cat visit york

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York cat trail.

Free fun for young and old, this trail will guide you around York. Highlights include Clifford’s Tower, Shambles and York Minster, plus lots of cats! Pick up a trail leaflet in store, have some FREE fun in York, see the sights and find the cat statues on our self-guided tour. The trail starts at The Cat Gallery shop and takes an hour or so. If you have a little longer, it is well worthwhile adding cats 20-22 onto your itinerary. They will give you a stroll through the delightful Museum Gardens and a walk on the City walls with wonderful Minster views. Download the York Cat Trail guide here. The history of the cats in York dates back to 1920, when Sir Stephen Aitcheson placed two on a building that he owned in Low Ousegate. Some say he put them there to scare away rats and mice though it’s more likely that he thought they would be eye-catching and attractive. Others followed his idea and the odd cat appeared around the city in the hope that good things would happen! It was in 1979 that a local architect called Tom Adams (who had drawn black cats as his signature since the ‘50s) decided to resurrect the idea by placing them on buildings he designed. York based sculptor Jonathon Newdick was then commissioned to bring them to life. Tom passed away in 2006 aged 75, but his inspiration lives on through new commissions of York cats. If you would like to order an original cat sculpture contact Jonathan at www.newdicksculpture.co.uk For even more cats in York, please visit www.catsinyork.com.

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York Cat Trail: Why There Are Cats in York and How You Can See Them

Last Updated on 12/03/2023

If you are looking for fun and different things to do in York, you should try the York Cat Trail on your next visit. This self-guided tour takes you through the streets of the city to locate 22 historic feline friends. This guide covers everything you need to know about the York Cat Trail before you go.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Find out more  here .

What is the York cat trail?

York has become closely associated with this furry friend. Many of the buildings and rooftops in York are adorned with cat statues. The York Cat Trail is a self-guided walk that you can follow to spot all of York’s feline residents.

You can pick up a flyer in many local York stores or download one online . Then get ready to visit York and walk some of the most famous streets in the city to try and spot the cats of York.

Why are there cat statues in York?

It is believed that statues of cats have been placed on buildings in York for around two centuries. The oldest ones are thought to date from the earliest 19th century. The two cats in Low Ousegate were added to the building by owner Sir Stephen Aitcheson around 1820.

The origin of the cats is not known, although some people claim that the cats were added to buildings to scare away rats who carry plague and other illnesses. Other, more mundane options have also been proposed, such as attracting visitors into stores or simply to entertain children.

Whatever their origin, the cats in York are certainly entertaining visitors today!

How many cat statues are there in york?

The full trail has 22 cat statues for you to find throughout the city. Most of them are positioned high up on buildings or rooftops, so make sure you look up! Some cats are easier to spot than others so you will have to keep your eyes open and hunt around for some cleverly disguised ones.

How long does the York cat trail take?

If you pick up the flyer from York Glass, you have two options when it comes to the York cat trail. The first eight cats make up what is known as the ‘pedestrian friendly cat trail’. This route is a short, leisurely stroll that will take you approximately 30 minutes – more if you want to browse shops along the way!

The full route has 22 cats to find, and is still pedestrian friendly, it will just take you longer to complete. At a gentle pace, it will take you about two hours to find all 22 cats on the York cat trail.

How long is the York cat trail?

The shorter route to see the first eight cats is about half a mile (0.8k). If you want to see all 22 cats, the route is around 2.5 miles (4km).

Both routes follow pavements so are easy to negotiate. There are some steps on the route to the Low Ousegate bridge over the river but if you wanted to avoid the steps, you could follow the footpath on King Street and rejoin further up Low Ousegate without missing any of the cat statues.

Where can I get a York cat trail guide?

Many of the local stores stock copies of the York Cat Trail map. It is possible to download versions of the map online, however, I strongly recommend you pick one up in person to make sure you have the most up to date version.

York Cat Trail is predominently promoted by two stores, York Glass (34 Shambles, York, YO1 7LX) and The Cat Gallery ( 45 Low Petergate, York,YO1 7HT).

Both stores are home to cats on the trail, and each has their own version of the Cat Trail map. If you pick it up from one of these stores, the map they provide will use that store as your starting point.

We used the York Glass version of the map and started our trail in the Shambles. Due to the location of The Cat Gallery, I don’t believe their version of the map includes the optional shorter pedestrian route.

York Glass cats

Wherever you start the route, you should definitely pop in to York Glass in the Shambles when you pass by. York Glass has become closely associated with cats due to their production of York Glass cats. These cats are hand crafted in the 12 birthstone colours and are said to bring good luck.

If you can’t visit York in person right now, you can still buy your own lucky cat online .

York cat shop – The Cat Gallery

If you are a cat lover or have a cat lover in your life, you need to stop by The Cat Gallery , the famous York cat shop. In this shop you will find an expansive collection of quirky gifts, homewares, games and more that are all cat themed. You can obviously pick up a treat for your own feline friend too!

Why I love York Cat Trail

I think York Cat Trail is a great way to explore the city. As a cat lover, I’m biased, but whether you’re a fan of cats or not, everyone can have fun searching for the cats on this unique treasure hunt.

No matter how many times you have visited the city, you won’t have spotted all of these cats. In fact, you’ll be surprised you haven’t seen them before! I used a photo of The Golden Fleece pub in my York Bucket List post and never even spotted the cat who lives there! Go check the photo if you don’t believe me!

Also, the York Cat Trail is completely free! What’s not to love?

So, if you’re looking for a unique tour of York or a fun family activity in the city, I would strongly recommend you try out the York Cat Trail.

Other York walking trails

There are a number of York walking tours around the city. Depending on what you are looking for, there are several themed walks to choose from. You also have guided and non-guided options.

Here are some of my favourite York walking tours:

York claims to be the most haunted city in the UK. And with such a long and turbulent history, it is unsurprising. If you want to learn more about York’s resident ghosts, you can join an evening ghost walk and visit some of York’s most haunted locations.

Treasure Hunt York

This is a city tour with a difference. Rather than simply following a guide or reading an information leaflet, Treasure Hunt York is an interactive adventure that takes you to some of York’s top sights to seek answers to clues. Check out my review here to get an exclusive discount code.

Snickelways of York

Snickelways is a term synonymous with York. The term was coined as a combination of a ‘snicket,’ ‘ginnel,’ and ‘alleyway’, which are all popular terms for a narrow footpath between buildings.

You can experience the hidden world of York’s Snickelways through the book A Walk around the Snickelways of York . This beautiful guide is hand illustrated with 85 maps and sketches so that you can discover the history of these hidden passageways.

