Castlefield Viaduct

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

Visit now

Castlefield Viaduct

Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, M3 4PU
Castlefield Viaduct by JJ.
Book now

Castlefield Viaduct is a grade II listed late-19th century wonder that proudly sits between the Bridgewater Canal and the tramline. It was originally used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central Station, now more commonly known as the event and conference venue, Manchester Central. Since the station became repurposed the viaduct has remained intact but unused, with essential maintenance being carried out, but no purpose within its surroundings. But the National Trust and Twelve Architects and Masterplanners had a vision to change the neglected yet beautiful structure into an urban park to benefit the whole community.

Although the plans are yet to be fully realised, this urban park in the sky is very much open for visitors, who can explore part of the structure and find out more about the viaduct’s heritage, the city’s long relationship with plants and trees and also learn urban gardening tips. You’ll experience a variety of planting displays as you walk along the viaduct while enjoying the elevated setting above the historic cobbled streets. You’ll also see the park develop and evolve, responding to the different seasons.

Keep an eye out for developments as the plans to reimagine Castlefield Viaduct progress and we start to see Manchester’s centre embrace more green spaces while still honouring its industrial past.

What's on near Castlefield Viaduct

Where to go near Castlefield Viaduct

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Duke’s 92

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

Saul Hay Gallery
Manchester
Gallery
Saul Hay Gallery

Saul Hay Gallery, located one of Castlefield’s Victorian red brick buildings, is one of Manchester’s most important commercial galleries.

Manchester
Music venue
Castlefield Bowl

The Castlefield Bowl is an outdoor events pavilion in the inner city conservation area of Castlefield in Manchester. The 8000-capacity arena is often used for food festivals and music events.

Manchester
Restaurant
Teppanyaki Chinatown

A Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in the centre of Chinatown. The focus is on high-quality food with a minimum of theatrics. It doesn’t disappoint.

Campfield Open Day-3
Castlefield
Event venue
Campfield Market Hall

Having undergone years of transformative and restorative work, the complex will now be known as Campfield Mega Campus, Manchester’s most ambitious creative-tech destination.

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Cask

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

Castlefield
Bar or Pub
Atlas Bar

Situated in the railway arches of Deansgate, Atlas is an elegant, quality bar specialising in nearly 600 gins from around the world.

Altrincham
Shop
IDAHO

Every piece in IDAHO has something special and will guarantee to make your homes, offices and wardrobes feel a little more inspiring.

Manchester
Restaurant
Cibo

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

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North.
Theatre in the North

From outdoor shows to drama in the dark, our theatre guide celebrates genre-pushing work, new writing and contemporary performance.

Author portrait
Literature Events in the North

Our latest round-up features plenty of one-off live literature events to wrap your ears about, so get those diaries ticking over...

Two women stand next to an orange car.
Cinema in the North

August brings a huge LGBTQ+ film festival, plus a reggae classic and a spotlight on Japanese animation.

Blondshell by Hannah Bon.
Music in the North

From Lyra Pramuk’s sacred synths to the sugar rush of YAANG, our latest music picks bring ritual, rebellion and ridiculous levels of fun.