Beetham Tower: Manchester’s Iconic Skyscraper and Urban Landmark
Manchester’s tallest skyscraper outside London, Beetham Tower combines luxury living, stunning views, and bold modern architecture in the heart of the city.
Beetham Tower, located at 301 Deansgate in Manchester, is the tallest building in the UK outside London, soaring 169 meters (555 feet) with 50 floors. Completed in 2006, this modern skyscraper combines residential apartments and a Hilton hotel, offering stunning panoramic views of Manchester and beyond. Known for its striking architectural design and a distinctive ‘blade’ feature, the tower is a prominent symbol of Manchester’s urban regeneration and skyline transformation.
A brief summary to Beetham Tower
- 301 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LQ, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Clouds Bar on the 23rd floor for spectacular panoramic views, especially beautiful at sunset.
- Experience the unique wind sounds the tower makes during strong gusts, a quirky local characteristic.
- Book a stay at the Hilton hotel within the tower to enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows and luxury amenities.
- Explore the surrounding Deansgate area to appreciate the tower’s impact on Manchester’s urban regeneration.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tram
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to Deansgate-Castlefield station, approximately a 10-15 minute ride from central Manchester. From the station, it is a 5-minute walk to Beetham Tower. Trams run frequently with tickets costing around £3-£5.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Deansgate, with stops within 5-10 minutes walking distance of Beetham Tower. Journey times vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on origin. Single fares typically range from £2 to £4.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at Beetham Tower. From Manchester Piccadilly station, the journey takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £7-£12.
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Car
Driving to Beetham Tower is possible with several nearby parking garages. Expect busy city center traffic and parking fees around £10-£20 per day. The area is best accessed outside peak hours to avoid congestion.
Beetham Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Beetham Tower
A Defining Feature of Manchester’s Skyline
Beetham Tower stands as a commanding presence in Manchester’s cityscape, reaching 169 meters high with 50 floors. Completed in 2006, it remains the tallest building in the UK outside London. The tower’s sleek, modern design was conceived to symbolize Manchester’s growth as a vibrant urban center. Its distinctive stepped form is created by the cantilevering of residential apartments beyond the hotel floors below, crowned by a crystalline glass ‘blade’ that extends 25 meters above the roofline, adding a dramatic flourish to the silhouette.Mixed-Use Architecture and Urban Living
The tower houses a Hilton hotel alongside residential apartments, blending hospitality with city living. The hotel occupies the lower floors, featuring luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame sweeping views of the city. Above, the apartments range from studios to family-sized dwellings, designed to attract professionals and residents seeking a sophisticated urban lifestyle. The integration of living and leisure spaces reflects Manchester’s 24-hour city ambitions, bringing continuous activity to the area.Engineering and Design Innovations
Beetham Tower’s construction involved advanced engineering techniques to ensure structural efficiency and safety. The design incorporates a fabric-first approach to energy efficiency, with passive buffer zones and combined heat and power systems enhancing sustainability. Fire engineering innovations provide safe means of escape from residential areas, while the tower’s all-concrete structure offers robustness. The collaboration between structural and mechanical engineering teams was crucial in delivering a landmark building that balances form and function.Views and Local Character
From the tower’s upper floors, residents and guests enjoy breathtaking panoramas stretching to the Pennines, Peak District, and even Snowdonia on clear days. The Clouds Bar on the 23rd floor is a popular spot for visitors to soak in sunset views over Manchester’s skyline. Despite its iconic status, the tower has sparked mixed reactions locally; some admire its modernity and boldness, while others critique its impact on the city’s historic fabric. A quirky local anecdote is the tower’s eerie moaning sound during strong winds, likened to alien spaceships or a giant baby’s tantrum, adding to its unique character.Location and Urban Context
Situated at the junction of Deansgate, Great Bridgewater Street, and Liverpool Road, Beetham Tower anchors a key area of Manchester’s city center. Its visibility from multiple counties underscores its role as a landmark for the region. The tower contributes significantly to the regeneration and economic vitality of southern Manchester, offering both residential comfort and hospitality excellence in a central urban setting.Legacy and Cultural Impact
Beetham Tower embodies Manchester’s evolution into a modern metropolis, blending architectural ambition with practical urban living. It has become a symbol of the city’s forward-looking spirit and architectural innovation. The tower’s presence influences Manchester’s identity, serving as a beacon for residents and visitors alike, while its mixed-use nature supports a dynamic city lifestyle.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
0.2 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Castlefield historical zone
0.2 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
0.3 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Roman Gardens
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.3 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Friedrich Engels Statue
0.3 km
A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.
Free Trade Hall
0.3 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Rochdale Canal Lock 92
0.4 km
Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.
Hotspur House
0.4 km
Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.
Canada House, Manchester
0.4 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Historic England
0.5 km
Explore the rich heritage of England at Historic England in Manchester, where history meets preservation and community engagement.
Bahnhof Manchester
0.5 km
Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
St. Peter's Square
0.5 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Albert Memorial
0.6 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Manchester City Council
0.6 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Upper Campfield Market Hall
0.1 km
Historic Victorian market hall in Manchester’s Castlefield, now a vibrant artisan market and creative hub blending heritage with modern innovation.