Other York Tours

Other things to do when visiting york.

If you love to unearth the hidden side of the city and you want to explore more trails in York, why not try one of these other options on your visit:

• If you loved cryptic puzzles, you’ll enjoy Treasure Hunt York . This is an interactive hunt where you search for clues and test your wits to see if you can join the pirate crew.
• The Secret City York is another great interactive trail. Solve the clues and watch a real-life historic event unfold before your eyes!
• Explore the magical side of York on this  Harry Potter themed tour .
• If you are travelling with young kids, Wizard Walk of York is a fun trail full of magic and games. No spooky stories on this one! Ideal for children between the ages of 5-10.
• Have you strolled down York’s secret streets? Discover the  Snickelways of York  and see what you’ve been missing!
• If you’re planning a winter visit, make sure you don’t miss  York Ice Trail ,  a magical two-day ice trail through the city.
• See the sights with the convenience of a  hop on hop off bus tour .
• Discover the creepy side of York on this Witches and History Old Town walking tour .

Planning your trip to York

If you are planning a visit and are looking for things to do in York, here are some resources to help you out.

You can discover my 13 favourite things to do in York in my York bucket list . This guide includes a whole range of activities including museums, historic sites and more. You can read it now to discover enough activities to fill at least three days in York!

And, if you are planning a romantic weekend getaway to York, check out these romantic things to do in York for couples here .

Where to stay in York

Find a great deal on your accommodation on booking.com . I have stayed in and personally recommend Middletons Hotel . However, York is full of incredible accommodation options, so you’re sure to find the perfect place for your stay.

Before you go

So, if you’re ready to track down York’s feline friends on the York Cat Trail, be sure to bookmark this page or pin it using the pin below so you can revisit this guide!

And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!

Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!

Until our next adventure,

You might also like…

P.S. Love it? Pin it!

If you like this guide to the York Cat Trail, be sure to follow  Get Lost on Pinterest . That’s where I’ll be sharing all of my great  North Yorkshire travel guides .

Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.

68 thoughts on “York Cat Trail: Why There Are Cats in York and How You Can See Them”

Hi Hannah, I totally loved this very interesting blog on York cat trails. Was fascinated by the entire trail is dotted with cat statues and the historical significance to it! Look forward to visiting it!

York Cat Trail is such a fascinating route and a great way to see more of the city! I definitely recommend it when you’re in the area. I hope you get an opportunity to track down the cats of York soon!

I never knew this! I’ve pinned your post so I can check this out next time I’m in York

The York Cat Trail is such a hidden gem in the city! I only discovered it just before lockdown! I hope you get an opportunity to visit soon to track down the cats!

As a cat lover, this would be the perfect way for me to explore the city! What a fun idea!

As a fellow cat lover, I completely agree that it is a wonderful way to explore York! We had so much fun seeking out all of the cats on the York Cat Trail!

Oh wow, I’ve been to York before but I’ve never heard of this Cat Trail before. I’m planning on returning because I want to do the treasure hunt trail, but now I have to do this one too. Thanks for sharing these trails, they definitely make exploring a new place more fun.

Both the York Cat Trail and the Treasure Hunt York trail are really fun! We actually did both of them on the same day and it’s such a fun way to see the city! I hope you get to visit soon to try them both out! Thanks for reading!

oh my goodness. I didn’t know about this. I love cats. I have to visit. And this area has been on my list for some time. Thanks for the guide!

The cats are so cute, aren’t they? It is fun walking around the city and spotting them! I hope you get an opportunity to visit and track down the cats soon!

I love public art and the Cats of York is such a fun idea! It would be fun to casually stroll the streets and spot them. Thanks for sharing this find!

Tracking down the cats on the York Cat Trail was fun! I’m surprised I’ve never noticed them before when I’ve been walking around the city! Thanks for reading!

This sounds like such a lovely way to get to know the city! The cat statues on the buildings would be my favorites, it would be so much fun looking for them while exploring York. 🙂

It was fund tracking down all of the cat statues on the York Cat Trail. Some of them were pretty sneaky and were difficult to spot without some serious hunting around! It’s a great day out and well worth doing when you are next in York!

I would love to check out the Cat Trail in York! A great way to see the city!

The York Cat Trail is such a fun and unique way to explore the city! I definitely recommend it when you next find yourself there!

Oh my goodness! I LOVE cats and I LOVE York. Two of my favourite things. Oh and I love walking so all in all bascially how have I not done this when I have been to York?! Saving this for my next visit!

Ah it’s such a great combination, isn’t it? I don’t know how I’d always missed it when we visited York either! It’s well worth doing when you next find yourself in York!

This is so unique and sounds fun! Love it! Little details like this really add to the experience of a place.

I agree! It’s one of those little things that you wouldn’t really notice if you just walked by, but the cats on the York Cat Trail are so much fun to discover when you know about them!

I think this is classic. Amazing that it was started so many years ago, and incredible to see how it’s grown into a ‘thing’!

It’s great that it has evolved over the years, isn’t it? It’s one of those little details that is really special to the city. I’m so glad that visitors can celebrate the cats of York and track them all down on the York Cat Trail!

I love York, and it’s unique things like this that just make it even more of a fun place to visit. Great guide, and such a fun activity for a trip. I love the not so obvious ones, like if you really weren’t looking up you might not see them

York has so many wonderful, unique things to do, doesn’t it? It is such an interesting city! There are definitely a lot of cats on the trail that I would never have spotted if we hadn’t been looking for them. We got some interesting looks from people passing by while we were busy scouring the tops of the buildings! Everyone who walked past us started looking up! Some of them were trickier to spot than we thought!

This is such a unique trail – looking for cat statues! I would love to look up that gallery and buy a glass cat or other cat themed novelty. The snickelways trail is also interesting. Bookmarking your blog for future reference.:-)

The cat souvenirs are such a great way to commemorate a trip to York! I actually just ordered myself a lucky cat as I regretted not buying one when we were there! I’m keen to go back to York to do the Snickelways trail as unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to do that one when we were last there.

What a fantastic activity… the fun of a treasure hunt, and the advantage of exercising on a short, enjoyable walk. Imagine, a practice that’s survived two centuries!

It is a great idea, isn’t it? I love walking tours to discover more about the cities that I visit, especially self-guided ones. You always see so much more when you explore on foot and, like you said, you get the added bonus of a little workout too!

I’ve been to York so many times and I had no idea that there were cat statues lurking around! I’ll be on the look out for them next time though!

