Our team are all animal lovers and, whenever we travel, we love seeing tributes to special animals – and we’re not the only ones! There are always loads of people snapping selfies of these often poignant landmarks. And the UK has many of them.
Across this animal-loving nation, you will find famous statues that mark the loyalty and bravery of animals. Many have become iconic landmarks, reminding us of the special bond between humans and their pets. If you’re an animal lover or just someone interested in unique stories, here are a few famous pet statues you might want to visit during your travels around the UK.
Greyfriars Bobby – Edinburgh, Scotland (pictured)
One of the most famous pet statues in the UK is that of Greyfriars Bobby, a small Skye Terrier in Edinburgh, Scotland. When Bobby’s owner, John Gray, passed away in 1858, Bobby loyally guarded his grave for 14 years until he himself passed away. This little dog’s loyalty and devotion touched many hearts and he was cared for by locals throughout his vigil. The statue, located outside Greyfriars Kirkyard, was erected in 1873 and has become a beloved symbol of loyalty and devotion. Visitors often stop to rub Bobby’s nose for luck, though the practice has caused some wear to the statue over the years.
Street Cat Bob – London, England
In Islington, you will find a small statue of a larger-than-life ginger cat named Bob. Bob was found, injured and ill, in 2007 by then-homeless Big Issue seller, James Bowen, who rescued him and went on to adopt him. This incredible cat then spent his days perched alongside his new owner while he busked in London, often wearing one of the many hand-knitted scarves given to him by people around the world. Bob came to fame when James wrote a best-selling book about him, and went on to have a series of books and a film made about him. Having touched so many hearts, a life-sized bronze statue of Bob in his trademark scarf, perched on a stack of books, was placed at Islington Green (closest Tube station: Angel).
Hachikō – London, England
You may know the story of the loyal Japanese Akita, Hachikō, from the eponymous film starring Richard Gere. Every day, this special dog waited for his owner, a professor, to return home from work. After the professor’s death, Hachiko continued to wait at the station for years. A statue of Hachiko was placed at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, but his loyalty became so well-known globally that this replica was also placed in London, near a Japanese cultural centre, as a symbol of unwavering devotion.
Gelert’s Grave – Beddgelert, Wales
In the pretty village of Beddgelert in Snowdonia, Wales, you’ll find the grave of a legendary dog named Gelert, faithful hound of a 13th century prince. The folk tale is a sad one as the prince was said to have returned home to find his baby missing and Gelert covered in blood. Enraged, the prince killed the dog… only to discover that Gelert had, in fact, protected the child from a wolf. Consumed with guilt, the heart-broken prince buried Gelert outside the castle walls where everyone would see the grave of this brave and loyal dog. Though the legend’s authenticity is debated, the site – a cairn of stones – offers a beautiful and poignant story of loyalty. Indeed, the name Beddgelert actually means Gelert’s Grave.
Trim the Cat – Portsmouth, England
Trim the Cat is a celebrated feline who travelled with British explorer Matthew Flinders on his voyages (early 19th century). Known for his bravery and mousing skills, Trim was an excellent companion during these long sea journeys. A statue of Trim now sits near Flinders’ statue in Portsmouth, commemorating the adventurous spirit of this remarkable cat. Trim’s statue has become a favourite stop for cat lovers visiting the area.
Winkie the Pigeon – Dundee, Scotland
As unsung heroes go, Winkie deserves a special statue. During World War II, Winkie helped save the crew of a downed RAF bomber by flying 120 miles back to base with critical information. She became the first animal to receive the Dickin Medal for bravery. There is a statue of Winkie in Dundee, Scotland, on the floodgates in Beach Crescent, where she lived with her owner after retirement. It’s a unique and inspiring tribute to the often-overlooked contributions of animals during wartime.
The Brown Dog – Battersea Park, London
This is a truly tragic memorial telling an important story: The Brown Dog Statue in Battersea Park, London, was erected in memory of dogs who were used in medical experiments in the early 20th century. Although the original statue was removed, a replacement was erected in 1985, serving as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare and the rights of animals. The statue is a meaningful stop for those passionate about animal rights.
Islay the Dog – St. John’s Wood, London
In St. John’s Wood, London, you can find a statue of Islay, a Cairn Terrier that belonged to Victorian philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts. Known for her love of animals, Burdett-Coutts had a drinking fountain built in Islay’s memory. It became a well-known landmark, and the statue of Islay, looking up adoringly at his owner, remains a touching tribute to the bond between humans and their pets.
Lion the Dog – Highgate Cemetery, London, England
In the beautiful Victorian cemetery of Highgate in London, you will find the grave of bare-knuckle boxer, Tom Sayers – and on it, a marble statue of his dog, Lion. In the mid-1800s, Sayers was a “working-class hero”, and his best friend was a large mastiff named Lion. The story goes that Lion was a guest of honour at Sayers’ funeral procession, seated in a pony carriage which directly followed the hearse. Lion lived a few years after Sayers as a public house dog. Visits to Highgate Cemetery are by guided tour only, and they will take you right past Tom Sayers’ grave – and the statue of Lion.
The York Cat Trail – York, England
York loves cats – so much so that there’s a trail just for spotting the many cat statues dotted around the city. It’s said that the statues originally started being placed on buildings around 2 centuries ago to scare away rats which were plaguing York, but have come to symbolise luck. The cat trail map is free and you can download it here: https://www.yorkluckycats.co.uk/york-cat-trail/
Of course there are many more of these reminders, tributes, and memorials around the country which you can visit on your travels.
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The above post is designed to inspire. All information is correct at time of writing, but it is always best to check before you travel to ensure there are no closures or changes.
