A fun journey through 300 years of pub and brewing history in Leeds, with great stories, beautiful buildings and interactive activities. Drinks included.

An award-winning tour that explores over 300 years of pub and brewing heritage in Leeds, from buildings and business, to people, plus stories and information about the general history of Leeds too.

Beginning outside at the former location of Tetley Brewery, once the largest brewery in the country. Find out how it was formed, how it grew and what is happening today.

The tour then visits the Adelphi, a classic late-Victorian style pub. Enjoy the vintage surroundings whilst finding out about how beer was made at a brewery in Leeds, in the 1950’s.

From here, the tour takes a walk to the Duck and Drake, a pre-Victorian pub. On the way, enjoy some of the heritage sights around Leeds City Centre, including stories on early pubs and breweries, dark tales of Kirkgate (Leeds’ oldest street), the filming of one of the world’s first motion videos and lots more. At the Duck and Drake, take part in a fun group activity and then hear more about the pub’s past.

After leaving the Duck and Drake, the tour takes a short ‘Ghost Pub’ walk - pointing out buildings that used to be pubs and how to spot this in the architecture.

Venue four is the White Swan, with a fascinating history that links it to Leeds’ grand Victorian music hall - Leeds City Varieties. Here, modern maps of Leeds City Centre are handed out to explore the ever-changing landscape of breweries in the area.

The tour then wraps up at Whitelock’s Ale House. Founded in 1715 and steeped in history, take in the incredible Victorian architecture whilst hearing the pub’s story, warts and all, that has made it into the fantastic venue it is today.

Drinks are included at each of the four pub stops - a half a pint of traditionally brewed ale or equivalent* in the first three pubs, and a pint or equivalent in the final. Ales have been curated especially to fit with the theme and the stories of the tour.

Please read Leeds Beer Tours' Code of Conduct before travelling.

*Alternative drinks available include alcohol-free, soft drinks, lager or cider.

​Booking notice: To avoid cancellations, for the first booking of every tour, a minimum of two people is required. If you are booking for one person and can't book the tour date you would like, please choose another date, or try again later.

Important Information

​Drinks Included

​A half a pint of traditionally brewed ale or equivalent in the first three pubs, and a pint or equivalent in the final. Alternative drinks available include alcohol-free, soft drinks, lager or cider. The tour guide will ask you at the start of the tour for your preference.

​Behaviour

All guests are expected to adhere to Leeds Beer Tours' Code of Conduct.  Please read this carefully as it also includes information on things like the costume dress policy.

​Timings

The tour will begin promptly at the advertised start time, so please aim to arrive at the starting location 15 minutes prior. All venues are booked in advance and the itinerary cannot be changed if guests arrive late. The tour takes 3.5 hours, however please allow for 4 hours, just in case.

​Tour Itinerary

The advertised tour itinerary is subject to change. Any changes to the starting point will be communicated to guests prior to the day of the tour.

​On the Day

A third of the tour is outdoors, so please check the weather beforehand. Dress accordingly and bring an umbrella if needed. For those who look under 25 years old please bring some ID with you.

​Accessibility

Not all venues on the tour are step-free access, nor have fully accessible features. If you have a specific requirement, please email hello@leedsbeertours.co.uk to check.

​FAQ

More answers to questions can be found on the FAQ page