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Castlefield Viaduct
Striking Victorian-era steel viaduct, hoping to become a green ‘sky garden’ in the heart of historic Manchester. Book for a free guided visit selected mornings or simply walk up for a wander every afternoon, Wednesday and weekends.
Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LG
Book a visit
Important notice
Free walk-up visits on Weds, Sat and Sun and after 12.30pm every other day. Pre-booked guided visits 10.30am–12.30pm Mon, Tue, Thu and Fri. Last entry is 4.30pm. No suitcases or large backpacks. Please use the lift at Deansgate/Castlefield tram stop
Opening times for 4 December 2023
Asset Opening time Castlefield Viaduct (pre-booked guided visits) 10:30 - 12:30 Castlefield Viaduct (walk ups, no booking required) 12:30 - 16:30 Book a visitMTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedAssistance dogs only
We only welcome assistance animals on to the viaduct.
Guided tour
Access to the property is by guided visit 10.30am-12.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Please book your free ticket online. Between 12.30pm-4.30pm those afternoons and all day on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday we are open for non-booked visits up to capacity. Please note, at busy times you may have to wait a few minutes for entry.
Cafe
Currently we don't have food or drink on offer but there are food outlets within the local area.
Toilet
We have 2 accessible chemical toilets on site with baby changing facilities.
Accessible toilet
Lift
There are two public lifts available to access the viaduct which is located above street level. There are lifts at Deansgate train station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop and we are a short distance from them. Please note, the National Trust do not manage these lifts so apologies if they are not running.
Induction loop
Static loops installed at the welcome area and within the visitor building. Personal loops available for the guided visit.
Seating available
We have a range of seating throughout the viaduct and within our visitor building located at the end of the viaduct.
Level access/terrain
The viaduct has level access throughout with a slight incline into the visitor building. The main route is smooth bonded gravel.
Wheelchairs available
Two wheelchairs are available to borrow for your visit
By road
Parking: There is no dedicated parking at Castlefield Viaduct though there are plenty of city centre car parks. If you can, we recommend using public transport. Castlefield Viaduct is very near Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink station or Deansgate mainline rail station. Please see alternative routes for directions.
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. Look for our signs on the raised pavement. Walk across the car park at the end following the pedestrian signs directing you 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. Look for our signs on the raised pavement. Walk across the car park at the end following the pedestrian signs directing you to Castlefield Viaduct.
Metrolink tram
Alight at Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop. Cross all the tram lines and turn left down the access road. Look for our signs on the raised pavement. Walk across the car park at the end following the pedestrian signs directing you to Castlefield Viaduct.
Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 4LG
Highlights
Visit the garden in the sky
Book your place on a free guided visit or come between 1pm and 3.45pm to visit without booking and help shape the viaduct's future as a 'sky park' green space for the community.
Events on the Viaduct
Scroll down this page for the upcoming events that make your visit even more unique and special.
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
Christmas at Castlefield Viaduct
Visit Castlefield Viaduct this Christmas for winter wanders and moments of peace above the busy city streets.
Article
Things to see and do at Castlefield Viaduct
Castlefield Viaduct is open as part of a pilot project, offering an opportunity to explore the viaduct’s history and experience an urban park in the sky.
Upcoming events
Event
The Winter Garden Tour
Get out of the busy city streets and take a tour around some festive flora.
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'.
Thanks to support from private donations and players of People’s Postcode Lottery, the viaduct has been brought back into use and transformed into a freely accessible green space for Castlefield’s local community and the wider city for two years.
You can visit through free pre-booked guided visits 10.30am-12.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and walk up no-booking visits 12.30pm-4.30pm those afternoons and all day on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The temporary garden is open until 2024 and the feedback and ideas from visitors over the past year is being used to help shape a possible future for the viaduct but we need your help to make it a permanent part of the Manchester skyline.
Help us shape a future for Castlefield Viaduct
Your donation today can breathe new life into tomorrow’s viaduct – as an urban garden, a place for learning and exploring and a space for nature in the heart of the city.
Donate on this page or by clicking the 'Donate' button above and scrolling down to make Castlefield Viaduct your favourite place.
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.
Support us
Become a corporate sponsor
We’re working together with our partners to achieve more than we could alone. Email corporatepartnerships@nationaltrust.org.uk to find out more about becoming a corporate sponsor and supporting this exciting project.
Make a donation
Your donation today can breathe new life into tomorrow’s viaduct – as an urban garden, a place for learning and exploring and a space for nature in the heart of the city. Make us your favourite place at the link.
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Castlefield Viaduct.
Our work
Project
Project
Our work at Castlefield Viaduct
Learn about our vision for Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester and about the work we're doing in partnership to transform this historic structure into an urban park for people and nature.
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.