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Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour

25 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Edinburgh, Scotland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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.
  • Tea and coffee We take a refreshment cafe stop, but food and drink is not inclusive.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Hunter Square
Edinburgh EH1, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

1 Lauriston Place
Edinburgh EH3 9EF, UK

We finish our tour in the grand front courtyard of Edinburgh University's Futures Institute, formerly the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Royal Mile

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.
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cowgate

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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Surgeons' Hall Museums

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)
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45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

University of Edinburgh

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!
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bristo Place

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.
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25 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Lauriston Place

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.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Because of the distance (approx 2.5 miles), we would not recommend the tour for persons with chronic and/or painful musculoskeletal health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh – Private Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-90592P22

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
25 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
25
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • All guiding and commentary is inclusive.
  • Tea and coffeeWe take a refreshment cafe stop, but food and drink is not inclusive.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Because of the distance (approx 2.5 miles), we would not recommend the tour for persons with chronic and/or painful musculoskeletal health conditions.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

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