Discover a unique way to explore the region’s best local pubs, one stop at a time. The Real Ale Trail connects charming stations with characterful pubs, giving you the chance to enjoy great beer, good company, and relaxing days out – all without needing a designated driver.
(complete it any day you like!)
Enjoy a scenic day out on the train.
Visit great pubs near each station. Don’t forget to collect your sticker!
Collect 15 stickers to win a free branded baseball cap!
Explore the beautiful Cheshire countryside on this Rail Ale Trail along part of the Crewe to Manchester line, stopping off at pubs along the way to enjoy excellent food and ale.
The Manchester and Birmingham Railway (M&BR) was built between Manchester and Crewe and opened in stages from 1840. It merged with others to form the London and North Western Railway Company which, in turn, became part of the London Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923.
In this self-guided tour you can win a branded baseball cap by getting 15 unique pub stickers on your printable Sticker Card.
Let the pub know you are doing this trail, show a valid train ticket/pass, buy some cask-conditioned ale and they will give you a sticker. Collect 15 stickers to win a free Rail Ale Trail-branded high quality baseball cap to show off to your friends !
When you know when you intend to travel, check if you need an Off-Peak or Peak Return. You can buy your ticket online . We recommend the Northern Trains website, the National Rail app or in person at a station.
These Return tickets are perfect for exploring a line in one day. You can hop on and off at stations along the way, as long as you keep going in the same direction of travel. They’re great value and are available all year round.
To buy your ticket in person, if you’re travelling from a station that has a ticket office or ticket machine, you must buy your ticket before you board the train. If you’re getting on at a station that doesn’t have these facilities, buy your ticket from the guard on the train.
Think how long you might spend in each pub and how this fits in with the train times.
Opening hours can change, so please call pubs beforehand to check. Let them know if you’re bringing a large group.
Print one sheet per person and show it to pub staff (pick a quiet time where possible) to get your sticker.
You need to show this to pub staff to get your sticker.
Save, screenshot or print the train timetable in case the mobile signal is patchy.
You can get walking and bus times from the Traveline journey planner.
No, there is no deadline for this.
As long as you buy a half or a pint of cask-conditioned real ale for each sticker you request, you can buy any drink in the pubs.
No; you can only collect one sticker per pub per person.
