Leeds Otley Run
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The Otley Run is a rite of passage for most students studying in Leeds. A two-and-a-half-mile pub crawl starting at Woodies Ale House in Headingley and ending at The Dry Dock in the city centre (at which point the more seasoned go “out out”).
There have been a number of alterations and changes to the Otley run. This rundown includes the latest and greatest changes – to make sure you get the best from your Otley Run!
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Quick Links
- Essential Otley Run Info
- How to Get To The Start of the Otley Run
- Map of the Otley Run
- The Pubs and Bars along the Otley Run
- 1. Woodies
- 2. The Three Horseshoes
- 3. The New Inn
- 4. Taylor’s Sports Bar & Grill
- 5. Arcadia
- 6. The Headingley Taps
- 7. The Box
- 8. The Skyrack
- 9. The Original Oak
- 10. The Hyde Park Pub
- 11. The Library Pub
- 12. The Pack Horse
- 13. The Eldon Pub
- 14. Leeds University Union
- 15. Handsome Brewhouse
- 16. The Fenton
- 17. The Dry Dock
- 18. Out Out!
- Costumes and Picking a Theme
- Traditional Otley Run Rules
- Where to Get Food Along the Otley Run
- Where Not To Go on the Otley Run
- Hints and Tips
Essential Otley Run Info
What Days to run the Otley Run?
Honestly, any day is a good day for the Otley Run. But it is worth considering when venues are all going to be open, when everyone is available, and when you will have the most fun. For these reasons the Otley Run tends to be busier on sunny Saturdays. However don’t let that hold you back. If you have found a good day to run, lets go!
What Time to Start the Otley Run?
We would recommend starting the Otley Run any time between 12-3pm. As you get later in the day (between 3-5pm) the route can get very busy and you may end up not getting in to some of the venues. It also makes sense to start earlier as you have more time to play with!
How Long Does The Otley Run Take?
As a general rule it can take all day. If you set off around 1-2pm, you are likely to make it to the Dry Dock at around 11pm.
However it can depend on a number of things. How big your group is. How busy the pubs are. Are you following the traditional rules or having a couple to begin with?
Make sure your group has a leader, to make sure drinks are getting finished and you move on. Otherwise you could get stuck in the sun at the Original Oak!
How Many Pints on the Otley Run?
If you are following the traditional Otley Run rules and finish the whole route, you will be drinking 15 pints. Some people like to switch this up and start introducing spirits and mixers into the equation. We recommend that you know your limits.
Do I Have to Dress Up For the Otley Run?
You don’t have to dress up for the Otley Run. But if you are going to do it, you may as well do it properly! Take a look at our section on costumes for a few ideas.
How Much Does the Otley Run Cost?
The price can vary as it depends on your choice of drink. However if you are drinking 17 pints and grab a box of chips along the way (you know you will) then the cost will come it between £65 – £90.
How to Get To The Start of the Otley Run
The start of the Otley Run is at Woodies(Google Map location).
By Bus
- Cookridge – Garforth. The 19 or 19A First Bus passes through Headingley. We recommend getting off anywhere near Headingly Highstreet and walking to Woodies from there.
- Guiseley – Leeds City Centre. The 27 First Bus passes through Headingley. It has a stop right outside Woodies. Perfect!
- Holt Park – Leeds City Center. The 6 First Bus passes through Headingley. It also has a stop right outside Woodies.
- Pudsey – Halton Moor. The 91 First Bus briefly passes through Headingley. We recommend getting off anywhere near Headingly Highstreet and walking to Woodies from there.
Check your journey on the First Bus journey planner.
By Train
Although there is a bit of a walk. You could get the train to Headingley Station. Then follow this route to get to Woodies – Walking route from Headingley train station to Woodies.
Map of the Otley Run
The below map shows each stopping point as a red marker. Press the GPS icon to track your progress.
The Pubs and Bars along the Otley Run
There has been some debate on which bars and pubs actually are on the Otley Run. But we know whats what. The 17 pubs listed below are our official Otley Run pub crawl.
1. Woodies
The Otley Run begins at Woodies in far Headingley. With a decent sized beer garden out the back, benches at the front and a big old space inside – this is as good a place as any to get the first drink in.
Woodies is a Greene King pub, so expect to see most of their range, including their Progress Pale – 20p from every pint sold goes to an LGBQT+ charity.
It may be lunch time when you get here. Not a bad place to get some grub in before you set off!
2. The Three Horseshoes
The Three Horseshoes is one of Headingleys oldest pubs, the second of the Otley Run Pubs, and a very short distance down the road from Woodies.
It has outdoor seating, a number of tables inside, and HD TVs for the sports (not that you will be watching!).