I know what you mean! I must have walked by them hundreds of times without even noticing! Following the trail and tracking them all down is so much fun! I hope you get a chance to find them all!

I’ve just booked a trip to York for the summer so this is the perfect time to see this post. I love quirky things like this so I may have to chase down these cats. Thanks for sharing, I had no idea they existed! 🙂

Ah what great timing! I hope you have a wonderful time in York and get an opportunity to track down the cats!

This is so cool! I’ve never heard of the York Cat Trail. What a unique experience. My kids would love walking and trying to find all the cats!

We had so much fun tracking down the cats on the York cat trail! Some of them were surprisingly tricky to find! Kids would definitely love it!

Wow, I didn’t realize this even existed! What a unique walking tour to experience in York. Thanks for sharing!

It’s crazy, isn’t it? I must have walked by the cats hundreds of times and never even noticed! It’s such a fun way to discover York. Thanks for reading!

I have never heard of this. I love cats so this would be pretty cool to see. Thanks for such a great guide.

The cat trail is such a fun way to explore York, especially if you’re a cat lover! Thanks for reading!

I love this! Quirky and charming at the same time. What a great way to walk around York and see the streets and people. Thank you for sharing. I will have to remember to put this on my list for when I can get back to Europe.

The York Cat Trail is a great way to explore York! Especially if you’re looking for something a bit different. You still get to see the sights on route, but have the added fun of tracking down the cats! I hope you’re able to visit soon to try it out!

This is so cool! I love doing tours like this where I have things to find to keep me walking around to all sorts of streets I might have missed otherwise 🙂

The York Cat Trail is such a fun tour! And we saw lots of popular sights along the way too! I definitely recommend giving it a go when you’re next in York!

Big fan of our feline friends here. Can someone tell me – I feel like the Brits have a special connection to cats. Am I imagining that or is there a history there?

Ah, yes! Hello fellow cat lover! I’ve never thought about the Brits connection to cats but maybe you are onto something, they’re very popular here! I bet there is an interesting history here! I wonder if it is because we’re such a small, seafaring island? I know they were often kept on ships to get rid of rats. I imagine almost everyone in the UK has some sailors in their family tree (I know I do!) Maybe we grew attached to them? It would be so interesting to find out!

What a fun and cool idea! I’m allergic to cats so these would be perfect for me!

The cat trail is such a fun tour! What a shame you’re allergic to cats! At least you’ll be safe with these ones!

I’ve never heard of the cat trail! I wonder if there’s a connection between the cats and the ghosts?!

Haha! No wonder York is such a spooky city – black cats and ghosts! I hadn’t even made the connection! I love all things spooky though, that’s probably why I love York so much!

This cat trail seems so adorable, I can’t believe they put all those cat statutes up. It sounds amazing for sure something to add to the list!

It is a lovely trail and a fun way to see York. Some of the cats were deceptively hard to spot! It makes for a great day out!

Squeee Hannah you find the best trails! I LOVE this idea…it would make it even more fun to wander around this lovely city! I really like the kitties that look like they are climbing up the walls. I wonder if real cats get worried about them!?

The York Cat Trail is a good one, isn’t it? It’s ideal for me as a cat lover! It is a fun way to see York! We encountered some real cats on the trail, and they didn’t seem to be fussed about them. In fact, they were busy having a snooze! The poor residents would have had the shock of their lives if they had discovered us peering in through their window to admire their cats!

How cute! Definitely one for cat lovers!

They are adorable! York is definitely the city to visit if you love cats!

How interesting! I had no idea that York was associated with cats. York is such a gorgeous city. I look forward to not only trying the cat trail, but the ghost tours and the brilliantly named snickelways on my next visit!

I had no idea either until the last few years! I must have walked by those cats hundreds of times and never even noticed! It’s such a unique way to see York! I love the York ghost tours but was gutted that we ran out of time to do the snickelways trail. I’m definitely doing that one on my next visit!

I love this & didn’t know that York had such an association with cats! Next time I’m there I’ll definitely take this walk. Love the sound of the snickelways one too – great way to explore the city.

I know, right?? I must have visited the city hundreds of times in the past and never even noticed the cats before! It is a fun and unique way to explore York. I was gutted we ran out of time to do the snicklways trail, I’m definitely doing that one on my next visit!

I loved this unique post! I think it’s so cool that you can follow your guide to uncover cute kitties! What a fun way to spend the day 🙂

It’s such a fun idea, isn’t it? We had loads of fun exploring York and tracking all of the cats down! It’s definitely a unique way to see York!

One of the best and my favorite blog ever.

Thanks so much Diana! I love the York Cat Trail, it is such a fun activity to spot them all on a visit!

There are also cats statues in Malmö, most near a staircase along the city canal. The tour guide mentioned they’ve been installed there as people take lunch breaks on the stairs and then they have a “companion” and won’t feel alone.

Carolin | Solo Travel Story

This is such an adorable idea! Cats make the best companions! I’ll be sure to enjoy my lunch with them if I ever visit Malmö! Thanks for the tip!

As a cat lady, I was surprised that York is associated with cats but then again I’ve never been to York before. But dang, I would certainly plan to stop there if I ever get a chance to visit the UK someday! 😀

I hope you have an opportunity to visit York and track down the cats some day soon! I love cats too so I fully appreciate the novelty of York Cat Trail!

Reading your blog every week has convinced me that I must visit York! I want to do all these activities. But my favorite is walking the York Cat Trail. Meow!

Ah you really must visit! You would love it! The Cat Trail is a great free activity in York! We passed away a great couple of hours trying to spot the cats!

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The York Cat Trail

Keep your eyes open as you wander round York and you'll spot a variety of different cat statues on buildings in the City.

For a guided walk, you can download a trail map here which contains the history and where you can find the cats - there's 22 in total!

Picture credit: YorkCatTrail

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York Cat Trail

York city centre, united kingdom.

Friendly felines can be found asleep atop many of York's historic buildings as you wander around the city.

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About york cat trail.

There are numerous stories recalling the historical presence of cats in the city of York. Some legends suggest the cats have been there for more than 200 years, placed by concerned citizens to frighten away the local population of rats, mice and malevolent spirits, reportedly bringing good fortune to the owner. Other tales offer a more modest explanation, attributing the presence of the cat sculptures to 1920, when local architect Sir Stephen Aitcheson installed two cats on a building that he owned in Low Ousegate, with other residents and businesses following suit. Either way, the York Cat Trail provides both visitors and locals the opportunity to find and photograph the numerous statues of cats while exploring the centre of the Yorkshire capital and admiring the city's oldest buildings.

