Overview

A fascinating house with a lot to see. It's the domestic residence of the Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell, who knew many other writers, as did her husband, a non-conformist minister. The basement has a lovely cafe (serving simple food, and cakes), and a booksale room. There is a very small gift shop area too. On the main floor, you can see the dining room, Mr Gaskell's study, the sitting room, and the former music room, where there is a short film to watch. On the top floor, there is a bedroom, a display room set out like a ladies' afternoon tea, and a room with some children's activities, also suitable for adults. There are some small but beautiful gardens, with smooth paths and a pergola. It's a wonderful place to visit, and the ticket lasts for a year, and is quite reasonable to start with. For a full day out, it's quite close to the Whitworth art gallery, also accessible.

Transport & Parking

We went by car but it is possible by public transport. Parking can be tricky but blue badge holders can ring up to reserve disabled parking in the lower courtyard. The entrance at basement level is step free, but there is also a handrail at the front entrance steps. There is a lift to every floor and accessible toilets on the top floor and basement floor. The flagstone floor is a little tricky down there so I use my walker rather than my stick. There is a cafe on that level, which serves simple food (soup and a roll, weekends excepted). The house is very interesting and there is plenty of seating. The two upper floors are smooth to walk on, being softly carpeted with no trip hazards. Plenty of interesting displays and room set ups.

Access

Plenty of seating. Lifts to every floor. Upstairs one can sit at a table to play a game.

Toilets

One is close to the disabled entrance, and others well signed. Spotlessly clean and very large. The one on the top floor is very large and filled with light.

Staff

The staff are incredibly welcoming, as though you have stepped into their home, genuinely pleased you have visited and very keen to help. There are guides in most rooms, all volunteers, and all very knowledgeable. They are friendly and happy to chat, but will leave you in peace if you don't want to chat. The same staff man the cafe where tea is served with a smile in china cups.