National Trust - Castlefield Viaduct — Attraction in Manchester

After struggling to find it ( Used our phones and no signage at all), we used the lift( old and dirty) to get up there as I can't cope with heights, so the steps were a 'no no'. It is a lovely well thought out use of the viaduct with a great atmosphere. The plants are varied, with information on each section. Really calm and relaxing. The first part of the viaduct is planted, with the second phase visible ( I loved this section, where one can visualise how the area could be transformed). We had booked our slot, but had to go separately as my sister had a small hand luggage case on wheels ( She was travelling back to Suffolk straight afterwards)which she wasn't allowed to take in. This apparently is a new directive. Ridiculous, especially as there were people there with big back packs! As each of us waited for the other to return, we noticed many people being late for their tour because they couldn't find it. Also people were being turned away. I found this particularly bad when it included families with children. Surely we need to be encouraging them? There was plenty of room for everyone. The National Trust should be reviewing their admittance procedure. Rather than using a clip board for those entering ( Who uses a clipboard these days?) register the number of people admitted, on a click system, then if 5 people leave, another 5 can be admitted, for example. This way, numbers can be controlled. The National Trust needs to be more forward thinking in this department. Overall, it is great to have this in the city, but allow plenty of...

Been on a visit to floral Manchester on this beautiful autumnal day which is turning into an Indian Summer. Gin clear skies and uninterrupted sunshine is rare in town but perfect for seeing the fabulous Castlefield viaduct. We were greeted by the lovely May and Angie who lead our tour . Just returning from New York where we walked the High Line a similar viaduct experience which is much longer with views of Manhattan. On a much smaller scale Castlefield Viaduct exceeds expectations with quality of the planting and the views across the city . No wonder people are calling it Manchattan . it’s an immersive experience with a fusion of sounds and sights of the metropolis and nature. This is enhanced by the trams and trains on either side which make it redolent of the age of steam . Angie brought it to life with her anecdotes dating from Roman times, through to the industrial revolution. I was greatly inspired and proud that the city we now call home was once the centre of the universe in terms of manufacturing and trade. Only a Mancunian woman and girl could have painted this picture in our “mind’s eye” and I left feeling a great pride in my and my family’s roots here. Took advantage of the weather to visit Mayfield Park Manchesters newest green space and finished off with tea and cake outside...

We’ve been NT members for many years, and although we knew about this site, we’d not visited until recently for various reasons.

The access was reasonably easy, but it’s not signposted particularly well, and the given instructions are a bit vague. Once you’ve been, it’s obvious how to access it.

As an attraction, it was peaceful and worth a look, but I felt that half of the garden was barren and awaiting something being done to it.

The part that was developed (the trees, the data corner, the pond, etc) was really nice, and would be good to just sit and soak up the sun and peace.

Facilities-wise: it has toilets and ice-cream tubs are available in the visitor centre.

It’ll be nice if they can develop the 2nd phase and make this something that has more to see, and spend more time at. I felt like this is a quick visit spot if you’re already in town, rather than somewhere that you’d spend a...