Castlefield, Manchester

Creative Tourist

The Roman General Julius Agricola founded ‘Mamucium’ in 79AD; the name means ‘breast shaped hill’, as this was what Agricola discovered in Castlefield, where the original settlement was based. Now, the fort that was built here – protected by the Rivers Irwell and Medlock – only survives in ruins, and the amphitheatre is a modern one, built to host occasional outdoor gigs.

Canals are a key feature in the area; Castlefield was the terminus of the Bridgewater Canal, the world’s first industrial canal, the success of which inspired ‘canal mania’ in Britain.

You’ll see all of this history written into Castlefield as you walk through the area, but more obvious will be the vibrant cultural offer here. A major player is the ambitious cultural complex of HOME, whose innovative cross-arts programming rivals that of any in the city. The Museum of Science and Industry (housed in the magnificent buildings of the world’s first passenger railway) is another big draw, as is the small but influential Castlefield Gallery.

But for all the cultural activity, the area is actually a pretty tranquil one. That’s thanks, in part, to its designation in 1982 as the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park, which safeguarded canals and cobbles and created a largely traffic-free zone. Its moored-up, flower-decked canal boats are evidence of the slower pace of life here — relatively speaking of course… we’re not the Cotswolds.

But yes, it’s probably the most charming area in central Manchester, and one that’s full of things to do. Here are nine (yes, nine seems like a nice round number) suggestions, taking in both culture and food and drink.

Our top picks

Science and Industry Museum

Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4FP - Visit now

Dedicated to inspiring visitors through revolutionary, world-changing ideas, the Science and Industry Museum pairs historic sites (inluding the world’s first inter-city passenger railway) with a dynamic, contemporary science programme.

HOME Manchester

HOME Manchester, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 4FN - Visit now

With two theatres, five cinema screens, a large gallery, bar, café and bookshop, HOME is one of the city’s leading destination venues, and a vibrant hub of creativity.

HOME Manchester

Castlefield Gallery

Castlefield Gallery, 2 Hewitt Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 4GB - Visit now

With its forward-thinking schedule of exhibitions, this small but influential contemporary art gallery opened in 1984 and has become a key part of the North of England’s cultural fabric.

Castlefield Gallery, Manchester
Image by Annie Feng. Courtesy of Castlefield Gallery, Manchester

Castlefield Viaduct

Castlefield Viaduct, Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, M3 4PU - Visit now

Castlefield Viaduct is a grade II listed, late-19th century steel structure, on the way to becoming a green ‘sky park’ in the heart of historic Manchester.

Castlefield Bowl

Castlefield Bowl, Rice St, Manchester, M3 4JR - Visit now

Castlefield Bowl is an 8000-capacity outdoor events pavilion that’s played host to everyone from Kylie to The Streets.

Cask

Cask, 29 Liverpool Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4NQ

Cask is a well-loved, traditional-meets-modern pub on Liverpool Road, with an excellent selection of continental beers and a cosy beer garden. Top tip — pick up something beige from the chippy next door and take it into the pub. There’s something of a symbiotic relationship going on between the two places.

Duke’s 92

Duke’s 92, 18 Castle Street
Castlefield, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LZ - Visit now

Duke’s 92 is one of our favourite pubs — a canal-side suntrap that’s the ideal place to take in surrounding Castlefield’s charms. There aren’t many better places to drink outside in Manchester.

Cibo

Cibo, 3-11 Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4NW - Visit now

Got a hankering for an Italian? You could do worse than Cibo, which serves up modern Italian food in snazzy city centre surroundings.

Atlas Bar

Atlas Bar, 376 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LY - Visit now

With the biggest gin selection in the city, Atlas Bar is a must for any fan of the clear stuff. The Gin Bible here ensures that you have an up to date list of everything on offer, with tasting notes to help you decide.

More Castlefield events

JB Shorts 27 at 52two
TheatreManchester
JB Shorts 27 at 53two

A brand new edition of JB Shorts returns to showcase some of the region’s most well-established and talented performers and scriptwriters.

From £11.00

Where to go in Manchester

Manchester
Restaurant
Salt & Pepper

Chinese inspired British food in the centre of Manchester, backed up by plenty of well-deserved local hype.

Morning Glory - Coffee Cup
Manchester
Café or Coffee Shop
Morning Glory

Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.

Manchester
Gallery
Black Redstart Gallery

Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.

Manchester
Gallery
texture mcr

Possibly one of the city’s most mysterious art galleries, texture is a small and perfectly-formed independent space in Ardwick.

Stevenson Square
Manchester
Stevenson Square

Stevenson Square, the central hub of bars and cafes in Northern Quarter. Home to some of the best bars in the city.

CUPRA City Garage DJ Decks
City Centre
Café or Coffee Shop
CUPRA City Garage

Already based in Paris, Mexico City, Sydney and Vienna, CUPRA’s international expansion is driven by culture as much as cars, and Manchester’s creative energy has clearly caught their attention.

Ancoats
Restaurant
Bruco

Bruco is a new restaurant in Ancoats, serving up stylish Italian small plates.

Samsi
Manchester
Restaurant
Samsi

Long-standing Japanese restaurant on Whitworth Street in Manchester with a pleasingly affordable menu.

Manchester Visitor Guides

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.

UNITOM bookshop
Bookshops in Manchester

Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, so of course there are a few go-tos for books. Read our guide to discover the best places to pick them up.

Spas in the North West

If you find yourself in the North West of England looking for a spa day, look no further, check out our guide featuring our favourite spots.

Bars in Manchester

The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.

SB_BreweryTour- Distillery Two
Brewery Tours in Manchester

A growing number of breweries and independent tour operators now offer behind-the-scenes access to the city’s thriving beer scene.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Exhibitions in the North

Galleries around the North are gearing up for a new season of exhibitions - from iconic art prizes to smaller, artist-led gems.

Cinema in the North

This month we recommend a season of Film noir, cult Australian movies and a huge celebration of DIY community cinema.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

This season’s theatre is gloriously eclectic: from radical cabaret and reinvented classics to new musicals and boundary-pushing performance.

Wisp Press Image
Music in the North

From corrupted shoegaze to experimental electronica, post-hardcore to Indian classical, these are the shows that should be on your radar.