Castlefield Gallery
0.2 km
Manchester’s pioneering contemporary art gallery fostering creativity, community, and artist development since 1984.
Great Northern
0.2 km
A lively blend of historic charm and modern entertainment in Manchester’s premier shopping and leisure plaza.
Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
0.2 km
Explore Manchester’s historic heart where Roman ruins, scenic canals, and vibrant culture converge in the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park.
Mamucium Roman Fort Reconstruction
0.3 km
Explore the reconstructed Roman fort of Mamucium, a vital northern frontier garrison that shaped Manchester’s ancient roots.
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
0.3 km
Discover the thrilling cocktail experience at Alcotraz Manchester, where immersive storytelling meets masterful mixology in a unique prison-themed bar.
The Bridgewater Hall
0.3 km
Manchester’s premier concert hall offering world-class acoustics, diverse performances, and accessible facilities in a striking modern setting.
Sightseeing Manchester
0.3 km
Manchester’s iconic concert hall blending architectural beauty and world-class music in the heart of the city.
Castlefield National Trust railway walk
0.3 km
Discover a historic Victorian railway viaduct transformed into a vibrant elevated garden blending industrial heritage with nature in Manchester’s oldest district.
Saint John's Gardens
0.3 km
A serene urban oasis in Manchester preserving historic churchyard remnants and offering peaceful green space near Deansgate.
HOME Manchester
0.3 km
HOME Manchester: Where contemporary theatre, film, and art converge in a vibrant cultural hub.
National Trust - Castlefield Viaduct
0.3 km
A Victorian railway viaduct reborn as a lush elevated sky garden blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with vibrant urban nature.
Science and Industry Museum
0.3 km
Explore 250 years of innovation and industrial heritage at Manchester’s historic Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s oldest passenger railway station.
Albert Hall, Manchester
0.3 km
Historic Wesleyan chapel turned iconic music venue with stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Rochdale Canal Lake
0.3 km
A serene waterside retreat blending Manchester’s industrial heritage with vibrant cultural life at The Bridgewater Hall.
Essential places to dine
Podium
0.0 km
Sophisticated Modern British dining with inventive flavors and sleek modernist style in Manchester’s iconic Hilton Deansgate.
Dimitri's - Tapas Meze Bar & Restaurant
0.1 km
Authentic Greek tapas and meze in Manchester’s lively Deansgate district, perfect for sharing and savoring Mediterranean flavors.
Don Marco
0.1 km
Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
Evuna Deansgate
0.1 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Deansgate district.
Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road
0.1 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.
Another hand
0.1 km
An intimate modern British restaurant in Manchester’s Deansgate Mews, celebrated for inventive seasonal dishes and natural wines.
Dom's Italia
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.
James Martin Manchester
0.2 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine in an elegant casino setting, where seasonal ingredients and expert service create a memorable Manchester dining destination.
Italiana Fifty Five Great Northern
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in Manchester’s stylish Great Northern Warehouse setting.
Almost Famous GN
0.2 km
A lively Manchester burger bar serving bold, indulgent American-style burgers with loaded fries in a vibrant, casual setting.
Albert's Schloss - Manchester
0.3 km
A lively Bavarian-inspired beer hall in Manchester blending hearty food, live music, and vibrant nightlife in a unique social setting.
WOOD Manchester by Simon Wood
0.4 km
Experience Simon Wood’s innovative fine dining and artisan pairings in a stylish yet relaxed Manchester setting.
Dukes 92
0.4 km
A vibrant Manchester hotspot blending generous dining, lively music, and versatile event spaces in a stylish city centre setting.
Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester
0.4 km
Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.
Hawksmoor Manchester
0.4 km
Experience exquisite British steaks and seafood in a historic Victorian courthouse with impeccable service and elegant private dining.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Catch my Thrift
0.1 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
TVSeriesJackets
0.1 km
Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
0.2 km
Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
Branded Like A Boss
0.4 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
ItsFetch
0.4 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
0.4 km
Futuristic cornershop at Deansgate Square's base: craft coffee, local brews, zero-waste refills, and artisanal bites amid Manchester's iconic towers.
Curvilicious Clothing
0.4 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
INFINITE RUNNING
0.4 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.6 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.7 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
Stare Society
0.8 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Pulse
0.8 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Søstrene Grene
0.9 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
SHMYLS - Thoughtfully Made
0.9 km
Discover thoughtfully crafted jewelry and homewares at SHMYLS, a unique gift shop nestled in Manchester’s vibrant Hatch complex.
Rams Gift World
1.0 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cloud 23
0.0 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
The Deansgate
0.1 km
Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
Lock 91
0.1 km
Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
Three Little Words
0.1 km
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
cask
0.1 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
Atlas Bar
0.2 km
Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
The Britons Protection
0.2 km
Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.3 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester
0.4 km
Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.
Speak In Code
0.4 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
The Wharf
0.5 km
Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.
Bar Eight
0.5 km
Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.5 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.5 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
Gorilla
0.5 km
Manchester's ultimate hybrid haunt: brunch by day, beats by night in a funky bar-club fusion with live gigs and roasts.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
