The best places, eat, relax and enjoy around Manchester’s Castlefield district
Castlefield is a district of Manchester’s city centre that’s filled with everything a great neighbourhood needs. History, culture, restaurants and bars with the convenience of being located next to one of Manchester’s largest transport hubs – Deansgate Station. From here you can reach all the main points of the city by tram, train or bus – for example, if you’re working at Salford Quays, it’s a mere 13 minute, direct journey.
This is where we’ve built one of our newest residential developments, Potato Wharf. If you've just purchased in Castlefield or you’re considering one of our premium apartments for sale, you’ll want to know more about your new neighbourhood so here’s a breakdown of the very best local spots to visit near our apartments in Castlefield, Manchester.
18 – 25 Castel Street, M3 4LZ
dukes92.com
A bar with great menus and stylish interiors – but there’s one thing that its best known for: it’s outdoor, canal-side terrace. Choose from a tasty selection of main dishes or small plates, or if it’s a day out with drinks that’s the focus, keep yourself satisfied with Duke’s Boards – platters of breads, crisps, chutneys and delicious toppings of cheese or local cured meats.
There’s also a kids menu, a sumptuous Sunday Roast that’s not to be missed, and a drinks menu that leaves nobody wanting (bottles of Champagne are ready and chilled for those celebrating a special occasion). But be sure to book your table and check out the dress code before you visit – especially if you’re visiting of an evening, when Dukes turns into a bit of a hotspot!
Liverpool Road, M3 4FP
scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk
Remnants of Manchester’s history as an industrial powerhouse are visible across the city. But why not spend an afternoon learning more about the city’s place in the industrial revolution and the breakthroughs in industry that the city’s pushing through even now.
The Museum is home to artefacts and articles covering Manchester’s history from the last 250 years. You’ll learn about the first railways, the mills, the crowded streets, engineering, the birth of the creative industries and pioneers in science and technology.
There are also events that cater for people of all ages: adult-only late events, family weekends and exclusive exhibitions. Currently, the From Ciphers to Cyber Security exhibition teaches us about the top-secret world of communications intelligence and security. The exhibition will run until 31st August.
To visit the Museum, entry is free but you’ll need to book a ticket. For more info on opening times and what’s on, visit the museum’s website.
6 Slate Wharf, M15 4ST
brunningandprice.co.uk/thewharf
Castlefield is synonymous with the canals and wharfs of Manchester, so we don’t feel bad about including two canal-side dining options in this article! Quite different from Dukes 92, The Wharf epitomises the cosy, relaxed feel of your favourite country pub, right at the heart of the city.
Inside you’ll find nooks and crannies aplenty, with comforting leather armchairs and bookshelves filled to the brim with a variety of titles.
Step outside, and you’ll find a sizeable terrace, a lot of which is covered in case the good old British weather brings a surprise.
Both areas serve up a perfectly formed menu of dishes – think classic home comforts with a sophisticated twist. The daily menu offers mains like chicken pappardelle with mushroom and white wine sauce, or smoked haddock and salmon fish cake accompanied with a spring onion salad. On Sundays, the selection of roasts is unrivalled, accompanied by all the trimmings you’d expect at a classic country pub. If you’re just visiting for the beverages, we’d highly suggest indulging in the nibbles. Small plates like chorizo with red peppers, crispy baby squid with garlic mayo, or spicy buffalo wings with blue cheese dip keep you satisfied and topped up with good grub.
Duke Street
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamucium
As you walk around the area of Castlefield, you’re bound to notice the historical ruins, just off of Duke Street. These are actually the ruins of Mamucium, a former roman fort that stood there around AD 79. The area itself is now designated an urban heritage park to denote the historical importance.
The fort itself was built to defend the Roman Road that at one point would have been manned by over 500 auxiliary troops who were also residents there. The ruins have now been reconstructed in part to show what the gateway to the fort would have looked like, whilst you can see a full view of the fort’s foundations if you stand on Duke Street, or on Duke Place.
33a Collier Street, M3 4LZ
saulhayfineart.co.uk
Incorporating the best of new, British painting, drawing, sculpture and photography, Saul Hay Gallery was born out of a true love of art collection. From Wednesday to Sunday you can visit the gallery and view the latest exhibition. Whilst there’s a focus on local artists from greater Manchester, the gallery looks outward to artists from far corners of the UK.
If you happen to be the proud new owner of one of our flats in Castlefield Manchester, you can browse the online exhibition which features art for sale. Similarly, the team at the gallery are on hand to help if you’re looking to purchase a piece of art. Much like property, art can be an investment, as well as one of life’s luxuries. Saul Hay’s directors are happy to offer their advice, expertise and even try before you buy, so that you walk away with the perfect piece for your new home.
Lower Byrom Street, M3 4FP
the-crystal-maze.com/manchester
If you’re a child of the 90s (or older) you’ll recall the popular programme that saw teams of friends or colleagues take on a series of challenges together. Well, now you can try it all for yourself with Manchester’s live experience. It’s a team challenge; an entirely interactive and immersive experience which presents both mental and physical challenges to you and your party.
There are four adventure zones: Medieval, Industrial, Aztec and Futuristic. And of course the whole experience ends with your shot in the crystal dome where the aim is to catch tokens.
Book your time well in advance as slots book up quickly. Suitable for adults age 9 and over.