Castlefield and the canals

Roman fort, Victorian viaducts and canal basins with bars along the water.

Castlefield is where Manchester's history is stacked up in layers: a reconstructed Roman gateway, the Bridgewater Canal, railway viaducts overhead and the new sky park on one of them. On a warm evening the canal-side terraces are the best outdoor drinking in the city. It is flat and central and a natural walk from the Science and Industry Museum.

When it works

Outdoors: pick a dry day. Best afternoon, evening.

Good for a date, groups, sunset and locals' favourite.

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Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in Manchester ranked for right now.