The York Cat Trail: A Whimsical Journey Through Historic York
Discover York’s historic streets through a whimsical trail of cat statues blending folklore, art, and city heritage.
The York Cat Trail is a charming self-guided walking tour through York city centre, featuring around 35 cat statues perched on historic buildings. These feline sculptures, inspired by a centuries-old tradition of warding off rats and bringing good luck, invite visitors to explore York’s cobbled streets, iconic landmarks, and hidden corners in a fun and family-friendly way. The trail offers a unique perspective on York’s rich heritage and architectural beauty.
A brief summary to The York Cat Trail
- 34 Coney St, York, YO1 9ND, GB
- +447855204073
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Pick up a free trail map from the York Lucky Cats shop on 34 Coney Street to guide your adventure.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the trail covers cobbled streets and some uneven surfaces.
- Take your time to read the clues and stories at each cat to enrich your experience.
- The trail is wheelchair friendly, but some areas may require assistance due to historic street layouts.
- Visit local shops and cafes along the route to enjoy York’s vibrant city life and refreshments.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the number 12 or 13 bus from York Railway Station to the city centre; the journey takes about 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently every 10-20 minutes. A single fare costs approximately £2.50. The stop near 34 Coney Street is a short walk from the trail start.
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Walking
From York Railway Station, the trail start at 34 Coney Street is a 20-minute walk through the historic city centre. The route is mostly flat but includes some cobbled streets and pedestrian zones, suitable for most walkers and wheelchair users with some assistance.
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Taxi
A taxi from York Railway Station to 34 Coney Street takes around 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Typical fare ranges from £6 to £10. Taxis are readily available outside the station.
The York Cat Trail location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The York Cat Trail
Origins and Symbolism of York's Cats
The York Cat Trail celebrates a fascinating local tradition that dates back over two centuries. Originally, cat statues were placed on buildings to scare away rats and mice, which were carriers of plague and disease. Beyond their practical purpose, these cats were believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck and health to the city's residents. The idea of cats having nine lives and always landing on their feet resonated deeply with York’s people, symbolizing resilience and fortune.A Walk Through York’s Historic Heart
The trail winds through York’s most central and picturesque streets, including the Shambles, Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, Colliergate, Goodramgate, and Fossgate. Along the way, visitors encounter about 35 cat sculptures, each uniquely placed on historic buildings, often in unexpected and whimsical locations. The trail offers a delightful way to appreciate York’s medieval architecture, narrow snickelways, and vibrant street life, encouraging walkers to look up and discover hidden details they might otherwise miss.Artistry and Craftsmanship
Many of the cat statues have been crafted by local artists, notably sculptor Jonathan Newdick, who brought the cats to life with skill and creativity. The trail not only highlights York’s history but also showcases contemporary craftsmanship and the city’s artistic spirit. Visitors can also find original York Lucky Cats for sale, handmade as souvenirs to take a piece of York’s luck home.Family-Friendly and Accessible Exploration
Designed to be enjoyed by all ages, the York Cat Trail is particularly popular with families and cat lovers. The route is pedestrian-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive experience. Free maps are available from the York Lucky Cats shop on 34 Coney Street, tourist information centres, and other local outlets, guiding visitors through the trail in about two hours at a leisurely pace.Engaging Stories and Hidden Gems
Each cat statue is accompanied by clues and stories that add layers of intrigue and fun to the walk. The trail encourages exploration beyond the cats themselves, leading visitors to discover York’s cultural landmarks such as York Minster, the Museum Gardens, and the historic city walls. This blend of folklore, history, and urban adventure makes the trail a memorable way to experience York.Continuing the Legacy
The York Cat Trail is a living tradition, with new cats occasionally added and the story evolving. It connects past and present, inviting visitors to partake in a unique cultural heritage that celebrates York’s charm, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, the trail offers a fresh and enchanting perspective on this historic city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ouse Bridge
0.2 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Parliament St
0.2 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.2 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.2 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
St Crux
0.3 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The Norman House
0.3 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.3 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Roman Column
0.3 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
St Michael Le Belfrey
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting St Michael Le Belfrey, an Anglican church in York, rich in history and architectural beauty, perfect for spiritual reflection.
Shadows of York Ghost Walk
0.3 km
Experience York's haunted history with the Shadows of York Ghost Walk, a thrilling journey through the city's ghostly past and chilling legends.
