The best way to discover York is on foot: wind your way down the snickleways, canter down the cobbles and enjoy the street entertainment. One of the best ways to make a walk with kids even more fun is by following a trail, and the York Lucky Cat Trail is one of the best. It's free too!

Statues of cats have been placed on buildings in York for around two centuries, although statues since removed or rotted are thought to date from medieval times. The original cat statues were placed on buildings to frighten away rats and mice which can carry plague and illness. They were also thought to ward off wandering evil spirits and generally to bestow good luck and good health on citizens who needed feline friends to ensure a good night's sleep in old and temptingly chewy timber-framed buildings!

Pick up a trail map from the York Lucky Cats shop on the Shambles or download it from their website.