Cat Tails – A Feline Take on London History
Westminster Underground station, London (exit 4, opposite Big Ben)
Guided by Ann
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 May 2024 | Special | 10.30 am | 12.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 5 June 2024 | Tour du Jour | 10.45 am | 12.45 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
| 7 July 2024 | Special | 10.30 am | 12.30 pm | Summer | Reserve Online |
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 on to 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.
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.
Molly Johnson –
This tour was so much fun! Ann was entertaining and informative and brought many deceased cats come back to life with charming stories. The walk was through gardens and many historic buildings were pointed out
Joanna –
This was a fantastic walk for any cat lover with an interest in history. Ann has really done her research and the walk really helped to bring her brilliant stories to life. Who knew there was so much cat history in one small area of London!? It’s also a great opportunity to connect with like-minded cat fans, as everyone was chatting between stops about their love of felines.
Theodore Langer –
Very nice walk around central London with a tale of cats at every stop. This walk is interesting, entertaining and humourous with funny remarks. At the same time, it contains pictures and stories of cats which is a cat lovers dream. My mother and I enjoyed it very much.
Lynn Ryder –
Very enjoyable walk at a fairly easy pace.Ann is very knowledgeable and gave extra information as well as cat details.Very interesting about the Savoy cat. One for cat lovers and history lovers both.