Today, the cat trail, which boasts more than 20 feline residents, is run and administered by a local glass business where you can pick-up a trail leaflet showing where to find the elusive creatures.

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Published: 20 January 2023

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York Cat Trail

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York Cat Hunt

Discover the york cat hunt.

Free fun for all the family, this cat hunt is based on cats that appear on buildings around York city centre. It has been designed to ensure that you see not only the cats of York, but also the most interesting and beautiful parts of our city. Highlights along the way include Betty's Tearooms, Clifford's Tower and York Minster plus a walk down Shambles. The York Cat Hunt should take around an hour to complete. ...and accompanied children who complete the mini quiz will qualify for a reward.

Click here to download the York Cat Hunt

If you have more time, the Cats in York website has a full inventory of all known and accessible York Cat Statues. 

https://www.catsinyork.com/cat-directory

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York Cat Hunt

The York Cat Hunt is for those who want to have a go at finding the cats without first looking up their locations in the Cat Directory.

Pick up a leaflet from The Cat Gallery shop, Visit York Information Centre or many accommodation providers and attractions in and around York. Or download the leaflet below.

D epending on your cat-spotting skills, our self-guided kitty hunt takes 60 - 90 minutes. Allow longer if you're likely to get distracted by the many shopping and dining distractions in York! We hope you enjoy this unique York walk!

Further details

The York Cat Hunt leaflet does not include all the cat statuettes in York, as some are a fair distance from the city centre and some are not accessible 24/7.  Feel free to add others to your own Cat Hunt- all the cat statuettes we know of are listed in the Cat Directory, with approximate locations given (precise locations are also available via links in the Cat Directory).

Cats in York has no control over any of the statuettes, thus we cannot help it if any cats have since been removed, but please inform us via the Contact Form so we can update the Cat Hunt. Please remember to be careful at all times, especially when crossing roads. We cannot take any responsibility for any accidents that may occur during participation in the York Cat Hunt.

Your love can help save a precious cat’s life. Tabby’s Place survives on donations from compassionate people like you.

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Felis Catus: The Official Blog of Tabby's Place

A selection of our latest blog posts.

Remember the Seniors: Harriet begins

We assume very good tale has a beginning, a middle, and an end. But if we are lucky enough to come to the ends of ourselves, we may learn a new story.

Kitty LeFey’s Cosmos: Simply Sweet

Looking to add a little sweetness to your life? Look no further than Tabby’s Place.

Opinion Pol

For the sake of science, answer the following to the best of your ability. Would you rather be named after: Your grandma Your favorite Hobbit A living legend with the power to save the planet

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What is the "Remember the Seniors?"

Tabby’s Place rescues sweet seniors who have nowhere else to turn. Their hearts are full of love, and these gentle souls deserve tenderness, respect, and excellent care.

Please give from your golden heart, so senior cats can have happy golden years. Your donation will go where it is most needed.

Who are the cats pictured above?

Harriet, age 16, was once forgotten and alone. A car accident left her with life-threatening injuries. But the best days of Harriet’s life were ahead: she became a Tabby’s Place cat.

Can I mail in my donation?

Absolutely! You may mail your tax-deductible donation to

Tabby’s Place 1100 US Highway 202 Ringoes, NJ 08551.

What if I have more questions?

Please feel free to contact Development Director Angela Townsend at

• [email protected] , or
• 908-237-5300 ext 235

We are honored to serve the kittens with you.

What is the Cherish the Kittens Fund Drive?

Tabby’s Place takes those kittens who are too fragile for other shelters. We yearn to save them all…but we need you.

Now through May 15th, your donation will be doubled (up to $118,000). Your gift will go where it’s most needed, enabling us to save the most vulnerable kittens and cats.

What makes Tabby’s Place kittens special?

These are the most fragile members of the “kitten kingdom,” and many shelters lack the resources for their unique needs. Your donation will help Tabby’s Place to save these vulnerable babies.

Who is the orange kitten pictured above?

But Tabby’s Place has a wing where FeLV+ kitties thrive, and we were honored to welcome Fortune Cookie into our family. Today, he frolics in a forever home of his own.

Nothing is impossible with love, and we hope you’ll open your heart to the “Fortune Cookies” who will need us in the days ahead.

We are open to the public 7 days/week from 12:00 – 5:00pm.  You are welcome to drop by, but we recommend you schedule a visit .

Is York Worth Visiting? 21 Best Things to Do & Reasons to Visit

Grey Globetrotters contains affiliate links and is an Amazon Services LLC Associates Program member. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

Are you wondering, “is York worth visiting in 2023”? This guide will help you decide if you’re considering a trip to York in the UK. We’ll cover some of the city’s top attractions and things to do, where to stay, and how to get around.

I’ve lived in Yorkshire for almost a decade and visit York frequently, so I have the inside track on what’s worth seeing and doing in this incredible medieval city.

By the end of this post, you should have a good idea of whether or not York is right for your next vacation.

Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Is York Worth Visiting In 2023?

In a nutshell, YES! York is a superb city to visit!!

With many historical attractions, Harry Potter connections, and iconic British landmarks, York is a great place to visit .

This is especially true if you’re a history buff or love exploring cities rather than venturing out in the rugged outdoors, though the wild and beautiful North York Moors are not far from the city centre for a memorable day trip.

As the capital city of the North Yorkshire region, York is a charming city in the heart of North Yorkshire, often overlooked by travellers on their way to bigger and more famous destinations around England.

Save $$$ With The York Pass

Save money on entry to top York attractions, including York Minster, York City Cruises, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Dungeon, and more with the York City Pass !

Visitors to this historic city are rewarded with unique experiences that simply can’t be found anywhere else. From exploring the winding medieval alleyways of the Shambles to sampling Fat Rascals at Bettys Tea Rooms, York has something for everyone.

So, if you’re still pondering “is York worth visiting”, we can confidently say it’s fabulous!

21 Best Things to Do and See in York in 2023

This historic British city – the land of Vikings and Romans, Kings, chocolate and stunning architecture – has so much to offer. Here are some of York’s top tourist attractions and things we recommend you do while visiting York:

1. Visit York Minster

This stunning 12th-century cathedral dominates York’s skyline and is a must-see when visiting the city.

With its intricate stonework and stunning stained glass windows, it’s no wonder this place – the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe – attracts over 2 million visitors every year.

Pro Tip: A tower tour is a great way to enjoy the best views over the centre of York. You’ll need to get there early and book your tour when you arrive , as this is one of the most popular things to do in York, and places fill up fast!