The Three Horseshoes also has a pretty decent selection of food. Not a bad spot for some food to line the stomach before really getting into the Otley Run.
3. The New Inn
The first three pubs along the route are nice and close together. The New Inn being the last of the three. Also a Greene King pub, so you know what to expect.
This pub is a little smaller than the first two – and tends to have security on the door to handle the flow of traffic. Unless you have planned when to start carefully, more often than not this pub has to be skipped as the wait is so long.
There is a pool table, and a big screen usually showing the sport – if you need to pause for a moment…
4. Taylor’s Sports Bar & Grill
A recent addition to the Otley Run – Taylors offers a straightforward experience with its open-plan layout and ample seating, both indoors and outdoors.
If you are wanting to catch a match mid run, the bar has screens showcasing various games including United and Rhinos matches.
As the fourth stop on your Otley Run, Taylor’s caters to various tastes with a selection of drinks including lagers like Coors, Cobra, and Madri, as well as Guinness and John Smith’s for those who prefer less fizz.
5. Arcadia
A new addition to the Otley run. Now a welcoming place for groups and students to grab a drink.
Arcadia is positioned at the top of Headingley high street, and on warm days has upstairs seating that turns into a terrace of sorts, as well as seating out the front of the bar.
They aren’t just about beer here, having a pretty substantial selection of gins, wines and fizz.
6. The Headingley Taps
A bit further down the road (half a mile) and past Burger King and Greggs (quick bite to eat?) is Headingley Taps.
This pub is a real student pub, with a large bar to accomidate the crowds. In 2022 they gave the beer garden a facelift and added a number of benches. Making it a great place to grab a pint in the sun!
Heads up, watch where you are going. The Taps are just off from Otley Road and it is easy to accidentally pass this pub and end up at The Box.
Bit of history. The architecture and name “The Headingley Taps” comes from the fact that the pub used to be a local water pumping station for the area.
7. The Box
A student and sports bar in the centre of Headingley. If you are wanting a short break there are pool tables upstairs and they do a good selection of pub grub.
They serve a decent number of beers, ciders and spirits.
Out the front is a small beer garden with benches, agood spot if it’s a sunny day!
8. The Skyrack
At this point the Otley run tends to slow down a bit. The pub is a little smaller and the queues tend to back up.
Also at this point you will have had 6+ drinks so the group may get a bit wobbly. Do your best to keep everyone together and moving!
There is a small bar garden to the side of the Skyrack. A nice place to pause!
9. The Original Oak
At this point you are over half way through the run.
Known as having one of the best beer gardens in Leeds. Big screen for the sport. And a small upstairs bar where the queues build up.
They do a pretty decent food selection here. Maybe grab something to set you up for the rest of the trip?
Also, prepare youself. There is a bit of a walk from here to the next pub.
10. The Hyde Park Pub
You will likely lose a number of your group before making it here. Otley road is longer than it looks on a map, and not everything can make it on the bus!
However, it’s not worth getting a taxi from The Original Oak. Firstly the wait will be ages, secondly the fresh air will properly do you some good.
This pub is a favorite of local students, its location puts it right on the the of Hyde Park (Woodhouse Moor) and all of the student housing that comes with it.
11. The Library Pub
Not a book in sight here. Situated on the edge of Hyde Park, next to the main Leeds Uni Campus. This is a favourite destination for Students and like minded people.
There’s loads of room indoor and out, and this stop-off often comes with live music or DJ soundtrack.
12. The Pack Horse
Just across the road and a little bit along from the Library Pub sits the Park Horse.
Its a bit of a squeeze here. A small tight bar, generally not much space to spread out. This is a quick in and out pint!
There is a small beer garden, but it makes sense to move on to the Eldon from here.
13. The Eldon Pub
Larger than the Packhorse, this is an unpretentious pub friendly pub on the corner of St Marks Street.
They do offer a great selection of beers and some fantastic bar snacks to help keep you going through the last few pubs too.
Expect dancing, singing, and someone stupidly suggesting shots…
14. Leeds University Union
The Leeds University Union stop introduces a decision. Something that at this point in the run is likely to split the group depending on the type of people you are with. This is because the union contains two bars. And you can only visit one!
The first is Old Bar. It has been there since 1939 and is very much a “proper” pub. Wooden stools, pub quizzed and guest beers. It’s a cosy stop off, and some may call it a day at this point!
The second is The Terrace. Known for its events, and on a sunny day its large outside area. This is more of a modern vibe with cocktails and a more minimum decor. If you are heading out to the clubs after then this may be more your scene!
15. Handsome Brewhouse
Handsome Brewhouse adds a unique touch to the Otley Run with its selection of craft beers in a cool, slightly rugged setting opposite the Parkinson Building.
