The Otley Run is Leeds’s most famous pub craw: 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: 18 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
A traditional starting point with plenty of space to get the group organised before setting off. There is food available if you want to line your stomach early, and the spacious beer garden makes it a good spot for the first photo, the first round, and the inevitable “is everyone actually here?” headcount.
2) The Three Horseshoes
98 Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS16 5JG
A classic early stop with a lively student crowd and an easy, no-fuss atmosphere. It is a good place to keep the momentum going, and the pool table and interactive darts add a bit more to the stop if your group is not trying to sprint the route.
3) The New Inn
68 Otley Road Headingley Leeds LS6 4BA
A traditional early stop with a friendly, no-frills atmosphere and a simple pub feel. It is a useful place for a quick round before the route gets busier, and a solid option if your group wants to keep things steady early on.
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) The Head of Steam
11 North Ln, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3HG
A lively Headingley stop with a solid beer selection, plus cocktails, wine and spirits if your group wants options beyond pints. The first floor adds shuffleboard, interactive darts and pool, and the venue is well known locally for its weekly quiz and live music.
7) 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.
8) 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.
9) 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.
10) 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.
Hyde Park and Woodhouse
11) 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.
12) 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.
13) 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.
14) 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.
15) Handsome Brewery
15 Eldon Terrace, Woodhouse Road, Leeds LS2 9AB
A smaller, late-route craft beer stop just by the university steps. Good option for a more relaxed round before the final stretch into town.
Near the city centre
16) 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.
17) The Fenton
161 Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 3ED
An independent late-route stop with plenty of character. A good place for a quick regroup before the final pub, especially if your group needs one last headcount.
18) 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”.
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.
-
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 11th March 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.
