Castlefield – Manchester

Castlefield is an area to the southwest of Manchester city centre, bounded by St John’s, Deansgate, and the River Irwell.

The area was first settled by the Romans. In 79 AD they built a fort here to guard roads to Chester, York, and Ribchester. A reconstruction of Mamucium is now one of the main attractions in the area.

Mamucium Roman Fort Manchester
Mamucium

Castlefield is the Manchester terminus of the Bridgewater Canal. It was built in the 1760s by the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater to carry coal from his mines in Worsley to the city.

Bridgewater Canal, Castlefield, Manchester
Bridgewater Canal

The success of the Bridgewater Canal promoted the construction of the Rochdale Canal from Manchester to Sowerby Bridge in West Yorkshire. On completion in 1804 the two canals were connected at Castlefield.

Railway bridge over the Rochdale Canal
Railway bridge over the Rochdale Canal

The Liverpool and Manchester Railway opened in 1830. It was the world’s first intercity railway. Manchester Liverpool Road Railway Station was the Manchester terminus of the line. Situated at the northern end of Castlefield, it is now the site of the Science and Industry Museum.

Walk around Castlefield

In the latter half of the 19th century railways replaced canals as the major mode of transport. An impressive series of viaducts was built to carry trains into the city.

Railway viaducts in Castlefield, Manchester
Railway viaducts

In the 20th century the area fell into disrepair. In 1982 the area became the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park. With the help of millions of pounds of public sector funding, an extensive regeneration programme commenced.

Many of the warehouses and buildings at Castlefield have now been converted into bars, restaurants, hotels, apartments, and offices.

The Wharf pub, Manchester
The Wharf pub

Additions included Merchant’s Bridge. This impressive pedestrian footbridge crosses the Castlefield Basin, the junction of the Bridgewater Canal and Rochdale Canal. Walks along the canal footpaths and across the bridge are particularly pleasant in the summer months.

Merchant's Bridge footbridge in Castlefield, Manchester
Merchant’s Bridge

Another development was the Castlefield Bowl. This outdoor events venue used for concerts, festivals, and screening major sporting events.

Castlefield Bowl
Castlefield Bowl

Hotels

Hotels and places to stay in and around Castlefield include:

  • Castlefield Hotel
  • The Oxnoble
Oxnoble pub and hotel, Manchester
Oxnoble

Restaurants, Pubs and Bars

Castlefield has an excellent selection of places to eat and drink.

The list was last updated on Tuesday 17th of December 2019.

NameAddressCuisinePriceDetails
Albert's ShedCastle Street
Manchester
British££[Facebook]
[Trip Advisor]
Dimitri'sDeansgate
Manchester
Greek, Mediterranean££[Facebook]
[Trip Advisor]
Don Marco5 Campfield Avenue Arcade
Manchester
Italian££[Facebook]
[Trip Advisor]
Dukes 92Castle Street
Manchester
International££[Facebook]
[Trip Advisor]
Rump N Ribs73/83 Liverpool Road
Manchester
Steakhouse££[Facebook]
[Trip Advisor]
Sapporo Teppanyaki91-93 Liverpool Road
Manchester
Japanese££[Facebook]
[Trip Advisor]
The Wharf6 Slate Wharf
Manchester
Pub, British££[Facebook]
[Trip Advisor]
Albert's Shed restaurant and bar, Manchester
Albert’s Shed

Transport

Deansgate is the nearest train station.

Middle Warehouse on Castle Quay, Bridgewater Canal
Middle Warehouse on Castle Quay, Bridgewater Canal

Piccadilly Train Station is around 1 mile away. A free bus service leaves from outside the station and stops in Castlefield.

The closest Metrolink tram stop is Deansgate-Castlefield.

Tower leading to Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink
Tower leading to Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink

Car parks near Castlefield include the NCP Manchester Great Northern. It’s open 24 hours and is situated on Watson Street (postcode M3 4EE).

Map

A map of Castlefield is shown below. Click on any point of interest for additional information.

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