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

5.0 (one review) one hour – 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

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Women Hidden in Plain Sight: A Self-Guided Tour of Edinburgh — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Women Hidden in Plain Sight: A Self-Guided Tour of Edinburgh, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours New Product Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: one hour – 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Audio guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: VoiceMap Audio Tours

Ages: Adults (6–99 years)

What is included

Included

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

Not included

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

Itinerary

Castello Di Edimburgo

Passing 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

Passing 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

Passing 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

Passing 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

Passing 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

Passing 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

Passing 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

Passing 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 point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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

Using your ticket

VOICEMAP CODE

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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE

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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT

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For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]