Leeds Heritage Pub Tour: Highlights
On this guided tour, journey through over 300 years of Leeds' pub and brewing heritage, finding out how it helped shape the city. Enjoy entertaining stories, explore images and maps, all with refreshments included along the way!

Free Cancellation - A full refund is available if cancelled one week 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 two-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 out for a walk around parts of the city to enjoy more stories of pub and brewing heritage, whilst being on the quest for 'ghost pubs' - pubs long since closed, but that are still evidenced in building architecture today.
After the walk, 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. Guests are welcome to purchase additional drinks at their own expense, but please be mindful of timings as each pub stop has a set reservation time that cannot be changed.
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.
Important Information
Age Restriction
This tour is for those aged 18 years or older only.
Drinks Included
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. Guests are welcome to purchase additional drinks at their own expense, but please be mindful of timings as each pub stop has a set reservation time.
Code of Conduct
We have a code of conduct to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone. You can find the full code of conduct here.
Timings
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Please allow up to 3 hours to account for potential delays. We begin promptly at the advertised start time.
Weather
This tour includes outdoor walking, so please check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.
Accessibility
This tour is not wheelchair accessible. The route includes walking distances of up to 30 minutes. For specific accessibility inquiries, please contact us at hello@toursofleeds.co.uk.
FAQ
For answers to frequently asked questions, please visit our FAQ page.
Why Book with Tours of Leeds?
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, a minimum of two guests is required 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 date.
If you would like to enquire about a private tour for a different day/time, or for groups of more than ten, please click here.