If you live anywhere near Manchester, get down to the
Elizabeth Gaskell house, recently restored and open to the public. The house is
shown as a home, as if Elizabeth had just left the room to write a quick chapter
or to welcome another guest. As well as displays on Gaskell and Victorian
Manchester, there is a great library full of titles the family read - and you’re
actually allowed to touch things. They also do a nice line in quotes on the
wall and really excellent cake. Check it out here.