Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
Let an Edinburgh doctor take you on a deep and fascinating trip into our medical and surgical history!
On this three to four hour tour, we'll be circumnavigating the Old Town, visiting the sites and buildings where our medical history was forged, and learning how Edinburgh transformed from a sleepy outpost into a world-renowned powerhouse of medical training and research. We'll hear of student drudgery and drunkeness, of lightning-fast surgeons, and of the women who battled tirelessly to be the first to study medicine here. Not to mention scandals, feuds, and famous former Edinburgh medics such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Darwin, and the man who became Dr Frankenstein!
What's included
All guiding and commentary is inclusive.
We take a refreshment cafe stop, but food and drink is not inclusive.
What to expect
Royal Mile
45m
We'll begin the tour walking down Edinburgh's oldest street, finding out about the origins of Edinburgh Medicine and Surgery, and seeing the alleyway where our College of Physicians began.
1h
Just off the Cowgate we'll locate Robertson's Close, site of 'The Little House', our first teaching hospital, before exploring the complex of its successor, the first Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
Surgeons' Hall Museum
45m
Here in the cafe at the Surgical profession's historic home, we'll have our refreshment break, as well as hearing about the years-long battle for women to be admitted to the Medical School. (no museum visit)
University of Edinburgh
20m
Here at the Medical School's former home, we'll hear much more about Edinburgh's developing importance as a medical centre, as well as about the drudgery and compensations of medical student life!
25m
We'll pass by the site of Charles Darwin's old med student lodgings, on our way to the imposing 1880's Medical School and graduation hall.
15m
Our tour culminates in the magnificent entrance plaza of our former Royal Infirmary, where we'll hear stories of some of the great doctors and surgeons which graced the institution.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
We will meet you in Hunter Square, the little plaza behind the Tron Church on the Royal Mile.
End point
We finish our tour in the grand front courtyard of Edinburgh University's Futures Institute, formerly the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Additional information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Because of the distance (approx 2.5 miles), we would not recommend the tour for persons with chronic and/or painful musculoskeletal health conditions.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
