Spinningfields. A walk from Deansgate Castlefield to Manchester Victoria

Modern building with text We Love You Manchester

This walk starts at Deansgate Castlefield Metrolink station, takes you past the Science and Industry Museum and through Spinningfields. It then crosses Deansgate, continues through St Ann's Square and finishes at Victoria train and Metrolink station. It's just over 2 km and is a great walk to do on a rainy evening

Map or route with route in blue

Starting at Deansgate Castlefield Metrolink station (A) you will see Beetham Tower, a tall skyscraper which overlooks the station. With the tower to your back, walk to the exit and down the steps on the opposite side to the tower. These lead to the road below. The exit signs from the station are for Deansgate Castlefield.

At the bottom of the steps turn right on Whitworth Street West and then right on Deansgate. There are two sets of steps that exit the station on this side and either will take you to Whitworth Street West. One set brings you very quickly to Deansgate which is an immediate right. Walk along Deansgate and cross over at a set of traffic lights to turn left down Liverpool Road. The Instituto Cervantes building is on this corner. A short distance down Liverpool Road you'll be able to see a sign for the Science + Industry Museum (B). Take this right and walk in front of the museum along Lower Byron Street.

Entrance to museum with text Science and Industry Museum
Science and Industry Museum Manchester

The Science and Industry Museum is housed in what was the first passenger railway station in the world, running between Manchester and Liverpool https://www.scienceandindustrymuseum.org.uk and is worth a visit.

Walk on past the Science and Industry Museum and after a short distance you will see a park on your right, St Johns Gardens. Walk up the slope into St Johns Gardens, walk through the park and exit onto Byrom Street. Turn left as you exit the park to walk down Byrom Street. Before you walk left, look ahead and you will see St John Street (C), the only surviving Georgian terrace in the city. As you walk down Byrom Street it crosses Quay Street (D). Walk by the left side of the Opera House and you will enter the Spinningfields district with the restaurant 20 Stories on your left. 20 Stories has a roof top terrace with amazing views over Manchester. 

Theatre entrance with lights at night
The Opera House Manchester

Spinningfields is a new commercial area but there are lots of restaurants and bars. Turn left by the Ivy and walk between it and the Lawn Club in Hardman Square. Walk ahead in the same direction and you enter Crown Square where you can see the Oast House ahead of you. Turn right in front of the Oast House to walk up The Avenue.

Old wooden building with tower surrounded by modern blocks
The Oast House

When you get back to Deansgate (the main road) turn left and you will see John Rylands Library This is a university library but is free to enter. The entrance is the modern building to the left of the library. Inside the library you will find amazing gothic staircases and reading cubicles. Check the opening times at https://www.library.manchester.ac.uk 

Gothic stone building with arched windows
John Rylands Library

Carry on past John Rylands Library and walk along Deansgate until you see King Street on your right. Walk up King Street and you will see a small clock sign above Hanckocks jewellers. Turn left down the small alley labelled Old Exchange at the side of Hancocks jewellers. This is St Ann's Passage

Woman with umbrella walking through covered Victorian passage
St Ann's Passage

Walk through this passage and when you exit, walk down the left side of St Ann's church. As you walk towards the front of the church you will see the back of a statue looking into St Ann's Square which is a long pedestrianised area. Walk through St Ann's Square. Set back on your left you will see Barton Arcade which you can enter if open.

Tiled floor, ornate balconies and light open space
Barton Arcade, St Ann's Square

On your right is the Royal Exchange Theatre. You can enter this building if it is open. It's a large open space with a small theatre, cafe and gallery.

Stone building with canopy and text Royal Exchange Theatre
Royal Exchange Theatre St Ann's Square

At the end of St Ann's Square go directly across St Mary's Gate onto New Cathedral Street. At the end of this street you can see the Exchange Square Metrolink stop on your  right with a bright yellow canopy. Walk in the direction of The Printworks which is beyond the Metrolink stop then follow close by the tram tracks as they pass between the National Football Museum and Printworks.

Glass building at night with city lights
Tram tracks between National Football Museum and Printworks

As you walk past Urbis which houses The National Football Museum https://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com  you will see a sign for Todd Street on your left.  This leads you to Victoria railway station.

You can continue with a circular walk around Manchester in three legs. The next leg takes you 1.5km to Piccadilly train and Metrolink station.









Location: Spinningfields, Manchester M3, UK

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