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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
207 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
36
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Sophie
World1 contribution
May 2022
I had a fantastic time whilst visiting the Elizabeth Gaskell house this week. I popped by around the time of the last entry (3pm). Sophie on reception made me feel very welcome. They offer a student discount on the ticket price; the ticket is valid for 12 months which is great money wise.
The house reimagines what it would have been like whilst Elizabeth, William and her daughters were living there. It is clear that an incredible amount of attention to detail and love has gone into restoring the house to what it is today.
I had a lovely chat with the volunteers in each of the rooms, Mike, Lesley and Annie, who were all very knowledgeable and friendly. They answered all my questions passionately and with lots of thought.
The house has a lovely little selection of various editions of Elizabeth Gaskell’s work and souvenirs at the back of the tearoom. Victoria and the boys in the tea room were welcoming and helpful. I’m looking forward to visiting again next time I’m back in Manchester as the cakes looked delicious.
Thanks all for a wonderful experience, highly recommend this literary trove to all literature lovers out there!
The house reimagines what it would have been like whilst Elizabeth, William and her daughters were living there. It is clear that an incredible amount of attention to detail and love has gone into restoring the house to what it is today.
I had a lovely chat with the volunteers in each of the rooms, Mike, Lesley and Annie, who were all very knowledgeable and friendly. They answered all my questions passionately and with lots of thought.
The house has a lovely little selection of various editions of Elizabeth Gaskell’s work and souvenirs at the back of the tearoom. Victoria and the boys in the tea room were welcoming and helpful. I’m looking forward to visiting again next time I’m back in Manchester as the cakes looked delicious.
Thanks all for a wonderful experience, highly recommend this literary trove to all literature lovers out there!
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for the lovely review. All support is really appreciated. Hope to see you again soon.
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adrienne
San Luis Obispo, CA2 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Gaskell House is a must-see for anyone interested in Victorian literary figures, a slice of Manchester life for the era, and beautiful homes. I visited as a fan of Elizabeth Gaskell’s works (North & South, Mary Barton, Cranford), and I left even more enchanted with the life and times of Elizabeth Gaskell. The Gaskells knew everyone- personal friends of Charlotte Brontë (Gaskell wrote her biography), Harriet Beecher Stowe visited the home, and Gaskell worked closely with Charles Dickens. You get a glimpse into all of this when you visit.
There has been a LOT of time, care, and attention to detail put in to restore the home to what it was like when the Gaskells lived there. The volunteers are so knowledgeable and friendly, and you can tell they have a great love for what they do and are eager to answer visitor questions.
It was very easy to get to the home- from Piccadilly Station, it’s a little over ten minutes. Google Maps offers a simple bus route from Piccadilly Station via the 192 bus (8 minutes) and then you take a short 5 minute walk to arrive at the house. It is worth the trip slightly out of the City Centre.
Touring the house, taking tea in the tea room, browsing the gift shop, and strolling the gardens takes about an hour and a half.
This was by far the highlight of my trip to Manchester!
There has been a LOT of time, care, and attention to detail put in to restore the home to what it was like when the Gaskells lived there. The volunteers are so knowledgeable and friendly, and you can tell they have a great love for what they do and are eager to answer visitor questions.
It was very easy to get to the home- from Piccadilly Station, it’s a little over ten minutes. Google Maps offers a simple bus route from Piccadilly Station via the 192 bus (8 minutes) and then you take a short 5 minute walk to arrive at the house. It is worth the trip slightly out of the City Centre.
Touring the house, taking tea in the tea room, browsing the gift shop, and strolling the gardens takes about an hour and a half.
This was by far the highlight of my trip to Manchester!
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Brilliant review! Thank you so much. This means so much to our small historic house and all the volunteers!
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Blozz
1 contribution
Aug 2021
My wife and I have visited many houses which were inhabited by famous authors and this one ranks up there with the best of them. And right on our doorstep!. A tidy property on the outside but when you enter you are transported back 200 years into the early 1800s. A really well presented house with many interesting things to look at & read about. However the place really comes to life when the enthusiastic & friendly staff tell you things in the different rooms. We spent approx 90 mins on our visit for a nominal entrance fee. Outstanding.
Written August 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for a lovely review! hope to see you again soon
Written September 1, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
adamcreen
Woking, UK120 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Despite arriving at 3 pm, and the signboard outside saying open until 4:30 pm, as did the website, we were told they had just closed. It’s not until you get outside that you see the sign saying “booking essential“, this is not the place for a casual passerby to call in. While we understand the need for safety procedures, there is little point in a signboard saying museum open if it isn’t.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
candjstenhouse
London, UK27 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit made so interesting by the volunteers positioned in each room, who were so knowledgeable and full of stories and anecdotes.
This house not only tells the story of the Gaskills, but is a meticulously researched example of an 1859 house. Elizabeth Gaskills letters were used to gain information about the house and it’s furnishings , to keep it as accurate as possible to show what it would have been like when she lived there.
This house not only tells the story of the Gaskills, but is a meticulously researched example of an 1859 house. Elizabeth Gaskills letters were used to gain information about the house and it’s furnishings , to keep it as accurate as possible to show what it would have been like when she lived there.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Many thanks for the lovely review of your visit!
Written January 31, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
InterscopeJB
St Helens, UK29 contributions
Aug 2022
Elizabeth Gaskell's House is a fantastic place to visit, from the initial welcome to the tea room, souvenir shop and gardens, we had a brilliant experience.
The house is filled with interesting facts and stories about Elizabeth and her family, and the associations she had with other historical figures. The house is maintained to a very high standard, the decor is wonderful, there are period features and original furniture from Elizabeth’s life that makes this attraction stand out from others. The team here are 'exceptional', the welcome was friendly, professional and informative. The room guides have real in-depth knowledge of Elizabeth which we could not fault, they give you a real feel about Elizabeth's life, times and adventures. The stories the team shared with us about Elizabeth really elevated our experience to one that we will always remember. The team are so passionate about sharing their knowledge that it made this attraction one of the best places we have visited in the North West. My Niece came away inspired about Elizabeth and the times in which she lived, this was all down to the experience we were given by the team during our visit. Elizabeth Gaskell's House has a wonderful tea room with delicious cakes and a great souvenir shop with a wonderful array of books to buy. This is a place we would recommend to other visitors whilst in Manchester. If you visit here you will be taken away to a different time in history and learn lots about a wonderful and talented lady. Well done team, we will be back!
The house is filled with interesting facts and stories about Elizabeth and her family, and the associations she had with other historical figures. The house is maintained to a very high standard, the decor is wonderful, there are period features and original furniture from Elizabeth’s life that makes this attraction stand out from others. The team here are 'exceptional', the welcome was friendly, professional and informative. The room guides have real in-depth knowledge of Elizabeth which we could not fault, they give you a real feel about Elizabeth's life, times and adventures. The stories the team shared with us about Elizabeth really elevated our experience to one that we will always remember. The team are so passionate about sharing their knowledge that it made this attraction one of the best places we have visited in the North West. My Niece came away inspired about Elizabeth and the times in which she lived, this was all down to the experience we were given by the team during our visit. Elizabeth Gaskell's House has a wonderful tea room with delicious cakes and a great souvenir shop with a wonderful array of books to buy. This is a place we would recommend to other visitors whilst in Manchester. If you visit here you will be taken away to a different time in history and learn lots about a wonderful and talented lady. Well done team, we will be back!
Written August 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much this very in depth and detailed review, (which we will share with our fantastic volunteer team) - your feedback means so much to us and we can't wait to welcome you back!
Written August 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CaroB
10 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
This felt like a much-loved place. The volunteers were so knowledgeable and welcoming. It's a fascinating glimpse into the later life of such a significant figure in the literary landscape. Learning about Elizabeth's family, including her dear husband made me really warm to her. When I studied her novels, she was still known as Mrs Gaskell. I will come again. There is nice cake and china cups in the tea room too!
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Healthtouch - Deirdre Carolina
London, UK292 contributions
Apr 2022
Fantastic visit to Elizabeth Gaskell house today. What friendly people running the house - so knowledgeable and welcoming. "Please take photos, please sit and enjoy the study, take the books down and look at them, play the piano" - which my friend did rather beautifully. Phillip told us some wonderful stories about Elizabeth and the family and Lesley and the other guides in the house were so knowledgeable and extremely welcoming.
The cafe on the lower ground floor served delicious cakes and tea - sitting in a sun filled room drinking tea from beautiful china cups was a delight.
Highly recommended
The cafe on the lower ground floor served delicious cakes and tea - sitting in a sun filled room drinking tea from beautiful china cups was a delight.
Highly recommended
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for this lovely review- We all loved hearing your friend play and I shall pass on your comments to all the volunteers.
Written April 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patricia M
Gower Peninsula, UK1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Friends
Absolutely excellent place to visit. Had a lovely day out with a friend. We got a taxi from Piccadily for £6.30 which was well worth it as its just outside of the city and quite a walk. The staff are extremely knowledgeable about Elizabeth and her life and brought the house to life . Well done everyone we will be back with our free return ticket! Thank you!
Written February 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for the lovely feedback.
Written February 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Verity J
2 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
me and my friend really enjoyed the experience. we booked the wrong time at first and emailed to reschedule and the team replied very quickly! all volunteers/guides in each room were very informative and friendly. special shout out to the lovely Frances, they were so lovely and passionate and played us the piano in the front room. they were so nice and made the experience so lovely, thank you Frances, you are so amazing!!!
Written January 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the lovely review - will pass on the feedback and praise to the team.
Written February 1, 2022
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, UK125 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.
Elizabeth Gaskell's House (Manchester) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Elizabeth Gaskell's House
- Elizabeth Gaskell's House is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Wed - Thu 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- 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
- (1.04 mi) Leven Manchester
- (1.11 mi) Dakota Manchester
- Restaurants near Elizabeth Gaskell's House:
- (0.00 mi) Plymouth Grove Restaurant
- (0.19 mi) Grafton Arms
- (0.28 mi) Seoul Kimchi
- (0.59 mi) MyLahore Manchester
- (0.30 mi) Safire Restaurant & Grill