Housed in an old Victorian house with various rooms across two floors.
As the 15th stop on your journey, it’s wise to opt for brews below 5% alcohol. It may be worth grabbing a bite to eat from here as well!
16. The Fenton
One of the friendlier independent venues along the Otley Run. Dog friendly, open mic and live music, this is a great pub.
They have DJ events on every Saturday in the beer garden plus a BBQ, so there’s food options available for the runners! They also have a tiki bar open outside for extra service!
17. The Dry Dock
Before its conception as a pub, The Dry Dock was a gravel barge called “Lambda” which was moved to its current spot opposite Leeds Metropolitan University in December 1993.
The do a pretty good selection of food, but it is unlikely you will get here before the kitchen closes. And at this point in the evening it also isn’t worth mentioning the rum and cocktails they do. We suggest you stick to what you have been having previously. And some water?
18. Out Out!
If you and a few of your group have made it this far, good job! You have got yourself right into the Leeds city centre. The town is your oyster. Maybe head around to the Uni Union if there is an event on. If the line at Pryzm isnt too long it might be worth checking that out. Cheap drinks and a good dance!
Costumes and Picking a Theme
Traditional Otley Run Rules
At the end of the day, this is a good old fashioned bat crawl. However there are several rules that groups like to throw in to spice things up and keep things moving.
Gentleman’s Rules
An old classic. Gentleman’s rules does what it says on the tin. No pointing, no swearing, only left hand drinking. If one of the group catches you breaking one of these rules – there is a forfeit!
Time Keeper
All good plans need structure. When organising an Otley Run someone should be assigned the ‘time keeper’. They make sure everyone moves on when time is up. This makes sure a reasonable pace is kept and there are no stragglers.
Grenade
The bigger the group, the more havok this will cause. When someone shouts grenade the whole group must lay down on the floor. The last person standing has to do a forfeit.
Where to Get Food Along the Otley Run
Some people say “eating is cheating”. And then they get a few pints in them and want a box of cheesy chips.
Many of the pubs along the route do food. Ranging from salt and vinigar crisps to burgers and pizza. However sometimes you want something for the road.
At the Start
Between The New Inn and Headingley Taps:
- Greggs
- Subway
- KFC
Half Way
By Hyde Park Pub:
- Crispy Fish and Chips
Towards the End
By The Packhorse and Eldon:
- Mahmoods
- Flames
Where Not To Go on the Otley Run
There are a few locations along the route that don’t take too fondly to Otley Runners. The main one is The Golden Beam (Wetherspoons).
Hints and Tips
If this is the first Otley run you are doing, maybe you a new student, visiting Leeds, or only just getting around to the crawl, we have some general guidance and tips for you.
Pace Yourself
There are 17 venues that you are aiming to visit along the course of the Otley Run. That is a substantial amount if you are drinking double Vodka Redbulls.
We recommend starting off with halves or low percentage beers and ramping up later if you feel the need. The original Otley Run was far smaller than the current route, so shots would have been achievable. Now not so much…
Line That Stomach
If you are aiming to start the Otley run at a reasonable time so you can finish it, you are likely to be at Woodies around lunch time. Get some food in you.
They do some pretty decent pub grub, and it will set you up for a day of drinking.
Take a look at our food and drink section for other places to get food along the Otley Run.
Otherwise it might be an early home time for you…
Plan Ahead for the Weather
This is Leeds! It rains more than half the year, being on of the wetter city’s in England.
Maybe the costumes you have picked feature a large anorak and wellies. But on the off-chance that you are wearing something less suited for the regular downpours, bring a jacket!
Footwear
Its a long old trek from Woodies to The Dry Dock. And that’s not including all the dancing, running, and trips to the toilet.
Blisters at the half-way point are not the one.
Pick the correct shoes for this hike, and you’ll be set. Because 100% you will lose at least one flip flop by the 4th pub.
Otley Run History
The Otley Run first began in 1964, when the Licensing Act gave Otley pubs favourable hours on market days. Known as the “Headingley Mile”, it was originally crawled by farmers who went between each pub by tractor.
In its first version, the Otley run contained pubs from further afield. Over time time the route began to change, adding more venues closer to the city. Tetley was a popular brewery in Yorkshire and because of their high number of pubs, venues such as The Oak Inn – now known as The Original Oak and The Woodman (Woodies) became a part of the crawl.
The trail used to end at a pub called The Pig and Whistle in the Merrion Centre. This pub no longer exists.
As more pubs were added the route changes from being a short crawl to an all day event.
Have a question? Want something adding?
Would you like something to be added to this website to help in the future? Have a tip about a particular area?
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Send an email to: hello@discoverleeds.co.uk.
