors to create their own story based on the diverse array of sights and sounds around the grounds.

The following week (Wed 13 and Thu 14 Aug), writer and artist Stevie Ronnie is on hand to help visitors bind their own books before filling the pages with watercolour paintings and mesmerising poetry while venturing around the house.

On Wed 20 and Thu 21 Aug, artist Eleanor Godfrey leads a fascinating weaving workshop that blends textile art and prose, inspired by Elizabeth Gaskell’s extensive correspondence with literary icons including Charlotte Brontë and Charles Dickens.

Finally, on Wed 27 on Thu 28 Aug, watercolour artist Katherine Harrison rounds off the workshop programme with a collaborative class outside, where visitors can unite in a shared space filled with treasures and boundless imagination to build a Garden of Hope.

Elsewhere, the summer season celebrates the creativity of young literary talent through a new exhibition showcasing the work of three writers in residence. Playfully titled I’ve Never Read Elizabeth Gaskell, the immersive experience explores the work of Georgia Affonso, Princess Arinola Adegbite and Guruleen Kahlo, diverging from conventional installations with giant phone screens, author ‘profiles’, ‘blogs’, ‘likes’ and QR Codes in place of interpretation panels, alongside poetry, short stories and even a play.

Families with children of all ages can also take part in traditional garden games, drop-in craft activities, Victorian dress-up and the Cranford the Cat family trail, guaranteeing a wonderful day out in the city without breaking the bank.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:30pm. Entry is £8.50 for adults and free for under 16s when accompanied by an adult. Tickets are valid for a year, which means you can pay only once and enjoy all of the summer workshops, which take place as drop-in sessions between 11am and 3pm.

Find out more HERE, and book your visit in advance below.