October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House

Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Children's owl craft displayed on books October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Elizabeth Gaskell's House

Family Fun for October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell's House at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester 20 October — 2 November 2024 Tickets from £0.00 — 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.

Family Fun for October Half Term at Elizabeth Gaskell's House at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester 20 October — 2 November 2024 Tickets from £0.00 Book now

Performances

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

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

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, with stained glass, terracotta tiles and mosaic floors.

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.

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…

Cafe at the Museum
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
The Cafe
at the Museum

Manchester Museum’s cafe is run by the people behind award-winning cafe Teacup Kitchen. The menu features home-baked cakes, the finest loose leaf teas and breakfast, as well as a wide selection of mains and meals for kids.

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