2. Go on a ghost walk

York has a reputation as one of the UK’s most haunted cities, so why not embrace it? Take a ghost tour to around some of the spookiest locations in town – just don’t forget your garlic.

3. Take a Scenic River Cruise

A leisurely cruise down the River Ouse in central York is the ideal way to see some of the city’s main attractions from a different perspective. Pick from a scenic daytime cruise or a romantic and atmospheric evening cruise .

4. Explore Clifford’s Tower

The only remaining part of William the Conqueror’s magnificent York Castle, Clifford’s Tower has played many roles throughout history.

Since Roger de Clifford built it, this tower has been a royal mint, prison, and even an air raid shelter during World War II – but today, it stands tall as one of York’s most iconic landmarks.

5. York Castle Museum

Centuries before Buckingham Palace became the official residence for British monarchs, King John lived in the secure keep at York Castle. While the castle is long ruined, you can learn about a thousand years of York’s turbulent history at York Castle Museum.

6. Jorvik Viking Centre

Step back in time at Jorvik to the 9th century when England fell to the Vikings, and York became a vital settlement – becoming the second largest British city of the time.

7. The York Chocolate Story

Learn about York’s role in bringing chocolate to the world in this interactive and engaging museum. You can also make your own chocolate treats at the end of your tour before browsing the gift shop for delicious handmade chocolates to take home!

8. Head down to the York Cold War Bunker

Uncover Britain’s Cold War’s secret and chilling history at the most modern English Heritage property. Walk through the blast-proof doors to investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage.

In active use from the 1960s to the 1990s, the bunker was a nerve centre to monitor any fallout from a nuclear attack. 

9. Discover the city’s gruesome past at York Dungeon

Walk through 2,000 years of York’s history and meet famous characters from York’s dark past, including Vikings and Guy Fawkes! The York Castle dungeon will make you laugh and scream!

10. Take a stroll on top of the medieval city walls

It’s not every day that you can walk on ancient fortifications with Roman origins. York City Walls are approximately 2 miles long and offer breathtaking city views. It’s an excellent opportunity to work off your afternoon tea and one of the most popular free things to do in York!

11. Visit the Shambles

The Shambles is one of the most famous streets in England, and for good reason too! With its narrow cobbled streets and overhanging timber-framed buildings dating back as far as the 14th century.

12. Take afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea Rooms

For something quintessentially British, look no further than Betty’s Tea Rooms .

This charming cafe has served traditional afternoon tea since 1919 and offers everything from scones with clotted cream to dainty finger sandwiches – all served on fine china and crisp white linen tablecloths.

13. Go trainspotting in style at the National Railway Museum

A short walk from York train station will take you to this cavernous Yorkshire museum, which has over 100 examples of rolling stock, including a carriage made for Queen Victoria . The main attraction is the famous Flying Scotsman train .

With free entry , visiting the National Railway Museum is one of the first things many families like to do on a day trip to York – perfect if it’s raining!

14. Have a pint at one of the many historic pubs in York

Ye Olde Starre Inn pub claims to be the oldest licensed premises in York (dating back to 1644), so it’d be rude not to stop by for a drink. The interior is cosy and full of character – just what you’d expect from such an ancient establishment.

Other characterful pubs in York include the wonderfully eccentric House of the Trembling Madness , the Evil Eye , and the historical Guy Fawkes Inn near York Minster, where the pub food is excellent.

15. Find all the cats on the York Cat Trail

Cat lovers will find York worth a visit, as cats have been symbols of luck for centuries in the city. You’ll soon see that many properties sport feline decorations.

The popularity of cats in York dates to the days of timber houses, when vermin carried diseases, including plague, and could destroy entire buildings by knawing at the wood. Cats were kept to ward off evil spirits and keep rats at bay!

You can download the lucky cat trail map here .

16. Check out the York Roman Baths

Pop into the Roman Bath Museum in York to discover the Roman roots of this old city . You will see the Tepidarium (warm room), Caldarium (hot steam room), and Frigidarium (cold plunge room) used by occupying Roman forces two thousand years ago!

Pro Tip : It’s easy to spot this small museum on your first day in York, as it’s located beneath the Roman Bath Pub!

17. Have a flutter at York Race Course

Going to the races in York has been popular since the time of Roman Emperor Severus, however, the city did not fully support horse racing until 1530!

Today, York is one of the premier racecourses in Yorkshire, rated top in The Times newspaper survey of all Britain’s racecourses. So, if you fancy getting dressed up, sipping a glass of bubbly and watching some of the best horseracing in the country, check the racing fixtures here .

Pro Tip: For the best deal on entry tickets to 20 of York’s top tourist attractions, we recommend you buy a York City Pass . You’ll save a ton of time and money compared to buying separate admission tickets!

There we have it, folks; seventeen fantastic things to do whilst exploring beautiful York – one of the top attractions in North Yorkshire!

Where is York?

York is located in Northern England, in the large, rural county of North Yorkshire. The city is around 2 1/2 hours from London by train and 3 hours from Edinburgh by train.

What is York famous for?

York is best known for its magnificent 12th century Minster – the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It’s also regarded as the most haunted city in Europe.

Chocolate was the most significant industry in York until recently, with almost every family in the city connected to the world-famous chocolate brands.

York is also known for the huge number of pubs in the city, many of which are quirky and historical, including the Guy Fawkes Inn, where Guy Fawkes was born in the shadow of York Minster, and the Golden Fleece, which is reputed to be the most haunted pub in York 💀

🥃 Best Pub Tour in York

Visit the most fascinating pubs in York, with a knowledgeable local guide on this Guided Historic Pub Tour .

Foodies will love a trip to the medieval Shambles, where foods from around the globe await hungry visitors. If you’re wondering, “what food is York famous for?” the answer is the Yorkshire pudding !

If time allows, putting on your finery for a day out at the York races or taking a day trip to the North Yorkshire Coast is a must.

A few more reasons why York is worth visiting include the historic (and reputedly haunted) Treasurer’s House and the Merchant Adventurers Hall – the oldest guildhall in Great Britain.

York is a bustling, active city that will not disappoint visitors.

Best Time To Visit York United Kingdom

The best times to visit York are Easter, during the summer when the weather is warm and pleasant, Halloween, and Christmastime.

Spring is the perfect time to enjoy Cherry Blossom in the city – look out for the beautiful trees below the City Wall by the train station and those near York Minster.

Summer is ideal for romantic picnics in St. Mary’s Abbey’s ruins, riverside strolls, and river cruises. Hiring one of York’s little red boats for a potter along the river is fun.

