The Otley Run has been a staple of student life in Leeds since the 1960s, and it starts on the doorstep of your Leeds student accommodation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the route, list the stops, and share expert tips to make the most of your day.
What is the Otley Run?
This legendary pub crawl begins in Far Headingley and winds through Headingley, Hyde Park, and Woodhouse. It finishes in Leeds city centre. Locals know The Run for its party atmosphere and, often, fancy dress. You’ll see everything from superheroes to banana costumes — but regular clothes are also welcome.
Most groups aim to visit 10 to 12 pubs rather than the complete list, buying a drink at each stop. It’s smart to pace yourself and include water or soft drinks to stay hydrated throughout the day.
How many pubs are on the Otley Run?
We’ve listed 18 popular venues in our guide, which covers the most common and current version of the Run.
However, the route changes as bars open, close, or change hands. Sometimes, groups skip a few stops, while others aim to visit each one.
How long does the Otley Run take?
That depends on your group, the crowds, and the number of places you visit. Some students breeze through in four hours — others take all day. If you wish to stop at every pub, it’s best to set off between noon and 2 pm to beat the rush and avoid queues.
How many miles is the Otley Run?
The Otley Run covers about 2.5 miles — it’s walkable, but you might feel it by the end.
How much does the Otley Run cost?
It’s up to you how much the Otley Run costs. Many students stick to a £50 budget, while others spend closer to £150. To reduce costs, decide your limit beforehand. Using cash or a separate payment app can help you stay on track.
Otley Run map
We created two handy maps featuring every stop on the crawl. Save this page to your phone to plan your route, or check the maps mid-Run if you lose your way.


Otley Run pub list
So, which pubs are on the Run, and where should you start? We’ve listed them in order so you can choose exactly where your adventure will begin and end.
1. Woodies Craft Ale House
Start your Otley Run at Woodies, a spacious pub in Far Headingley with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It’s part of the Greene King family and serves a solid mix of craft ales, gins, and cocktails. If the sun’s out, grab a seat in one of the two beer gardens and ease into the crawl with fresh air and good company.
Address: 104 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS16 5JG
2. The Three Horseshoes
Next up is The Three Horseshoes, one of Headingley’s oldest pubs. It’s an excellent choice for a quick round — pre-order your drinks to speed up the process. Expect a full bar, many drink deals, and a decent roadside beer garden for excellent people-watching.
Address: 98 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS16 5JG
3. The New Inn
Smaller than the first two stops but just as lively, The New Inn is a cosy Greene King pub that fills up fast — booking a table ahead is a good shout. There’s a beer garden out back for warmer days (or brave fancy dress choices), and a solid drinks menu.
Address: 68 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 4BA
4. Taylor’s Sports Bar & Grill
A newer stop on the route, Taylor’s is a buzzing sports bar that bridges the gap between The New Inn and Arcadia. Expect large sports screens, loud music, and loads of food and drink deals — perfect for groups looking to refuel.
Address: 107 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3PX
5. Arcadia Ale House
Arcadia opened in 2004, but it’s a recent addition to the route and has already become a firm favourite. It’s in central Headingley and offers a great terrace, plenty of outdoor seating, and an excellent drinks selection. This is a relaxed stop before the pace picks up again.
Address: Headingley Central, Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2UE
6. Sixes Social Cricket
Grab a drink and a slice of pizza at Sixes, where cricket and revelry combine. Try out the high-tech batting simulators (book ahead if you’re keen), or chill with a game of shuffleboard and live sports on 14 screens. It’s a fun, modern venue in the middle of the crawl.
Address: 19 Ash Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3JJ
7. The Headingley Taps
Once a pumping station, now a student favourite. The Taps is roomy, lively, and perfect for groups. You’ll find plenty of seating, big screens showing live sports, a solid beer selection, and affordable prices.
Address: North Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HG
8. BOX
BOX is a high-energy stop packed with things to do. With 33 HD screens, it’s a match-day hotspot. If you’re feeling competitive, there are pool tables, electric darts, air hockey, and basketball arcade games. The outdoor seating is great for people-watching, and the student deals are certainly worth checking out.
Address: 8 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AD
9. The Skyrack
Dating back to the 1780s, The Skyrack is a historical stop on the crawl. This Greene King pub is a favourite for locals and students. It has pool tables and outdoor seating, making it great for sunny afternoons.
Address: 2–4 St. Michael’s Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3AW
10. The Original Oak
Over the road, The Original Oak boasts a massive beer garden, seating 1,200 people. It’s known for its buzzing atmosphere, live sports screens, and delicious food and drinks. You can book a table online and order drinks straight to your seat.
Address: 2 Otley Road, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2DG
11. Hyde Park
A short walk or quick bus ride down Headingley Lane is the Hyde Park pub. It offers another huge beer garden, HD screens for live sports, beer pong, and a great selection of craft and cask ales.
Address: 2 Headingley Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 2AS
12. The Library
Walk down Woodhouse Lane to The Library, next to Hyde Park and the University of Leeds. It’s spacious, student-friendly, and often has DJs setting the vibe. Their menu has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options if you’re hungry. Plus, it’s the perfect place to tell your parents you’re “in The Library” when they call!
Address: 229 Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 3AP
13. The Pack Horse
Continue down Woodhouse Lane to The Pack Horse, a classic pub and one of West Yorkshire’s oldest. It’s small but welcoming, with affordable drinks and a cosy courtyard garden.
Address: 208 Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9DX
14. The Eldon
Opposite the University of Leeds, The Eldon sits on the corner of St Mark’s Street. This Greene King pub serves many beers, shows live sports, and features weekend DJs. Plus, a free-play jukebox keeps things lively.
Address: 190 Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9DX
15. Leeds University Union
Off Woodhouse Lane, a trip to the Leeds University Union requires a decision: Old Bar or Terrace. If you want to take it easy, head to Old Bar. Opened in 1939, it’s cosy with wooden stools and guest beers on tap. Terrace offers one of Leeds’ biggest outdoor spaces if your group wants to party. It also has many indoor seats and a fantastic cocktail menu.
Address: Lifton Place, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9JZ

16. Handsome Bar
Back on Woodhouse Lane, Handsome Bar sits inside a Victorian house opposite the Parkinson steps. Spread across two floors, it offers a variety of rooms to explore. Sip wines from the Handsome vineyard or enjoy craft ales, bitters, stouts, and lagers brewed with pure Lake District water.
Address: 15 Eldon Terrace, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9AB
17. The Fenton
Almost at the finish, The Fenton packs plenty of fun with pool, darts, board games, and drinking games. The jukebox and live DJs in the beer garden keep the energy high, and great food and drink deals make it a top stop.
Address: 161–165 Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 3ED
18. The Dry Dock
The final stop is The Dry Dock, a boat bar outside Leeds Beckett University. Since 1993, it’s been a favourite party spot offering a huge cocktail list and many beers. Climb aboard and finish the crawl in style.
Address: Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 3AX
What next?
When you reach The Dry Dock, you might be ready to call it a night. If you’re not, Leeds city centre boasts countless bars, pubs, and clubs. You can keep the fun going until you choose to stop or your wallet runs dry — whichever comes first.
Most importantly, remember to look out for one another and prioritise your safety.