Cat Tails – A Feline Take on London History

(40 customer reviews )

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
9 March 2025 Special 10.15 am 12.15 pm Winter Reserve Online
3 April 2025 Special 10.45 am 12.45 pm Winter Reserve Online
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

“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.

40 reviews for Cat Tails – A Feline Take on London History

  1. Richard O

    …. A fab walk for cat lovers…. So many interesting stories and venues… I enjoyed every minute.

    …. And Ann … Your guide was lovely… A charming Lady..

    ….. Well done Ann….

  2. Sonia Molnar

    Throughly recommend Ann’s walk for all. Interesting stories about the cats and some charming off the track places visited.

  3. Sean Chapman

    Having discovered London Walks this year and been on Ann’s History of the Square Mile walk, I was keen to get on to Cat Tails. I also brought two cat-loving friends. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and Ann’s friendly and easy going style made it very special. I learned lots about the various well known people of London and their cats (no spoilers!). The Actors’ Church is a fabulous place to end the walk.

    I heartily recommend booking this walk.

  4. Annelise Nehammer

    I enjoyed Ann’s Cat Tails walk so much on 8 September 2024 that I felt I must write a review. I originally read a detailed account of the walk in The Cat magazine which tempted me along. We met at a convenient central London location and proceeded to wend our way to learn about London’s cats, both past and present, their significant historical and in situ companions, their advocates, and key roles. Along the route, we were led from the hustle and bustle at an easy pace through beautiful, quiet garden environments, which was an extra bonus. Ann’s extensive knowledge and passionate interest in London and its cats is evident, her presentation is entertaining, and I learnt so many new fascinating cat facts! If you find yourself in London, you like cats, you are interested in London’s history and current cat affairs, I would highly recommend Ann’s Cat Tails walk.

  5. Beverley Kneil

    I really enjoyed the walk with Ann on 8 September. Ann has done a lot of research and has a lot of interesting stories to tell. Highly recommended, not just for cat lovers but for anyone who would like a walk and meet some new people. Popping into the Savoy was a real treat and also ending at the Actor’s Church (I did not even know that was there despite living in London for 22 years). Thank you Ann.

  6. sarah

    Thoroughly enjoyed Ann’s walk on 8th August. Lots of interesting cat facts which tied in well with where we were walking. Walked a route that was fascinating and included some iconic landmarks and a lovely park that I intend to visit again. Ann’s commentry was clear and with a good sense of humour. Highly recommend.

  7. Kristen Linton

    It was a pleasure walking with Ann. She is very friendly and knowledgeable and did a great job incorporating interesting cat stories into overall history of London.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. 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.

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