Historic England - York Office
0.3 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Fairfax House
0.3 km
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Fairfax House, a premier Georgian mansion and museum in the heart of York.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
Multangular Tower
0.3 km
Discover the historical Multangular Tower in York, a remarkable relic of Roman architecture nestled within the tranquil York Museum Gardens.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
0.3 km
Explore the captivating history of York at Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a unique blend of medieval architecture and rich heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Coney St
0.0 km
York’s historic Coney Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shopping, dining, and riverside charm in the city centre.
City Screen Picturehouse
0.1 km
A lively independent cinema and cultural venue in York blending film, live entertainment, and a welcoming cafe-bar atmosphere.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
0.1 km
Your welcoming gateway to York’s history, culture, and attractions, offering expert advice, tickets, and unique local gifts.
Yorkshire Wheel
0.1 km
Experience York’s historic skyline from a unique panoramic Ferris wheel in the heart of the city’s vibrant St Sampson’s Square.
York Mansion House
0.1 km
Explore the elegant Georgian Mansion House, a historic civic residence and cultural gem in the heart of York’s vibrant city centre.
The York Ghost Walk
0.1 km
Discover York’s haunted history through an atmospheric evening walk filled with ghostly tales and historic intrigue around Davygate.
The Spurriergate Centre
0.1 km
A historic 12th-century church transformed into a vibrant community café and Christian centre in the heart of York.
York Gift Center
0.2 km
Discover authentic York souvenirs and local crafts in a charming historic gift shop nestled in the heart of the city.
Roman Bath
0.2 km
Discover York’s unique Roman Bath pub where ancient history meets vibrant local hospitality beneath your feet.
Peregrine Falcon Mural
0.2 km
Discover the awe-inspiring Peregrine Falcon Mural in York, a vibrant piece of street art that captures the city's rich culture and artistic spirit.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
0.2 km
York's longest-running ghost tour—authentic paranormal history told nightly by passionate guides.
All Saints North Street, York - The Shrine and Parish Church
0.2 km
A medieval York church with breathtaking 15th-century stained glass and a rebuilt anchorite’s cell, offering quiet reflection and a vivid glimpse into medieval faith and art.
York Beach
0.2 km
A vibrant craft beer bar in York’s historic Merchant Exchange, blending industrial charm with regional brews and lively riverside views.
Stonegate
0.2 km
Discover Stonegate, York’s historic street where Roman roots meet medieval charm and vibrant cultural heritage in the city’s heart.
Shambles Market
0.2 km
Discover York's vibrant Shambles Market, a historic covered marketplace blending artisan crafts, fresh food, and lively atmosphere daily from 9am to 5pm.
Essential places to dine
Bill's York Restaurant
0.1 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.1 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Wine Stories
0.1 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Turtle Bay York
0.1 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.2 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
The Cut & Craft York
0.2 km
Stylish steakhouse in York’s historic St. Sampson’s Square, famed for premium cuts, craft beers, and inviting modern ambiance.
The Whippet Inn
0.2 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Las Iguanas - York
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Latin American flavours and lively cocktails in York’s historic city centre at Las Iguanas.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.2 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.2 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Ate O'Clock
0.2 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
The Botanist York
0.2 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
D'vine Restaurant And Social Bar
0.2 km
A vibrant York venue blending British, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors with a lively social bar atmosphere.
Valhalla York
0.2 km
Experience hearty Viking-inspired tapas, unique ales, and a lively atmosphere at Valhalla York in the heart of the city.
Los Moros
0.2 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
York Souvenir's
0.2 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Cello by Collectables
0.2 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Paper Doll
0.2 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Greybear
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.2 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.2 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
The Imaginarium
0.2 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.2 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
The Medieval Scribe
0.2 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.2 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Take One Gifts
0.2 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
0.2 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.2 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
Gift Gallery
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.3 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pitcher & Piano York
0.0 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Dusk
0.1 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Revolution York
0.1 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Lendal Cellars
0.2 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.2 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Victor J's
0.2 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.2 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.2 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
The Punch Bowl
0.2 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Social 8 Lounge
0.2 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
Vudu Lounge
0.2 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.2 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Tank & Paddle York
0.2 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.2 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Pivní York
0.2 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BlueBox
0.1 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Flares - York
0.2 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.3 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Kuda
0.3 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Popworld York
0.3 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.3 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.3 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.2 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.4 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.9 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.5 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.8 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.8 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
34.9 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.9 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Family Friendly
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly