Leeds Heritage Pub Tour
Delve into 300+ years of Leeds' rich pub and brewing heritage. Visit iconic venues, hear fascinating historical stories, and enjoy drinks along the way. Full details below.
Free Cancellation - A full refund is available if cancelled two weeks before the tour, or exchange to a new date/12-month gift card up to the tour start time.
Low Price Guarantee - Purchase this tour direct with Tours of Leeds to avoid higher reseller pricing.
Description
Enjoy an exploration of over 300 years of pub and brewing history in Leeds, led by local expert and passionate independent tour guide Mike. Fully self-researched, this three-and-a-half hour tour brings to life stories of the people, places and events that shaped the city's incredible pub heritage, with drinks included to keep everyone refreshed along the way.
Starting at The Tetley, hear the two century story of Tetley Brewery, which went on to become one of Yorkshire's most beloved, and Britain's largest.
The tour then heads on to the Adelphi, a classic late Victorian pub. Understand how the architecture played an important part of the Victorian pub experience, before watching heritage video artefacts showing what life was like for one of Leeds' breweries in the early and mid-20th century.
From here, the group will then head for a walk through Brewery Wharf, stopping at various points of interest on the way.
The next stop is the Lamb & Flag, where a fun map reading task will take place, before hearing the history of the building, opened in 1801.
Then it's time for another walk, this time to explore some ghost pubs of Leeds - buildings that used to be pubs, with evidence still in the architecture.
This leads the group to the White Swan, with a history that ties it closely to neighbouring City Varieties Music Hall. Here, explore a modern map of Leeds City Centre and learn how brewing has evolved in the area.
The final tour stop is Whitelock's Ale House, arguably Leeds' jewel in the pub crown. Founded in 1715, the pub boasts a fascinating history which Mike will explain unvarnished to finish the tour.
Throughout the tour, Mike will tell you stories from old local newspapers and books, show and use old maps and images and lots more to bring history to life.
At each pub stop, a half pint is included for each guest. Enjoy either hand-pulled ale, draught lager or cider, or a soft drink. For tour timings and guest wellbeing, upgrades to pints or higher alcohol content drinks such as wines and spirits are not offered as part of this tour.
Your guide Mike is Leeds born and bred. He is currently the serving Secretary of the British Guild of Beer Writers and has a background that has seen him operate a micro-brewery, run a pub, organise beer festivals and serve as the Chair for the Leeds branch of the Campaign for Real Ale.
FAQ
Q: How long does the tour last?
A: The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, including pub stops.
Q: Do we go inside the pubs?
A: Yes! The tour includes visits inside five venues where you’ll hear their stories, take part in activities and have time for a drink.
Q: Is the tour suitable for visitors who don’t drink alcohol?
A: Yes – you can enjoy the history, atmosphere, and soft drinks are always available.
Q: What are my drink options and are they included in the ticket price?
A: Yes, a half pint is provided at each venue and inclusive of your ticket price. Your guide will curate the specific drink so a variety can be enjoyed on the tour, but you will be given the option of either hand-pulled ale, draught lager, draught cider or soft drinks.
Q: Where does the tour start and finish?
A: The tour begins at The Tetley and finishes at Whitelock's Ale House, all within walking distance of transport links.
Q: How many people are usually on the tour?
A: Group sizes are kept small (max 10 people) to make sure everyone can enjoy the experience.
Q: Can I book this tour for a private group?
A: Yes, please use the contacts form to enquire.
Q: Is the tour accessibility friendly?
A: Unfortunately not all venues are accessible for wheelchair users. The walking part of this tour is approximately 30 minutes and is a slight incline. Audio equipment is not available, but if you have your own and would like the guide to use it, please bring it with you. For any other enquiry, please fill in the contacts form.
Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: This tour is for over 18s only.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Service animals are welcome. For any other animals, please complete the contacts form to enquire so a check can be made with other tour guests and their comfort towards animals.
Q: Can I wear fancy dress or costume clothing?
A: No, fancy dress or costume clothing is not permitted on tours.
Q: Will the tour go ahead if the weather is bad?
A: As most of this tour is indoors, then it will likely go ahead. Your guide will contact you beforehand to advise otherwise. Please check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Q: I have a last minute problem and can't make the tour, what can I do?
A: You will be emailed contact details for your guide beforehand, please get in touch and let them know. In this situation you will be able to exchange to a new date are swap your booking for a gift card with 12 month expiry.
Q: Why should I book with Tours of Leeds?
A: Tours of Leeds is a genuine Leeds local and independent operator, with all tours fully self-researched using archived materials including old maps and images, historical trades directories and the British Newspaper Archive.
Bookings & Gift Cards
To guarantee the tour's operation, we require a minimum of two guests for the first booking on any tour date. If you're a solo traveler, please check back for availability closer to the date or consider an alternative tour date.
The booking calendar includes an option to purchase a private tour for up to 10 people. If you would like to enquire about a private tour for a different day/time or for more people, please click here.