Close By. Castlefield

MOSI is in Castlefield, the home of the Industrial Revolution, and is next door to the original Granada TV studios. Granada kicked off British independent television (and was subject to its own exhibition at Urbis recently) and was founded in 1956 by cinematic entrepreneur, Sidney Bernstein – his decision to locate the company in Manchester based on the fact that people were more likely to stay in and watch the box in such a rainy, northern city. Rain? In Manchester? Well, it has been known, but should the sun shine during your stay, you’d be advised to head deep into Castlefield, an outdoor ‘urban heritage park’ that combines every element of Manchester’s recent past in its architecture: Roman ruins, Industrial Heritage cobbles and canals, Victorian viaducts, contemporary bridges and, in the distance, the towering 561-foot Hilton Tower, Manchester’s tallest building.

It is here you can find the reconstructed Roman fort (little remains of the original fort, but a sympathetic reconstruction and detailed information boards fill in the gaps) and here also that the Bridgewater Canal opened in 1764, followed shortly by the Rochdale Canal in 1805. The canals, along with the railway station up at MOSI, once made Castlefield a hub of industrial commerce – although walking along its peaceful paths today you’d never know. If you fancy a bite to eat, stop off at our favourite Castlefield pub, Dukes 92, for man-size plates of cheese and pate (it’s very family friendly, with high chairs and baby changing facilities, and their homemade pizzas are always a hit with kids), or sample the seasonal menu at the slightly more grown-up  Choice. Or, if you want to head back into town, go via Cloud 23 at the Hilton. This 23rd floor bar serves up good cocktails (and mocktails) but is worth a visit primarily for its view over Manchester – you may enjoy the perspex oval cut into its floor that allows a dizzying look to the street that’s 23 floors below. Otherwise, you’re not far from the clutch of family-friendly restaurants and cafes at Spinningfields. Dukes 92, Castle Street, Castlefield M3 4LZ (0161 839 8642). Choice, Castle Quay, Castlefield M15 4NT (0161 833 3400). Cloud 23, Beetham Tower, Deansgate M3 4LQ (0161 870 1688).

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Images courtesy Susie Stubbs