York is certainly worth visiting for Halloween , with plenty of ghost tours to pick from. The leaves will be changing colour, and the nights drawing in, and while the real chill of winter won’t have arrived yet, you’ll want to dress warmly.

Christmas in York is spectacular, with award-winning festive markets, pretty lights and an unbeatable ambience. If you want to experience the magic of a carol service at York Minster (and you really should), you’ll need to book early, as these events sell out fast. Consider staying a few extra days to really soak it all in.

No matter when you visit, York is a fabulous city that’s always bustling with activities.

How Many Days In York Is Enough?

You could easily spend a week in York and still find things to do. However, 3-4 days are enough to see the city’s main sights if you’re short on time.

If you only have one day to spare, a single day in York is doable. We recommend buying a one-day York City Pass and focusing on the city centre to see the most highly-rated attractions.

The most popular things to do during one day in York include:

• Walking along the City Walls from the train station to Bootham Bar
• Exploring York Minster (don’t forget to book the tower tour when you arrive)
• Visiting Jorvik or the York Chocolate Story
• Finding somewhere to eat (Guy Fawkes pub or Gert’s Fish & Chips in the Shambles are great options)
• Wandering through the Shambles
• Climbing Clifford’s Tower for superb city views
• Taking an evening river cruise for incredible views of the city at sunset, or going on a spooky ghost walk

Where To Stay In York

York has great accommodation options within the city and nearby. For a hotel close to the city’s main tourist attractions, you’ll want to stay in the centre of York to make the most of the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife options.

Our favourite hotel in York is the Grand Hotel . This luxury 5 star hotel offers a peaceful oasis of calm and refinement after a day of city exploration. The Grand Hotel is a very short walk from York train station, with fabulous views of the city walls.

➡️ Top Luxury York Hotel: Grand Hotel ➡️ Top Mid-Budget York Hotel: The Dean Court ( 200m from York Minster )

How To Get Around York

Getting around York on foot or by bicycle is easy, and the city’s bus system is efficient. You should avoid driving into the city centre, as the streets are congested, and parking is expensive .

If you stay in the city centre, most places are within walking distance; however, if you want the freedom to explore more of North Yorkshire, renting a car or looking at guided tours are good options.

FAQs – Is York Worth Visiting

This collection of questions people often ask should help you plan your trip if you’re still asking yourself the question “is York worth visiting?”:

What is the York Pass?

The York Pass includes admission to York Minster, City Cruises York, JORVIK Viking Centre, The York Dungeon, Van Gogh Immersive Experience, York City Sightseeing, and much more! Each York Pass also comes with a free 24 Hour hop-on hop-off bus tour plus a choice of three pasta or pizza dishes at ASK Italian Restaurant, York.

Is the York Pass worth it?

Yes, the cost of a York Pass is less than the cost of individual admission charges to the city’s main tourist attractions.

How far is York from London?

York is around 220 miles from London. Driving from London to York takes around 4 hours (depending on traffic conditions), whereas the London to York train journey takes from 2 to 3 hours.

How many days do you need in York?

While you can see some of the most popular tourist attractions in one day, York is worth visiting for 3 to 4 days to see more of the city.

Is York a good city break?

Yes, York is one of the best city breaks in the UK, thanks to the wide variety of things for visitors to do, and the high quality of accommodation and restaurants in the city.

Is there a lot to do in York?

York is packed with things to do and see. Whether you love history and culture, independent shops, romantic breaks, city cruises or great pubs and restaurants for evenings out, York has plenty to offer!

Is York a walkable city?

The historic city centre is best explored on foot. It’s compact and very walkable.

Is a day in York enough?

Is York worth visiting for one day? Absolutely! If you only have one day to spare, you can get a good introduction to York in one day, and see a number of the main attractions, as they are all located close together.

Is York a cheap city?

In general, York is far less expensive than many other UK cities, such as London and Edinburgh; however, one person’s idea of cheap can be another’s idea of expensive!

Is York a beautiful city?

York is stunning and worth visiting for the Instagram-worthy sights at every turn. Don’t forget to charge your phone/camera fully to take plenty of photos!

Can you get around York without a car?

Absolutely! In fact, you should try to avoid driving into the city and use public transport instead, as York is a small city, and it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike. If you visit York for the first time, a guided walking tour will help you get your bearings around the narrow streets and historical landmarks.

Is York a friendly city?

Absolutely, Yorkshire folk are very welcoming and friendly.

Is York a safe city?

York is one of the safest cities to visit in the UK and a brilliant tourist destination.

Is York cheaper than London?

In a word, yes! The cost of living in “the north” is considerably lower than it is in London, and this means you’ll pay less for hotels, restaurants and more in York.

Was Harry Potter filmed in York?

York station was a film location for Harry Potter; however, the Shambles was NOT the film location for Diagon Alley (although it REALLY should have been!). There are plenty of fabulous Harry Potter themed stores in York to keep any Potterheads happy though, including the Shop That Must Not Be Named.

Is Diagon Alley based on the Shambles in York?

While JK Rowling confirmed on Twitter that Diagon Alley was not based on any location in the UK, we think that the Shambles is exactly what she had in mind, with it’s quirky winding streets, ancient buildings and incredible atmosphere.

What cities are near York?

The nearest cities to York are Leeds , Bradford, Sheffield , Manchester and Edinburgh.

Is York a safe night out?

York is a popular and safe city for a night out. As many of the city’s streets are cobbled, you’ll probably not want to wear high heeled shoes though!

Is York Minster worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! It’s one of the most beautiful and most ancient cathedrals in the world and one of the York must see places.

Look out for the incredible Rose Window and the beautiful “Heart of Yorkshire” window when you visit.

How many people visit York a year?

According to Make it York , over 8 million people visit York each year, contributing almost £800 million to the local economy. York loves visitors!

Conclusion: Is York Worth Visiting?

If you’re looking for a charming and historic city with plenty of unique attractions and much history, York is worth visiting. It’s one of the UK’s best cities for a long weekend break.

This beautiful city has something for everyone, from the ancient York walls and stunning Minster to quirky shops and lively pubs. And let’s not forget the delicious food !

Just make sure you bring your walking shoes (or rent a bike) to explore all York offers.

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Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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New York Today

A cafe for cat people opens downtown.

At Meow Parlour, people will be able to drink coffee and play with cats, who are up for adoption.

By Alyson Krueger

Good morning. It’s Thursday. Today we’ll look at a cat cafe on the Lower East Side where people can play with cats who live there and are up for adoption.

On Sunday, Christina Ha threw open the doors to the brand-new Essex Street home of Meow Parlour, her cat cafe.

