Best Student Bar Crawls over Bank Holiday Weekend

Written by one of our Brand Ambassadors, Erin Bates

Whether you’re a bar crawl pro or the new kid on the block, here are the best ways to plan and prepare for a night of fun in your university city over the bank holiday weekend!

Believe it or not, a lot of planning goes into a bar crawl, especially if you want to make it a night to remember. I’ll be highlighting some of the best-known watering hole routes in the country, but before you throw yourself into the deep end, here are some of my top tips:

How to prepare for a student bar crawl

📲1. Stay Connected – It’s easy when everyone’s having a good time to get carried away and lose your friends (we’ve all done it!). I’d advise making a group chat on WhatsApp. That way you can post the plan for the night and are able to stay in touch if someone strays away.

🍌2. Eat Beforehand – Set yourself up for success with a great meal to line the stomach. For something quick and easy, try having a meal with eggs, oats or even a banana! Going out on an empty stomach is always a bad idea.

🏃🏻‍♂️3. Pace Yourself – It’s easy to go all in at the first bar, but remember not to get ahead of yourself… You have a long way to go.

💧4. Stick to One Type of Drink – Mixing could lead to a quick downfall. Don’t be that person who makes everyone else have to go home early. I’d also advise having a glass of water in between every alcoholic beverage (it works wonders!).

Top 8 UK bar crawls

Here are a few crowd favourites…

1. Leeds – Otley Run

· There are an impressive 15 stops on the Otley Run in Leeds; therefore, it’s not surprising it's suggested you start at 3 PM.

· Starting 5 miles out of the city centre, you’ll journey down Otley Road. Starting at Woodies Ale House in Headingley all the way to a crowd favourite, The Dry Dock, a refurbished ship at the heart of the city. The Box bar is also great for sports-inspired snacks en route.

· Groups often travel in fancy dress! Golfers are popular, along with Cowboys & Indians, Smurfs, and many more.

2. Nottingham - Seven-Legged Crawl

· Created by students in Nottingham, the idea is that six people tie their legs together, with the seventh on “drinks duty”.

· The team will usually wear a group costume whilst all being tied at the ankle.

· The route includes, on average, fifteen locations, including Bodega, ending at Ocean and Rock City.

· The best part is that students are encouraged to raise money for charity!

3. The Monopoly Crawl – London

· One of the most extensive crawls you’ll ever come across. Takes you across all twenty-six London streets from the popular board game, including the stations.

· The crawl is completed in the same order as on the board, starting at Old Kent Road, heading into the city.

· It’s suggested to start at 11 AM to finish at 11 PM and to only drink half a pint at each location if you want to reach the end without passing out.

· Hotspots include Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street, a favourite of Charles Dickens, and Mayfair’s Ye Grapes.

4. Glasgow Sub Crawl – Glasgow

· Following the subway map under Glasgow city centre, crawlers get off at each one of the fifteen stops and grab a drink at the nearest pub.

· *Top Tip* make sure to buy an all-day ticket so you don’t end up spending a fortune on travelling around!

· A few options to stop off at include Jackson’s Bar, The Pot Still, and Stereo.

5. King Street Run – Cambridge

· Cambridge hosts a bi-annual crawl starting at the King Street Run – hence the name.

· The route originated in the 50s, was banned in the 60s, and revived in the 80s. Crawlers have the opportunity to do four or eight pubs, depending on the mood.

· Other stops along the way include King Street Brewhouse.

6. The Mumbles Mile – Swansea

· Pub Crawlers walk two miles down Mumbles Road in Swansea, enjoying the nine pubs at a relaxed pace.

· Starting at The White Rose, other favourites include the Village Inn or the William Hancock.

· Although the Mumbles Mile may not be as well-known or popular as it once was due to a lot of the venues closing, it’s still a great option for beginners who don’t want to throw themselves into the deep end.

7. Backpacker Pub Crawl – Dublin

· The Backpacker Pub Crawl was started by a group of backpackers in 2001 who were desperate to see beyond the tourist hotspots Dublin has to offer.

· The concept has now spread across Europe into countries such as Budapest and Berlin.

· Perhaps more commercialised than the other routes mentioned, as the most popular way to enjoy the route is via a tour group; however, this can reap benefits such as discounts, free entry, and extra shots – always a bonus!

· Beginning at the Norseman Pub in the city centre, you’ll meet your tour guides and the rest of your team.

8. The ‘Traditional Boozer’ Crawl – Manchester

· This route will take you across Manchester to some of the best locations in the city, including a few typical “older gentleman” pubs.

· The route is designed to give crawlers an insight into what Manchester has to offer.

· Includes: The Marble Arch, The Angel Pub, The Smithfield Tavern, The Crown and Kettle, The Wheatsheaf, The Millstone, and many more.

Need somewhere to crash after your student bar crawl?

That’s it! You’re all set for a day/night of fun and laughs with some good friends, and hopefully a few new ones along the way!

If you still need a place to crash after your uni city's bar crawl, don't worry. At UniHomes, you can find a wide variety of student accommodation with bills included. Simply filter by your chosen city and find a place that matches your preferences today!