The York Cat Hunt
The Official Cat Gallery Self-Guided Trail & Family Quiz

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Posted on 17th July 2026

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Looking for a fun, budget-friendly way to explore the historic streets of York? The official York Cat Hunt is a brilliant, self-guided walking tour curated by the team at The Cat Gallery (catsinyork.com). It challenges visitors of all ages to track down hidden feline sculptures perched on roofs, chimneys, and walls across the city centre.

Loved by visitors for years, this specific hunt is carefully designed to show you not only York's architectural cats, but also the most beautiful and interesting corners of the city, complete with an informative local commentary.

Highlights / What to See 🐈

The York Cat Hunt takes you past marquee historic sights including York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and Bedern Hall while you search. As you hunt down the statues, keep your eyes open for these unique felines:

• Low Ousegate Cats: Spot the historic black cats tracking back to 1920, placed by Sir Stephen Aitcheson on his building to be eye-catching and bring good fortune.
• The Tom Adams Legacy: See the classic black resin cats commissioned by architect Tom Adams and brought to life by local sculptor Jonathan Newdick, who famously resurrected the city's cat-statue tradition.
• Goji the Veggie Cat: Look high on Goodramgate to spot the lovely Jon Newdick cat sculpture resting on the roof of the popular vegetarian café.
• Mini Quiz & Kids' Rewards: If you are exploring with children, the official leaflet includes a fun mini quiz. Handing in a completed sheet back at the shop earns them a fun glow-in-the-dark souvenir wristband prize!

Plan Your Visit 🎒

Because the trail is entirely outdoors, self-led and loops around the city, it's available to do at any time and even in more than one trip - if you get distracted by one of York's many attractions or independent retailers.

• Admission Cost: Walking the trail is 100% **free of charge**.
• Opening Hours: Accessible at all times, 365 days a year, as a completely self-guided outdoor activity.
• Time to Complete: The trail typically takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on your walking pace and how sharp your cat-spotting eyes are!
• Terrain & Accessibility: The route is entirely paved and highly pedestrian-friendly, making it generally suitable for standard wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers. Take extra care on the cobblestones of The Shambles and narrow snickleways.
• How to Get the Leaflet: Pick up a free physical copy of the York Cat Hunt leaflet directly inside The Cat Gallery shop, at the Visit York Information Centre, or download and print it ahead of time via catsinyork.com.

Getting There 🗺️

Location Hub: The Cat Gallery, 45 Low Petergate, York, YO1 7HT.

By Car & Parking 🚗

York city centre is largely pedestrianised, meaning parking right at the shop isn't possible. Drivers should use the outer Park & Ride hubs or park at central multi-storeys like the Q-Park Shambles or Marygate Car Park, which are just a brief walk away from the historic core.

By Public Transport 🚌

Taking the train is incredibly easy. York Railway Station is a primary rail hub with regional trains arriving constantly from across Yorkshire. From the station ticket hall, it is a lovely, straight 10-to-12-minute walk across Lendal Bridge directly into the city centre to reach Low Petergate.