Castlefield Viaduct

A railway turned garden

The steel viaduct once carried trains into central Manchester. The National Trust has transformed it into a green space for the city, with planting along the deck, seating and views over Castlefield's canal basins, railway arches and the reconstructed Roman fort of Mamucium below. It is often compared to New York's High Line, but on a much smaller, local scale.

Check before you go

The viaduct has been closed for maintenance works until autumn 2026, so check the National Trust page for the reopening date. When open, walk-up visits need no booking. Access is via the planters off the road by Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop, or the staircase off Duke Street from the Liverpool Road side. Seating along the route and induction loops in the visitor building help make it accessible. The visitor building has two accessible toilets and a wheelchair you can borrow.

Make a day of Castlefield

The Mamucium fort reconstruction is directly below, and the Science and Industry Museum is a couple of minutes' walk. Layla's Cafe is close for a coffee. The National Trust's step-free Castlefield Naturehood Trail (2.2 miles) and Historic Castlefield Walk (1.5 miles) take in the wider area. Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop is the closest public transport.

Highlights

• Grade II listed viaduct built in 1892
• National Trust urban park
• Step-free route with seating
• Views over Castlefield and the Roman fort

Good to know

• Closed for maintenance until autumn 2026 - check reopening before travelling.
• Dogs on leads are welcome; no cycling on the viaduct (cycle parking at the entrance).
• Some lifts to the viaduct are out of order; the Trust suggests using the lifts at Deansgate station.

Frequently asked questions