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Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden

Elizabeth Gaskell's garden opened in 2014 after extensive research and restoration work and is now an urban oasis one mile from the city centre. With a layout based on an 1850s map volunteers have recreated the garden using period plants and those referenced in Elizabeth Gaskell’s writings. The garden has twice received the Britain in Bloom Gold award.

Owner Info

Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell’s Garden

About Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden

The garden at Plymouth Grove was immensely important to the writer and social reformer Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865). Whilst it was a place she could grow flowers and vegetables, it was also a place where she could truly relax, ‘without a bonnet’, away from social scrutiny.

When the Gaskell family took up residence in 1850, it was a typical Victorian villa garden of the period. Today the garden has been planted to reflect the sort of garden the Gaskells enjoyed. The choice of plants has been informed by references in Elizabeth’s letters and novels, as well as by Victorian garden history. Wherever possible, varieties of plants have been selected that were available during the time Elizabeth and, later, her daughters lived at Plymouth Grove.

The small urban garden includes a fernery, flowering shrubs, small trees and herbaceous borders; annuals and bulbs, vegetable garden with espaliered apple and pear trees, perennials, climbers, a rose and clematis covered pergola and container planting. Look out for quotes from Elizabeth and her friend, Charlotte Bronte, which add to the literary theme.

The House and garden is owned and operated by an independent charity, and the garden is maintained and developed by a small team of volunteers.
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Website:

https://elizabethgaskellhouse.co.uk/about-elizabeth-gaskells-house/the-garden

Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden features

Location details

Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden,
84 Plymouth Grove,
Manchester,
Lancashire,
M13 9LW

Directions to Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden
Elizabeth Gaskell's House is located on the A5184, nr to Manchester Royal Infirmary Follow brown signs from the A6 & A34. Free on street parking or NCP parking at hospital.

Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden openings

For this open day you can book your tickets in advance. Click on the yellow button below to book or you can just turn up and pay on the day.

Refreshments Tea, coffee & cake.
Admission Adult: £5.00
Child: £0.00
Opening times 11:00-16:00

Accessibility

  • With wide, flat pathways the garden is fully accessible with step free access throughout. Accessible WC also available.
  • Share this garden

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FAQs

Yes, cashless payment is accepted.

Yes, coaches are accepted at Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden. Please get in touch with the owners for details.

Sorry, no dogs are allowed in the garden at this time.

Yes, there are various plants offerred for sale at Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden, please enquire with the owners for more details.

Yes, one or more routes at Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden are accessible to wheelchair users.

Elizabeth Gaskell's Garden is not explicitly a wildlife garden, but you may still find various indigenous flora and fauna.