In the cafe, which Ha, 38, says was the first of its kind in New York City, human visitors can snack on food and drinks — they buy them next door, in a space with a separate entrance and address to abide by New York City health code — while they play with cats who live there and are up for adoption.

At 1,800 square feet, the space is three times as large as its previous iteration, which Ha co-founded 10 years ago around the corner on Hester Street. While the old space could accommodate 15 cats, this one can fit about 20, and the space is designed to be a feline paradise.

“The cats who had been in the previous space were like, ‘What is all this other stuff?’” Ha said.

There are booths where humans can relax while cats climb above them on shelves and peek down at them. The floor is lined with circular holes for cats to climb through to get from room to room. There is a bookshelf for them to explore, and a tree with hammocks hanging off the branches for snoozes.

“The kittens figured out how to climb the steps to get up there right away,” Ha said. “They hopped into the hammocks and went to sleep.”

The space, which served as a boxing gym before the pandemic, came with a prebuilt sophisticated ventilation system, “because gyms can be really smelly,” Ha said. On opening day, patrons remarked about how nice the place smelled.

The new space can also accommodate 14 to 18 visitors per hour, an upgrade that is allowing Meow Parlour to allow walk-ins for the first time. “On opening day, it was incredible to allow people in who saw us from the street,” Ha said.

The cafe part of Meow Parlour, which sells cookies, iced tea and coffee drinks among other items, is awaiting inspection and should open in the next few weeks. Ha, a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education baking program, is the head pastry chef. Her partner in the venture is Emilie Legrand, 41, who was one of the first kitchen employees of Meow Parlour.

Meow Parlour also acts as a cat adoption agency, sourcing cats from Animal Care Centers of New York, a local animal shelter, and the Bowling Green Warren County Humane Society in Bowling Green, Ky., which brings cats to New York who can’t find homes in Kentucky.

Ha started the entire endeavor in 2014 after she and her husband, Simon Tung, 42, found a kitten outside their apartment in Chinatown. “We found Mr. Socks, took him home and went full-blown cat lady,” she said. “We adopted Pickles afterward and started fostering.”

Meow Parlour now has between 50 and 70 cats in its program at any time. They either live at the cafe or in foster homes. The goal of the new space is to be able to offer them more services.

The cafe set up a surgical center in the basement where a local veterinarian is doing spay and neuter surgeries. “Our goal is to start taking in more senior animals, getting them fixed, cleaned up and ready for adoption,” Ha said.

There are also two walled-off rooms for special needs cats who require their own space for a host of reasons. They are currently occupied by Thunder, who “has complicated feelings for other cats,” as Ha puts it, and Homer, who is on a special protein diet and can’t risk sharing food with his companions.

“We call these our V.I.P. rooms,” Ha said. “That is something we never thought we would have.”

Prepare for a chance of showers and thunderstorms, persisting through the evening, with daytime temperatures in the mid-60s. At night, it will be windy, with temperatures in the mid-50s.

ALTERNATE-SIDE PARKING

Suspended today (Eid al-Fitr).

The latest New York news

Choosing the jurors : In the first criminal trial of a former American president, who will decide Donald Trump’s fate? Here are the jurors each side wants .

A third attempt to delay a trial : Lawyers for Mr. Trump asked an appeals court — again — to stave off Mr. Trump’s trial on charges that he covered up a sex scandal . Again they failed.

Allen Weisselberg sentenced to Rikers : Donald Trump’s longtime financial lieutenant was sentenced to five months in the Rikers Island jail complex for perjury .

30 years for manslaughter : A man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old Queens boy, whom he mistook for a rival gang member, the authorities said.

Corruption charge for former Rikers employees : Federal prosecutors said the defendants accepted bribes and smuggled in drugs for detainees at the troubled jail complex .

More local news

Birth control for rats : A new City Council bill would deploy contraceptives in hopes of reducing the rat population and protecting wildlife from being poisoned .

City parts ways with migrant services company : DocGo, which operated under a $432 million contract, faced allegations of mistreating and lying to migrants .

Right-wing operatives fined for robocall scheme : The operatives, who used a robocall campaign to try to discourage Black New Yorkers from voting in the 2020 election, will pay up to $1.25 million .

METROPOLITAN diary

A. & P. truck

Dear Diary:

I was waiting for the downtown Second Avenue bus one day in the early 1970s as I did every morning. Time went by, and an A. & P. truck pulled up.

Where are you going? the driver wanted to know.

Fifty-Ninth Street would be fine, I told him.

When I am done, I will take you there, he responded.

So I took the seat next to him. Before I got off, he placed a couple of oranges in my lap.

Walking crosstown, I made it just in time to relieve the night manager at the Plaza.

— Margitta Rose

Illustrated by Agnes Lee. Send submissions here and read more Metropolitan Diary here .

Glad we could get together here. Lola Fadulu will be here tomorrow. A.K.

P.S. Here’s today’s Mini Crossword and Spelling Bee . You can find all our puzzles here .

Melissa Guerrero and Ed Shanahan contributed to New York Today. You can reach the team at [email protected].

Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

An earlier version of this article misstated the square footage of Meow Parlour. It is 1,800 square feet, not 18,000. It also misstated the status of the cats in the cafe: All of them, not just some of them, are up for adoption.

How we handle corrections

New York cat rescued from hoarding situation is now available for adoption

A cat who was rescued from a rough living situation is looking for her forever home. 

Meet Pumpkin, a three-year-old cat named after the autumn season during which she was rescued.  

Pumpkin was brought to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons in the fall of 2023 after she and 13 other felines were found in a hoarding home in Suffolk County, New York.

CAT AT ANIMAL RESCUE AGENCY WITH PIERCING GREEN EYES IS UP FOR ADOPTION: ‘SHE’S A STUNNER'

The brown-and-autumn cat is known among employees at ARF to have "a gentle soul with a pleasant disposition."

She's described as a young cat who can entertain herself while also appreciating the company of humans and other feline friends. 

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

ARF director of marketing and communications Jamie Berger told Fox News Digital that Pumpkin is looking for a relaxing home. 

CAT ADOPTION AD GOES VIRAL FOR ITS REFRESHING HONESTY: ‘SHE WILL OWN YOU, YOUR HOUSE, YOUR BELONGINGS’

"She’s happiest when lounging in a sunny spot, soaking up the warmth of the sun into her fur," she said. 

The domestic shorthaired cat weighs about eight pounds and is available for adoption now at ARF in East Hampton, New York. 

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons has been in business since 1974.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

This year marks its 50th anniversary.

