Cat Tails – A Feline Take on London History
Westminster Underground station, London (exit 4, opposite Big Ben)
Guided by Ann
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 May 2025 | Special | 10.15 am | 12.15 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 5 June 2025 | Special | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 6 July 2025 | Special | 10.15 am | 12.15 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 6 August 2025 | Special | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
“The phrase ‘domestic cat’ is an oxymoron” George Will
“Dogs have owners, cats have staff”
Cats cats cats… have never had it so good since they ruled as gods in Ancient Egypt. Cat fans rave about their beauty, elegance, gymnastics and ability to scope out the warmest spot in house and garden. Non fans point out a cat’s independence, self-interest, and refusal to consider doing anything at all that it doesn’t feel like doing. All these qualities are of course part of its charm to fans.
Thanks to the internet you can waste hours in the day watching clips of cats arguing with the printer, leaping into the lampshade, riding on the vacuum cleaner, falling off things, terrorising dogs, etc. etc.
Cat Tails is the only cat walk in London, probably in the country, and possibly in the world. Come along to hear stories of London cats going back even before Henry V111- who did not have a cat as far as we know. Which famous Tudor courtier was always accompanied by at least one cat? Which London celebrity is said to have owned 60 cats? Which was the cat whose paws tingled as she helped research into electricity? And which cat dropped pigeons down the chimney for its owner’s dinner? (I can’t vouch for the 100% truth of that one.)
Here’s Ann’s delightful podcast introduction to the Cat Tails walk.
“Cats keeping dogs in their place” – Ann’s Flipside Purrfect Podcast about Cats
And This Makes Three, Giving Us a Clowder of Cat Podcasts
Ok, that’s got you in the mood, let’s paws for a word from Freud and then reprise the walk
“Time spent with cats is never wasted,” Sigmund Freud
Which national heroine had 60 cats? Who had his late cat’s paw mounted on a letter opener? Which cat ate Princess Margaret’s bouquet?
Enjoy these and other feline delicacies on a walk which combines places, people and the cats who lived there.
Including, of course, Larry of Downing St. and his predecessors.
Harriet Calvert –
Had a wonderful walk yesterday with Ann. Lots of amusing stories and tails. Ann showed us lots of fun photographs of cats and cat lovers. The subject is endless. Might go again to see if Ann has added any more cats. There must be so many church cats.
Peggy Cook –
I had a lovely time on this walk. Ann was very knowledgeable and approachable. She made the tour so interesting and I was really sorry when our time was up. Any cat-minded person will really enjoy these few hours.
Jette Porsborg –
If you love cats this is definitely the right walk for you. Ann has really done her research, and she’s a brilliant narrator and guide.
Sally McCulloch –
Excellent walk and Ann really knows her history about cats – I didn’t know there were so many famous cats in the London area where we were walking. Ann also showed us some lovely photos of the cats and their owners and some hilarious stories. If you are a cat lover then this walk is definitely for you.
Jill & Tony –
Really enjoyed this walk. Our guide was very informed and entertaining. She had clearly done a great deal of research on felines connected to places on the walk. Loved popping into the Savoy and the story of Kaspar. The Actors’ Church made for the perfect end to the walk.
Jane Hills –
This is a light-hearted stroll through some of London’s past and more recent history, with the focus very much on felines. Ann certainly knows many stories of cats from past to present who have ingratiated themselves with suitably important humans, including Winston Churchill and Florence Nightingale. You will hear all about the cats who continue to occupy high profile and senior positions in our City. Ann has plenty of photos, but cats being what they are, you will be lucky to catch sight of one. At the end of the tour if you are very lucky, you might just see the cats who have made their home in St Paul’s Covent Garden – the actors’ church. Despite some extraordinary noise enroute, traffic, loudspeakers and alarms, everyone seemed to enjoy the walk and of course, as a group of cat lovers, were keen to compare notes on their own furry friends.
Anne C. –
Re Cats Tails 7th February.
Just had to say how much I enjoyed this walk. It was one of the best walks I have joined, and that is saying something because they have all been wonderful. Cats Tails was both informative and great fun, with a lovely group of people which included someone from Cats Protection who was there to write an article about the walk. Thank you, Ann. Brilliant
Judith Phillips –
Ann has put together an excellent and entertaining walk that is filled with interesting facts about London cats and their owners, including the current cat inhabitant at 10 Downing Street. Cat lovers and non-cat lovers will enjoy the stories and photos that Ann has found.
Francesca –
Such a wonderful walk led by the very knowledgeable Ann. The two hours whizzed past. I thought I knew a lot about famous cats but there were quite a few things I learnt that day. No matter how many loud distractions that just happened to start up as Ann began her stories (police sirens, Big Ben, demonstrations, lawn mowers) she was not put off, and it all added to the hustle and bustle that London is. So many amazing felines in just one city. This tour is a must for anyone that loves cats.
Celia Hyde –
Wasn’t sure what to expect, cats greeting us at every street corner? But these were cats who feature in London’s history right up to the present day. Anne’s knowledge and delivery along with a good smattering of humour made this an incredibly interesting and charming way to spend a couple of hours exploring some of our capital city. A most enjoyable and entertaining experience from start to finish.