October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Shekina Rose, Families Editor

Book now

Family Fun for October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell's House

20 October-2 November 2024
Date
Time
Session Features
20 Oct 2024
11:00 am-3:00 pm
23 Oct 2024
11:00 am-3:00 pm
24 Oct 2024
11:00 am-3:00 pm
27 Oct 2024
11:00 am-3:00 pm
30 Oct 2024
11:00 am-3:00 pm

See website for more sessions

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Children's owl craft displayed on books October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Book now

Looking for a fun and creative way to spend time together this half term? Visit Elizabeth Gaskell’s House for a memorable and reasonably priced family day out packed with activities, taking place from Sunday 20 October to Sunday 2 November.

There’s lots of creative activities taking place throughout October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, including arts and crafts in the Servants’ Hall, where kids can make their very own spooky owl characters to take home!

And there’s more to explore, including dressing-up in historic outfits, even more arts and crafts, and of course, the popular Cranford the Cat trail which gives you a chance to discover the history of this magnificent family home, with the help of the house’s favourite pet, Cranford!

Craft activities are included with admission, and kids go free with a paying adult. As well as this, your ticket gives you unlimited entry for 12 months, so you can keep the fun going all year long, not just during the October half-term period. Craft sessions are available from 11am to 4pm (last entry at 3pm). To make sure you have the best experience, it’s recommended you book tickets in advance, but walk-ins are also fine.

Looking for somewhere to get snacks or lunch? Buy delicious drinks, cakes, and various bites to eat in the tea rooms, or feel free to bring a picnic! And for shopping or browsing, the shop offers pocket-money items from £1, like quill pens and cat toys, and a selection of second-hand children’s books.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is family friendly, with buggies and prams welcome throughout the house and garden, a lift and a ramped entrance, breast-feeding fully welcomed and baby change facilities.

Where to go near October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Manchester
Library
Gaskell Society

These regular talks in both Manchester and Knutsford unpack the meaning and significance of Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing.

Manchester
Gallery
Chuck Gallery

Chuck Gallery is the first private art space in North West England dedicated to the promotion of contemporary African art in Manchester and beyond. Our focus is the provision of a varied collection of high quality, original and exceptional artwork

Pankhurst Centre
Manchester
Museum
The Pankhurst Centre

The Pankhurst Centre houses a small museum and heritage centre that remains as a legacy to the Pankhurst family and the Suffragette movement born in this city.

Much Ado About Nothing at Victoria Baths
Manchester
Event venue
Victoria Baths

Victoria Baths no longer functions as a ‘water palace’ and Turkish Baths, but the Grade II-listed building hosts regular events and is a stunning visit.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Big Hands

Big Hands is the one-time haunt of legendary Manchester band Elbow; it’s shabby, loud and dark, with a jukebox and excellent roof terrace.

The Whitworth
Manchester
Gallery
The Whitworth

This much-loved gallery-in-a-park is open for business, showcasing some of the city’s finest contemporary and historic exhibitions.

Whitworth Park, Manchester
Manchester
Park
Whitworth Park

This 18-acre park opposite the Manchester Royal Infirmary provides a welcome patch of green in an otherwise densely populated and heavily used part of the city.

Manchester
Music venue
Manchester Academy 3

Brilliant venue for catching a touring band on the rise. The boringly titled Academy 3 or more interesting Hop and Grape, as it was once known, is a self contained…

What's on: Families

A large mechanical puppet controlled by multiple people. Encounter Festival in Preston
FestivalsLancashire
Encounter Festival in Preston

Expect a jam-packed day of outdoor performance, live music, family fun – plus Preston’s iconic Torchlight Procession and fireworks finale.

Free entry
FamiliesMediaCityUK
Three Little Vikings at The Lowry

Three fearless Viking girls, one oblivious Chieftain, trolls, monsters, Viking longhouses and an alarming amount of craziness… welcome to Three Little Vikings at The Lowry, an incredible adventure for small…

Culture Guides

Cinema in the North

A host of Halloween horrors, experimental shorts, plus pioneering black British cinema make our October Cinema Guide.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Theatre this month bursts with contrasts - from bold new writing and Black History Month highlights to contemporary arts and reimagined classics.

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.

Wisp Press Image
Music in the North

From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.