The Otley Run is Leeds’s most famous pub crawl; a costumed, pub-by-pub walk down Otley Road from Far Headingley towards the city centre.
This guide gives you the Otley Run pubs list in order for 2026; where it starts and finishes; how long it takes; and the practical tips that stop the day turning into a chaotic group separation exercise.
Otley Run quick facts
- Start: Far Headingley (Woodies)
- Finish: near the city centre (Dry Dock)
- Distance: roughly 2 miles along the A660 (Otley Road)
- Stops: 15 venues on the classic list
- Typical duration: 6 to 10 hours depending on pace and queues
What is the Otley Run?
The Otley Run is a pub crawl route in Leeds that follows Otley Road from Headingley into town. People do it for birthdays, graduations, freshers, reunions, or simply because Leeds has collectively decided that dressing as a theme and walking in a line is a perfectly normal weekend plan. The data we see from people looking at this article seems to suggest it's usually a Saturday!
You do not have to complete every pub. Most groups do a shorter version and still count it as a full Otley Run day.
Otley Run route map and how it works
The route is linear; you visit the pubs in order as you head towards the city centre.
The easiest way to keep the group together is to set a simple rhythm:
1) arrive; 2) quick round; 3) photo; 4) leave as a unit.
Queues and service speed are the biggest variables. If a venue is rammed, treat it as a quick stop, then move on. The goal is a good day, not a perfect checklist.
Otley Run pubs list 2026 (in order)
Far Headingley
1) Woodies Craft Ale House
104 Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS16 5JG
The traditional starting point. Plenty of space for the first group photo and the “right, is everyone actually coming?” headcount. Good place to eat before you get swept along.
2) The Three Horseshoes
98 Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS16 5JG
A classic early stop that keeps the momentum going. Ideal for a quick round without the later-route crowds.
3) The New Inn
68 Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS6 4BA
Small enough that you want a clear meeting point outside. Fast in, fast out works best here.
Headingley
4) Taylor’s Sports Bar and Grill
107 Otley Rd, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3PX
High-energy sports bar vibes. Easy to keep it simple and keep it moving.
5) Arcadia Ale House
34 Arndale Centre, Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS6 2UE
A calmer craft beer moment on the route. Useful for a slightly more relaxed stop before Headingley gets busier.
6) Headingley Taps
North Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3HG
A reliable mid-route stop. This is where pacing starts to matter; keep it tidy early and you will thank yourself later.
7) BOX Headingley
8 Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS6 2AD
Big screens, big crowds. Great atmosphere; service can slow down when it is packed, so keep the order simple.
8) The Skyrack
2 St Michaels Road Headingley Leeds LS6 3AW
A Headingley landmark and a classic Otley Run tick. Often one of the busiest points of the whole route.
9) The Original Oak
2 Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS6 2DG
Huge beer garden when the weather behaves. A good place to regroup and rehydrate; also a good place to decide if you are doing the full list or a sensible shortcut.
Here is a map of where you've been so far:
Hyde Park and Woodhouse
10) Hyde Park Pub
2 Headingley Lane Hyde Park Leeds LS6 2AS
You are now in the “steady grind” section of the route. Aim for a clean round and keep the group together.
11) The Library
229 Woodhouse Lane Woodhouse Leeds LS2 3AP
A classic stop that can get busy. Treat it as a quick one if queues are building.
12) The Pack Horse
208 Woodhouse Lane Woodhouse Leeds LS2 9DX
A popular student pub. Pick a clear rendezvous spot outside before anyone goes in; it prevents the classic “I thought you were behind me” disappearance.
13) The Eldon
190 Woodhouse Lane Woodhouse Leeds LS2 9DX
A useful late-route checkpoint. Good moment to assess the group’s condition and decide whether you are pushing on or calling it a day responsibly.
Near the city centre
14) Leeds University Union (LUU)
Lifton Place Woodhouse Leeds LS2 9JZ
Busy and lively. Great atmosphere; not always the fastest bar service, so keep it straightforward.
15) The Dry Dock
Woodhouse Lane City Centre Leeds LS2 3AX
The classic finish. A boat-shaped pub that makes the end feel official, even if your group has become several smaller groups who now claim they were “always together”.
And you've finally made it into Leeds City Centre!
How long does the Otley Run take?
Most groups take 6 to 10 hours.
The biggest factors are:
- how early you start
- queueing time in Headingley
- how long you linger at the big venues
- how often the group stops for costume photos
If you want a smoother day, start earlier and keep rounds simple.
Otley Run tips that actually help
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Eat properly
Have a proper meal before you start. Plan at least one mid-route food stop. Skipping food is the fastest route to a short day.
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Set meeting points
Pick one obvious meeting point outside every venue. Do it before anyone goes in. It saves time and stops the group splitting into rumours.
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Keep the early pace boring
Start steady. The crawl punishes early bravado. You want a consistent pace, not a sprint followed by a collapse.
-
Keep orders simple
Busy bars plus big groups equals slow service. Stick to simple drinks if you want to keep moving.
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Plan your finish
Decide in advance whether you are aiming for the full list or a shorter version. Have a “bail-out” plan for anyone who needs to head off early.
Otley Run FAQs
How many pubs are on the Otley Run?
The classic list has 18 stops. Many groups do fewer; a shorter version is still a proper Otley Run day.
Where does the Otley Run start?
Most people start at Woodies Craft Ale House in Far Headingley. It is the traditional first stop.
Where does the Otley Run finish?
The classic finish is The Dry Dock near the city centre.
How long is the Otley Run?
Roughly 2 miles along Otley Road, but the total day length depends on queues and pace.
What time should you start the Otley Run?
Earlier is usually easier for space and service. Late afternoon starts tend to collide with bigger crowds.
Do you have to do every pub?
No. Treat the list as a route guide; pick a target number that suits your group.
Does the Otley Run go to Otley?
No. It follows Otley Road in Leeds; the name refers to the road, not the town.
Last updated for 2026
Venues and opening times can change. Use this list as your route plan, and double-check times if you are organising a big group.
