Striking Victorian-era steel viaduct, on the way to becoming a green ‘sky park’ in the heart of historic Manchester.
Castlefield Viaduct will open from July 2022. Please note that visits will be guided and you’ll need to book your tickets in advance. Bookings will open in June.
This 330-metre long Grade II-listed viaduct sits in Castlefield, the oldest part of the city of Manchester. Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the engineers who worked on the iconic Blackpool Tower, the viaduct was used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969.
Since then Castlefield Viaduct has stood unused, though regularly maintained by National Highways. Now it’s time for it to reclaim its place in the heart of this vibrant city, celebrating its part in Manchester’s past, present and future.
Thanks to support from private donations and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we’re planning to bring the viaduct back into use and transform it into a freely accessible green space for Castlefield’s local community. We’re keen to hear feedback and ideas from visitors in order to help us shape the future of the viaduct, and realise Manchester’s green potential.
The viaduct will have a test-opening from summer 2022 to summer 2023, during which time you'll be able to enjoy free guided visits of the 'sky park’. Please note that you will need to book your visit in advance via the website.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
