The Transpennine Real Ale Trail is a rite of passage for any Yorkshire folk. Alongside the Otley Run, it is an iconic pub crawl that many a beer lover has undertaken.
If you haven’t taken on the trail just yet, then we have got all the information you need to get planning. Now, the beauty of the TransPennine Ale Trail is that all the pubs are along a single rail line. It is so easy; you just need to buy a train ticket, and you are all set.
There are eight stops along the way, featuring two pubs in Lancashire and six of the best pubs in Yorkshire. There is plenty of ale and lots of opportunities for some great laughs with your pals. Part of the fun is trying not to miss a train, although heading back to the pub after missing one isn’t the worst thing to happen. Let’s get going.
Where are the 8 Pubs on the TransPennine Real Ale Trail?
1. Buffet Bar, Stalybridge
Dating back to 1885, this Victorian station buffet bar is the first stop on the TransPennine Real Ale Trail. It retains some of its original fittings such as the marble-topped bar, back fittings, and fireplace.
The award-winning pub has a great range of beers and high-quality whiskies (although it might not be the best idea to start with spirits if you want to last!). They also do great food, including their famous buffet bar pies. Platform 4, Stalybridge Railway Station, Rassbottom St, Stalybridge SK15 1R
2. The Railway Inn, Greenfield
The second stop on the trail is The Railway Inn in Greenfield. The pub is a popular live music venue playing all styles of music, from metal to blues. It has beautiful views of the Chew Valley from its pub beer garden – perfect for warmer days. They also offer a wide range of high-quality ales. 11 Shaw Hall Bank Rd, Greenfield, Oldham OL3 7JZ
3. Riverhead Brewery Tap, Marsden
Next, we hit our first Yorkshire pub! Riverhead Brewery Tap is located in the beautiful village of Marsden. It has 10 real ale hand pumps with some brewed on-site in the micro-brewery housed in the cellar, so you can’t get much more of a local pint! 2 Peel St, Marsden, Huddersfield HD7 6BR
4. The Commercial, Slaithwaite
This classic Yorkshire pub has a great selection of real ales kept in the best condition by Gary Holmes, its ‘number one cellar man’. The ales come from local breweries including Goose Eye, Empire, and Small World, as well as a good selection of bottled beers and ciders. We are sure you’ll be a little merry after this stop! 1 Carr Ln, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield HD7 5AN
5. King’s Head, Huddersfield
A popular pub in Huddersfield, and it is easy to see why. The King’s Head is situated in the Grade I-listed railway station and was formerly a Victorian waiting room. It’s a spacious pub that’s splendidly decorated with a beautifully tiled floor, wood-burning stoves, and wood panelling.
They offer up three permanent and eight rotating beers from both local breweries and those from further afield. There is always a mild, a real cider, and a dark beer available, so plenty of choice for all tastes. If you do the TransPennine Real Ale Trail on a Sunday, then you will be able to catch some live music. 18 St George’s Square, Huddersfield HD1 1JF
6. Navigation Tavern, Mirfield
It is safe to say you are probably a bit pickled by now. You may even be starting to struggle with the old pints now, but you’ve got to soldier on! To keep you motivated, the Navigation Tavern serves up some fantastic ales that will go down a treat. If you are feeling a little bit fancy by this stop, they do a mean cocktail. 6 Station Rd, Mirfield WF14 8NL
7. West Riding, Dewsbury
Situated in the original waiting room on platform 2 at Dewsbury station, this Yorkshire pub is a friendly little venue with some beautiful architecture at the front of the building. It has an array of local and national ales on tap for you to try.
We suspect you will be rather peckish at this point. Luckily, West Riding does cracking food, including pizza, pies, and pasties, all perfect for soaking up all that beer! Dewsbury Railway Station, Station Buildings, Wellington Rd, Dewsbury WF13 1HF
8. Cellar Bar, Batley
You’ve made it! We have reached the last stop on the TransPennine Real Ale Trail! Located next to Batley station, Cellar Bar is a great little venue with real character and the perfect pub to finish up in.
They serve up a whole host of real ales and guest beers, alongside live music and sports. 51 Station Rd, Batley WF17 5SU.
And just like that, you have completed the TransPennine Ale Trail. Congratulations. You are definitely worse for wear now, but you should be proud. Eight pubs and countless memories.
It is worth noting you can start the trail in either direction, whatever works for you. Just use this list as a guide to the pubs you need to be hitting on this incredible pub crawl.
Want to Explore More of the Best Things to do in Yorkshire?
Once the hangover has cleared, we are sure you’ll be wanting to plan your next trip away or day out. There are so many things you can do across our great county – eat at exquisite restaurants, visit the seaside, go for walks in the countryside, see live music, the list goes on! We keep our finger on the pulse to help you have the best experiences.
To stay updated on all the best things to do in Yorkshire, discover our travel and events pages for our latest guides.
Read More: 14 Of The Best Pub Walks In Yorkshire To Try
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