Leeds stag do

Leeds is one of the best-value stag cities in the north. It sits on the main rail lines north and south, the city centre is compact, and there's a huge student population, which keeps the nightlife busy every night of the week.

It also has the Otley Run, the famous fancy-dress pub crawl through Headingley, which is a stag weekend in itself.

Leeds is friendly and used to visitors, and stag groups are part of the weekend crowd in the city centre. You won't stand out.

Headingley is different. People live along the Otley Run route, and some residents have long complained about noise, litter and drunken behaviour on busy weekends. Behave well on the route, use the toilets in the pubs, and keep the noise down between stops.

The bars on Call Lane and around Briggate take stag groups, especially early in the evening. As the night goes on, bigger groups of men find it harder to get into the busier venues, so split into smaller groups before the door.

Dress codes are relaxed in most of the city's bars, but the bigger clubs often turn away sportswear and football shirts.

Fancy dress is expected on the Otley Run and normal on Call Lane. It's not welcome everywhere, though, and some pubs keep away from the Otley Run crowd on purpose so that locals have somewhere to drink. Respect that.

Call Lane

The main strip of bars in the city centre, with cocktails, music and a lively weekend crowd.

Briggate and the arcades

Shopping streets by day, with bars and restaurants tucked into the Victorian arcades.

Headingley

Students, the cricket ground and the Otley Run. A great afternoon and a long evening.

The Calls and the river

Converted warehouses with bars and restaurants along the water.

The Otley Run

Around 17 pubs and bars over roughly two and a half miles, from Far Headingley into the city centre. Fancy dress is a big part of it but not compulsory. Start around midday, pace yourselves with halves, wear comfortable shoes, and think about toilet access before choosing a costume.

Cricket or rugby at Headingley

Yorkshire cricket in the summer and Leeds Rhinos rugby league both play here, and match days are a great atmosphere.

Football at Elland Road

Leeds United have a famously loud home crowd. Tickets can be hard to get, so check early.

Brewery taprooms

Leeds has a big craft beer scene, and several breweries open their taprooms at weekends.

Escape rooms, golf and darts bars

Plenty of social activity bars in the city centre for a Saturday afternoon.

Friday

Arrive at Leeds station, drop the bags and head to Call Lane for dinner and the first night out.

Saturday

Breakfast, then the Otley Run from midday, finishing in the city centre in the evening. Food along the way is a must.

Sunday

A big brunch in the arcades and the train home.

Stay in the city centre, close to the station, so the Otley Run finishes on your doorstep. Serviced apartments sleeping big groups are easy to find.

Big home matches and university events push prices up, so check the calendar.

Prices change, so check before you book.

• On the Otley Run, stick to the route and pay your own way rather than buying big rounds. It keeps people from falling behind.
• Use the toilets in the pubs. Residents along the route are understandably fed up with people who don't.
• Check the forecast. Costumes and Yorkshire rain don't mix well.