Castlefield Viaduct is a Grade II-listed Victorian railway viaduct in the heart of Manchester, transformed by the National Trust into a free-to-visit 'garden in the sky' — offering a unique elevated green space above the city with views across Castlefield and a growing programme of community events. 

Castlefield Viaduct | Parks in Manchester

• Opening Hours:
  • Wednesday to Sunday: 10am–5pm
  • No booking required
• Location: Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester, M3 4LG (a short flat walk from Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop; accessible via Platform 2 lift at Deansgate train station)
• Suitable for: All ages — dogs on leads welcome
• Booking: Free entry — no booking required. Some events may require tickets; check the website for details
• Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/castlefield-viaduct
• Contact: castlefieldviaduct@nationaltrust.org.uk

Castlefield Viaduct is a 330-metre-long Grade II-listed viaduct sitting in Castlefield — the oldest part of Manchester — surrounded by over 2,000 years of history. Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the same engineers behind the iconic Blackpool Tower, the viaduct carried passenger and goods trains in and out of Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969. After decades of disuse, it has now been transformed by the National Trust into a spectacular 'garden in the sky', which opened to the public in 2022.

A garden in the sky

Today the viaduct is planted with a rich variety of wildflowers, grasses and other plants, creating a wildlife-friendly green corridor above the city. Visitors are invited to explore at their own pace, taking in the elevated views over Castlefield's canals, Roman remains and city skyline, and discovering information about the viaduct's industrial heritage and its vision for the future. Seating is available throughout the viaduct and in the visitor building at the far end. Two wheelchairs are available to borrow on site, free of charge.

Events and community programme

Castlefield Viaduct hosts a varied programme of free and ticketed events throughout the year, from folk music evenings and seasonal nature activities to community seed-sowing workshops and school holiday events for families. Visitor feedback is actively sought and used to help shape the longer-term vision for the viaduct as a permanent nature-rich green space for Manchester. Check the National Trust website for the full upcoming events listing.

Walks and trails

A downloadable Historic Castlefield Walk — a 1.5-mile route taking in the streets, parks and canals around the viaduct — is available on the National Trust website. The National Trust has also partnered with the free walking app Go Jauntly to create the Castlefield Naturehood Trail, a step-free circular 2.2-mile route weaving through Roman gardens, urban waterways and green spaces with stories and nature prompts along the way.

Important information

• Facilities: Two accessible chemical toilets on site with baby changing facilities. No food or drink on site — refreshments available in the surrounding Castlefield area
• Accessibility: Level access throughout with a slight incline into the visitor building. Main route is smooth bonded gravel. Two wheelchairs available to borrow. Static induction loops at the welcome area and visitor building. Note: some lifts to the viaduct are currently out of order — use the lift on Platform 2 at Deansgate train station and cross the bridge, or alight at Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop, which is a short flat walk away
• Transport: Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink tram stop is the closest stop — a short flat walk from the entrance. Deansgate train station is also nearby. Bike racks available at the entrance; cycling is not permitted on the viaduct itself
• Parking: No on-site parking — public car parks are available in the Castlefield area

Find out more: National Trust — Castlefield Viaduct

Photo credit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/castlefield-viaduct