National Trust: Castlefield Viaduct

Castlefield Viaduct is a striking Victorian-era steel viaduct that’s become a temporary green sky garden in the heart of historic Manchester. The viaduct is open until summer 2024 and funding is currently being sort to make it a permanent part of the city skyline.

The 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 becoming an innovative urban garden open to all.

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.

Opening hours:
Free pre-booked guided visits 10.30am-12.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Walk up no-booking visits 12.30pm-4.30pm every afternoon and all day Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Please check website for closures before you visit.