Women Hidden in Plain Sight: A Self-Guided Tour of Edinburgh

Duration1h - 1h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Edinburgh’s historic Old Town has countless stories of remarkable women whose lives were overlooked by history or deliberately erased from its pages. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll peel back the layers of the city’s past, and hear about the queens, activists, and innovators who shaped Scotland’s capital.

The tour starts at the famous graveyard, Greyfriars Kirkyard, where you’ll hear about some of the trailblazing women who left their mark on the city. As you wander through Edinburgh’s historic alleyways, I’ll tell you fascinating stories about extraordinary women, from medieval queens, affluent heiresses, and rulebreakers, to the abolitionist Eliza Wigham, whose influence resonates further down the Royal Mile.

You’ll hear some of the chilling legends behind The Real Mary King’s Close and celebrate Flora MacDonald’s heroic rescue of Bonnie Prince Charlie after his Jacobite army suffered a crushing defeat.

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

What to expect

Castello Di Edimburgo
Pass by

You'll catch a glimpse of the strong and imposing Edinburgh Castle, once home to countless monarchs, including some of Scotland's most remarkable queens. Please note that entry to the castle is not included in this tour.
Royal Mile
Pass by

You'll stroll along the historic Royal Mile, uncovering stories of remarkable women whose contributions shaped this iconic street. Please note that entry to any venues along the Royal Mile is not included in this tour.
St Giles' Cathedral
Pass by

You'll pass by St Giles' Cathedral, where you'll uncover the story of a rivalry marked by faith and misogyny, which played a role in the tragic downfall of one of Scotland's most infamous queens. Please note that entry to the cathedral is not included in this tour.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Pass by

You'll pass by the Palace of Holyroodhouse, a historic residence of queens, kings, and the royal court. Discover the story of two women whose unique backgrounds made them the subject of prejudice and scrutiny. Please note that entry to the palace is not included in this tour.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Pass by

You'll pass by the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, where you'll uncover the fascinating history of Maria Short, a pioneering woman whose entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting legacy. Please note that entry to the attraction is not included in this tour.
Greyfriars Bobby
Pass by

You'll pass by the Greyfriars Bobby Statue, where you'll learn about Angela Burdett-Coutts, a remarkable arts patron often overlooked in history, once dubbed the "richest woman in all of England." Please note that entry to nearby attractions is not included in this tour.
The Scottish Parliament
Pass by

You'll pass by the Scottish Parliament Building, a symbol of Scotland's evolving political landscape. At this stop, you'll hear about influential women who fought for change and progress, leaving legacies that deserve celebration. Please note that entry to the parliament building is not included in this tour.
Witches well
Pass by

You'll pass by The Witches Well, a memorial to those unjustly persecuted during Scotland's dark witch trials between 1479 and 1722. Learn about the women, many of whom were burned at the stake nearby, and the water fountain commissioned in their memory. Please note that entry to the well or nearby sites is not included in this tour.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

This tour starts at Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends outside the Scottish Parliament Building

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

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From

$19.99 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours · Booked through Viator

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