This year, our annual literary coach tour takes us to Elizabeth Gaskell country, in the run-up to the 150th anniversary of her death.

First there will be a quick buzz around central Manchester (Elizabeth Gaskell House, the Portico Library, the setting for the opening of Mary Barton) and then south, to the gorgeous Cheshire market town of Knutsford, one of the world’s most beautiful villages (steady on!), where Elizabeth Gaskell grew up and captures so romantically in her writings.

• Please see the Literature Festival website for more details.
• Booking only through www.quaytickets.com
• Meet outside the Britannia Hotel.
• Food not provided; please bring a packed lunch.