Over the last five decades, the organization has helped rescue and rehome over 30,000 dogs and cats.

Anyone can visit arfhamptons.org for more information about Pumpkin.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .

Original article source: New York cat rescued from hoarding situation is now available for adoption

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Breaking news, anti-israel protesters urge others to break into ‘platoons’ as columbia university extends deadline for them to leave.

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Embattled Columbia University president Minouche Shafik caved to pressure from anti-Israel protesters early Wednesday — giving them another 48 hours to dismantle the tent city that’s popped up on campus.

The administration announced early Wednesday that it will continue dialogue for “the next 48 hours” following “important progress with representatives of the student encampment.”

The backtrack from Shafik came just as a protest leader was seen on video telling students through a bullhorn to form platoons and “turn up quickly en masse, in front of the encampment” to block police from making arrests in the event of a sweep. 

The man said they were entering a time of “high alert” for the next three days until the new Friday deadline to leave — and told on the crowd they may need to call on their friends who weren’t there to show up and help “defend the encampment.”   

“Will you be ready to turn up for comrades?” the unidentified individual shouted, according to a  video from Columbia Daily Spectator reporter Jessica Schwalb  that was made before dawn Wednesday. “We are so close to divestment!”

The Columbia division of Students for Justice in Palestine said just after the midnight deadline passed that they had left talks with the school “until there is a written commitment that the administration will not be unleashing the NYPD or the National Guard on its students.”

The university’s threats to call NYPD and the National Guard on the encampment “severed” the already tense negotiations, the group added in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

As of 4 a.m. Wednesday, the students claimed in a post on X that they had a written commitment from Columbia that the authorities would not be used to dismantle the protest, the statement added.

“Columbia’s reliance on the threat of state violence against peaceful protestors has created an unstable ground for the negotiations process which will continue over the next 48 hours. However, Columbia’s written commitment and concession not to call the NYPD or the National Guard signifies an important victory for students,” their statement said.

Some demonstrators were seen dismantling tents on the west side of the South Lawn ahead of Tuesday’s initial midnight deadline, but others just relocated to Furnald Lawn while dozens of others remained where they were.

Shortly after midnight, demonstrators began moving back onto the west side of the South Lawn.

Some held signs that read, “Victory to the Palestinian Resistance,” while chanting “Resistance is justified when people are occupied.” 

Other protesters also blamed President Biden for the situation in Gaza, yelling “Biden, Biden, Biden you can’t hide, We charge you with genocide.” 

Around 4 a.m. Wednesday, a man named John Pugh was arrested for repeatedly banging a drum near the campus.

Pugh refused to lower his volume and resisted cops’ attempting to arrest him by tensing his arms and body, law enforcement sources said.

Khymani James, a junior at Columbia speaking at the protest, said that students will not disperse until their demands for the school to divest from Israel and provide full amnesty for the protesters are met. 

“As stated many times, until these demands are met, we do not have any plans of leaving,” James said, adding that the protest has gone on for a week. 

“We continue to support our comrades building encampments at schools across the country,” he added of the protests popping up on college campuses in Connecticut, California, Texas and other states.  

James ultimately described Shafik’s decision to prolong the negotiations as a “win” for the protesters.  

“Our negotiation team has committed not to participate in a bargaining process so long as the university attempts to extract concessions by police or military force,” he said.

The failure to meet the midnight deadline was another blow for Shafik, who is facing calls to resign from both sides of the issue in the aftermath of her appearance before a House committee last week and NYPD’s mass arrest on Thursday.

Shafik – who previously vowed to crack down the protests and antisemitism on campus – initially set a midnight deadline on Wednesday for them to clear out  in a letter on Tuesday .

Follow The Post’s coverage of the anti-Israel protests at Columbia University:

• Pro-terror radical launched 2-hour anti-Israel tirade at Columbia University event weeks before protests exploded: ‘Nothing wrong with being a Hamas fighter’
• Anti-Israel protesters urge others to break into ‘platoons’ as Columbia University extends deadline for them to leave
• House Speaker Mike Johnson demands ‘very weak, inept’ Columbia prez Minouche Shafik resign ahead of campus visit
• Rep. Elise Stefanik demands federal funds for Columbia University be revoked in wake of anti-Israel protests

“For several days, a small group of faculty, administrators, and University Senators have been in dialogue with student organizers to discuss the basis for dismantling the encampment, dispersing, and following university policies going forward,” Shafik said. 

Shafik hoped the “discussions are successful” but warned that the school “will have to consider alternative options for clearing the West Lawn and restoring calm to campus so that students can complete the term and graduate.”

NYPD riot police were seen staging around the campus overnight, and cops were reportedly telling protesters to keep the volume from the encampment and restrain from beating against barricades or be at risk of arrest.

Around a dozen riot police were spread out near the main entrance to campus Wednesday morning, where they watched about 20 protesters who braved the drizzle outside the campus gates.

As Wednesday wore on there were no reports of violence or arrests at the encampment. Protesters were seen receiving food including sandwiches from Pret a Manger and coffee from Dunkin’. They also had various snacks and muffins and what appeared to be tubs of hummus.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she has no plans to call in the National Guard to respond to the protests, according to City & State NY.

The FDNY also conducted a walk-through of the encampment on Monday and shared that those there agreed to comply with “all requirements of FDNY with respect to activities and safety,” according to the spokesperson.

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Student protesters have also agreed that only Columbia students will remain in the encampment, and all those not associated with the university will leave.

Non-student protestors can continue to demonstrate off school grounds.

The campus remains restricted to “Columbia ID holders” and credentialed press members, the spokesperson said.

Protesters have also “taken steps to make the encampment welcome to all and have prohibited discriminatory or harassing language.” 

Following the “conversations” over the next 48 hours, the university plans on making a statement about the negotiation’s progress.

Protesters first erected tents on Columbia’s lawn last Wednesday.

The next day, the NYPD, at the request of Shafik, cleared out the encampment, leading to the arrest of more than 100 protesters. 

However, less than 24 hours later, protesters had reassembled their anti-Israel tent encampment.

Shafik’s failure to curb the controversy led the university to announce plans for to move classes to a hybrid format for the rest of the spring semester.

The move was slammed by some students, who said they were losing valuable learning time due to the ongoing strife.

Scores of alumni have pulled support over the university’s mishandling of the situation.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft – who lent his name to the campus’ Center for Jewish Life – announced on Monday that he was stopping his donations in light of how Jewish students had been treated on and around campus.

Meanwhile, 208 people were arrested at an anti-Israel protest at Grand Army Plaza Tuesday night, according to police.

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