Discover the Best Real Ale Trail: Manchester Unforgettable Route

Have you heard of the Real Ale Trail 🍺 in the UK?

For those who haven’t, the Ale Trail started as a marketing scheme in the UK. Initially, the aim was to promote tourism to rural areas in the UK and encourage people to visit a series of pubs close to rail stations along a railway line. The concept is very similar to a pub crawl, but personally, I find it more picturesque and a wonderful way to explore a country with friends, family, and other travelers. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, hop on the Best Real Ale Trail from Manchester using the easy, fun, and informative guide.

Today, Real Ale Trails have become very popular for tourists and UK locals alike. In fact, UK locals frequently utilize this activity to celebrate birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, or even enjoy city breaks. As for my girlfriends and I, we decided to use the excuse of a birthday to finally experience this fun and unique way to visit pretty villages in the UK. Moreover, I’ve returned with friends visiting Manchester as well, further enhancing the joy of the experience. It truly is a great way to see more of the UK while savoring a cheeky pint (or two) at each stop.

See how easy it is to create this trip without a tour below.

🚂 Train Route

Manchester Piccadilly Toward Batley – This is the “Transpennine Real Ale Trail” and considered the most popular of the Ale Trails with 8 “official” stops total.

Things To Note

• Book a same day return train ticket in advance and online here for the best price.
• There is only one train an hour. (Plenty of time to drink a pint.)
• Unfortunately, UK train strikes can affect this day trip.
  • Be sure to check train strikes dates directly on a train app/website for the latest timetable. Google map is not accurate.
• The Real Ale Trail can be done with both train and bus. This offers more sights of the sleepy towns between the pub stops.

🍺Best Real Ale Trial Pubs & Eats On Route

Train Stop	Pub/Restaruant
Stalybridge	Pub – Stalybridge Buffet Bar
Greenfield	Pub – The Railway Inn P.S. Consider hopping on a bus to head to Marsden and visit the town of Uppermill. Super quaint and worthy of a stopover visit. You will also be gifted with beautiful views of the countryside for those also wanting to see more than the pubs on their day trip.
Marsden	Pub – Riverhead Brewery Tap & The Railway Pub Marsden Eats – Grab lunch at Oi Dumplings – Tasty dumplings, viet coffee and options for vegan and veterinarians.
Slaithwaite	Pub – The Commercial Eats – Grab delicious pizza at Anello Pizza and explore a little more of this village.
Huddersfield	Pub – Kings Head Eats – Om is where the heart is, a welcoming cafe with plenty of food options for all diets.
Mirfield	Pub – Navigation
Dewsbury	Pub – West Riding
Batley	Pub – Cellar Bar

🚂🍺See Additional Ale Trails Below

• Crouch Valley Rail Ale Trail
• Maritime Rail Ale Trail
• Tarka Line Rail Ale Trail
• Tamar Valley Line Rail Ale Trail
• St Ives Bay Line Rail Ale Trail
• Maritime Line Rail Ale Trail
• Looe Valley Line Rail Ale Trail
• Atlantic Coast Line Rail Ale Trail

Ready To Plan Your Own Ale Trail? Check out “Book Your Trip Here” to get started.

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