Summer Fun in Gaskell’s Garden

Shekina Rose, Families Editor
Image courtesy of Elizabeth Gaskell's House.

Summer Fun in Gaskell's Garden at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester 20 July — 4 September 2022 Tickets from £Free entry for under 16s when accompanied by a paying adult. — Book now

Elizabeth Gaskell once wrote: ‘every plant that peeps up is a treasure’, when talking about her garden in Manchester, and this Summer, families are invited to experience this ‘treasure’ for themselves. Summer Fun in Gaskell’s Garden at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House is launching on Wednesday 20 July and running until Sunday 4 September, featuring a Family Garden Trail aimed to give families a chance to learn, explore, and enjoy some quality time together outdoors.

As you wander around the beautiful and traditional garden, QR Codes and paper-maps will teach you facts about the different things in your path. Prepare to have your senses brought-to-life with all sorts of exciting discoveries, fun facts and enjoyable activities. You’ll find herbaceous borders, beautiful daisy scattered lawns, a carefully cultivated vegetable patch and a rose and clematis covered pergola.

There will also be a range of traditional Victorian garden games like croquet, skittles, quoits and skipping ropes to play with, depending on the weather! You might also find a nice spot for a picnic too!

The Family Garden Trail will highlight fascinating stories about the Gaskell household in Victorian times and introduce characters like Tommy the pony. You’ll be able to see Elizabeth’s stunning writing spot where she wrote most of famous novels, and beyond this you’ll see her coach house and the space where her paddock once sat.

Not only will you get a chance to learn about history, explore nature and spend time with your family, you will also learn about sustainability, taking home some information about how to reduce carbon emissions. Families will also be able to take home a special pack of Elizabeth Gaskell House wild flower seeds.

The Family Garden Trail is a free activity for visitors to Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, which is open every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11:00am to 4:30pm.  Entry is £6.50 for adults and free for children under 16, when accompanied by an adult.

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
27 July 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
3 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
10 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
17 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
24 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
31 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
21 July 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
28 July 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
4 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
11 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
18 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
25 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
1 September 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
24 July 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
31 July 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
7 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
14 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
21 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
28 August 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm
4 September 2022
11:00am — 4:30pm

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

Where to go near Summer Fun in Gaskell’s Garden

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…

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