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Castlefield Viaduct
A Victorian-era steel viaduct transformed into a green ‘sky garden’ in the heart of Manchester. Pop in and discover this urban garden, Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm, no booking needed.
Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LG
Important notice
Please note that both lifts nearest to Castlefield Viaduct are current out of order, Transport for Greater Manchester are working to fix it as soon as possible.
Opening times for 12 July 2025
Asset Opening time Castlefield Viaduct (walk ups, no booking required) 10:00 - 17:00 MTWTFSS3012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031123OpenPartially openClosed- Café
Currently we don't have food or drink on offer but there are food outlets within the local area.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on lead are welcome.
- Toilet
We have 2 accessible chemical toilets on site with baby changing facilities.
- Accessible toilet
- Induction loop
Static loops installed at the welcome area and within the visitor building. Personal loops available for the guided visit.
- Level access/terrain
The viaduct has level access throughout with a slight incline into the visitor building. The main route is smooth bonded gravel.
- Lift
Some lifts to the viaduct are currently out of order. Please use the lift on Platform 2 at Deansgate train station and cross the bridge or catch a tram to Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop and we are a short flat distance from there. Please note, the National Trust do not manage these lifts so apologies for any inconvenience.
- Seating available
We have a range of seating throughout the viaduct and within our visitor building located at the end of the viaduct.
- Wheelchairs available
Two wheelchairs are available to borrow for your visit
- On foot
Make your way to Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop. If approaching from Deansgate or Whitworth Street West, cross all the tram lines and turn left down the access road. There is a large sign on the wall showing the way. Look for our signs on the raised pavement. Walk across the car park at the end and there is a row of planters showing the entrance to Castlefield Viaduct. Alternatively, if approaching from the Liverpool Road direction, climb the staircase just off Duke Street to arrive at the entrance.
- By train
If you are arriving at Deansgate train station make your way across the bridge to the Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop. Cross all the tram lines and turn left down the access road. There is a large sign on the wall showing the way. Look for our signs on the raised pavement. Walk across the car park at the end and there is a row of planters showing the entrance to Castlefield Viaduct.
- By bus
Make your way to Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop. Cross all the tram lines and turn left down the access road. There is a large sign on the wall showing the way. Look for our signs on the raised pavement. Walk across the car park at the end and there is a row of planters showing the entrance to Castlefield Viaduct.
- Cycling
Cycling is not allowed on Castlefield Viaduct itself but we encourage visitors to arrive by bike if they'd like to. There is an access road leading up to the viaduct level from Albion Street, opposite the Armed Forces Careers Office. Follow this access road past Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop on the left and across the car park to arrive at the viaduct. There are bike racks available at the entrance.
- Metrolink tram
Alight at Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop. Cross all the tram lines and turn left down the access road. There is a large sign on the wall showing the way. Look for our signs on the raised pavement. Walk across the car park at the end and there is a row of planters showing the entrance to Castlefield Viaduct.
Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LG
Plans for the future
Article
Our work at Castlefield Viaduct
Learn about the vision for Castlefield Viaduct and about the work we're doing in partnership with Manchester to transform this historic structure into an urban park for people and nature.
Donate to Castlefield Viaduct
Be part of the transformation of Castlefield Viaduct and help to turn it into a nature-rich through-route for the benefit of people and nature.
Highlights
Visit the garden in the sky
Explore this urban garden Wednesday – Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm., no need to book. Help shape the viaduct's future as a 'sky park' green space for the community.
Events on the Viaduct
Scroll down for the upcoming events that invite you to experience Castlefield Viaduct through a different lens.
Victorian viaduct
Grade II-listed viaduct in the heart of the oldest part of Manchester, built by the engineers who worked on Blackpool Tower.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Castlefield Viaduct
Explore a garden in the sky at Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester, where you can discover the history of the structure and find out more about the ideas for the future of this Grade II-listed Victorian viaduct.
Trail
Historic Castlefield Walk
Explore the streets, parks and canals around Castlefield Viaduct and discover the rich history of the area.
Upcoming events
Event
From history to herbs, gardening in the sky with Teddy Jones (Sky Gardening Challenge)
From history to herbs, gardening in the sky for ourselves and nature with Teddy Jones (Sky Gardening Challenge).
Event
Yoga on the Viaduct
Awakening morning and energising lunchtime yoga sessions with Emma of Thorlby Yoga above the streets of Manchester on Castlefield Viaduct.
Event
Wild about balcony wildlife with Northern Lily (Sky Gardening Challenge)
Join Sky Gardening Challenge Judge, Victoria Holden, for a talk and practical workshop about creating wildlife friendly balconies.
Event
Wednesday @ 1: The History of the Garden
Gardens have been the dream spaces that people and cultures have made for millennia.
Event
Cultivating balcony creativity with Cloud Gardener (Sky Gardening Challenge)
Join Sky Gardening Challenge Judge, Cloud Gardener Jason Williams, for an inspiring talk about balcony garden design, followed by a practical workshop.
Event
Wednesday @ 1: Manchester and the Spanish Civil War
This talk will concentrate on the men and women from Manchester who served as combatants and medical staff for the Spanish Republic. Who they were, their experiences and motivations.
About Castlefield Viaduct
This 330-metre long Grade II-listed viaduct sits in Castlefield, the oldest part of the city of Manchester surrounded by 2000 years of history. 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 Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969.
Since then Castlefield Viaduct stood unused, though regularly maintained by National Highways. Now it’s reclaimed its place in the heart of this vibrant city, celebrating its part in Manchester’s past, present and future by transforming into a temporary 'garden in the sky'.
You can walk-up and visit Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm, no booking required.
The garden is open and the feedback and ideas from visitors is being used to help shape a future for the viaduct. See the 'Our Work' page for more about this vision. We still need your help to make this future a reality and a green part of the Manchester skyline.
Support us
Appeal
Donate to Castlefield Viaduct
Be part of the transformation of Castlefield Viaduct and help to turn it into a nature-rich through-route for the benefit of people and nature.
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Castlefield Viaduct.
Supporter Groups in the North-West
Find out about the supporter groups you can join in Cheshire and Greater Manchester including The Manchester Centre and East Cheshire National Trust Association.
Donate to Castlefield Viaduct
Help keep the viaduct growing by donating today and you could be funding some spectacular spring bulbs or a cuppa for a local community group.
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History
Article
History of Castlefield Viaduct
Built in 1892, the Castlefield Viaduct is a core part of Manchester's industrial heritage. Discover more about the area’s history and how the viaduct played a key role in the city’s story.
Our work
Article
Our work at Castlefield Viaduct
Learn about the vision for Castlefield Viaduct and about the work we're doing in partnership with Manchester to transform this historic structure into an urban park for people and nature.
Article
Working with the community
Learn more about the community work we’re doing at Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester to work with people across the region.
Article
Combatting climate change at Castlefield Viaduct
Find out how we’re working to combat climate change at Castlefield Viaduct, as part of a project to transform this historic structure into an urban green space.