Castlefield, Manchester

Creative Tourist

Last Updated 16 August 2022

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. The real draw in the area, however, is ambitious cultural complex HOME (with its innovative cross-arts programming), the Museum of Science and Industry (housed in the magnificent buildings of the world’s first passenger railway), the small but influential Castlefield Gallery and the restaurants and bars that face out onto the canals.

Once a hub of industrial activity, Castlefield is now one of the city’s most tranquil spots. 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 haven. Its moored-up, flower-decked canal boats are evidence of the slower pace of life here.

Discover our top picks

1. Castlefield Gallery

Castlefield Gallery

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

Castlefield Gallery may be small but it is influential, presenting thought-provoking contemporary art and supporting emerging artists. Its alumni include Turner Prize winners.

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2. Science and Industry Museum

Drew Forsyth

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

The Science & Industry Museum is housed in the buildings of the world’s first inter-city passenger railway; this sprawling, interactive land of scientific exploration includes a working steam train.

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3. Cask

Ben Williams

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

Cask is a well-loved pub on Liverpool Road in Manchester. It has an excellent selection of continental beers and a cosy beer garden.

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4. Duke’s 92

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

Drink in the city’s built heritage along with a pint at Manchester’s Duke’s 92 – the place where both the original city and its urban revival began.

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5. Cibo

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

Cibo is one of the newer Italian restaurant to open in Manchester. Modern Italian food in snazzy city centre surroundings.

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Classical Music 29 June–9 July 2023, from £10

MIF23: Kagami by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tin Drum

As part of MIF23, watch a ground-breaking mixed reality concert created by legendary composer and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto and Tin Drum.

Exhibitions 12–16 July 2023, from £10.00

MIF23: Find Your Eyes at Manchester Academy

Fusing photography with choreography and theatre, don’t miss this live photography show, created by the award-winning British photographer Benji Reid. Happening as part of MIF23.

Exhibitions Until 21 May 2023, from £6.00

Turn It Up: The Power of Music at the Science and Industry Museum

Prepare to get hands-on, with your ears and hearts open, at a new major exhibition exploring the science of music’s mysterious hold over us and how it drives us to create, perform, feel and share.

Theatre 28 June–2 July 2023, from £10.00

MIF23: The Faggots & Their Friends Between Revolutions at HOME

Expect dance, theatre and song in this musical world premiere performance of Larry Mitchell and Ned Asta’s cult 1977 novel.

5 July 2023 8:30 pm, from £10

MIF23: AFRODEUTSCHE with Manchester Camerata conducted by Robert Ames

Manchester Camerata and Robert Ames are teaming up to premier a new work for string ensemble from Manchester’s very own AFRODEUTSCHE.

Dance 13 October–5 November 2023, from £10.00

Free Your Mind at Factory International

Directed by Danny Boyle, Free Your Mind is a Matrix-themed large-scale performance spectacular and the first production at Manchester’s newest landmark arts venue.

Families 11–19 November 2023,

The Welcome at Factory International

The Welcome is a huge nine-day celebration to mark the opening of Manchester’s phenomenal new arts space, Factory International. Everybody’s invited.

Exhibitions 29 June–28 August 2023, from £7.50

MIF23: You, Me and the Balloons at Factory International

Yayoi Kusama’s You, Me and the Balloons celebrates three decades of Kusama’s spectacular inflatable artworks, which are brought together for the first time in this major exhibition. The first event to be announced for MIF23.

Theatre 6–8 July 2023, from £10.00

MIF23: All right. Good night at HOME

The sudden disappearance of the Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and the real-life experience of dementia are woven together in this meditative performance from Rimini Protokoll.