Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour

5.0 (25 reviews) 3–4 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

25 reviews

5.0

The 20th Century Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Outside the historic Medical School Quadrangle — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 3–4 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: 7 Hills Tours Edinburgh

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–98 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All guiding and commentary is inclusive.

Not included

Not included: Tea and coffee: We take a refreshment cafe stop, but food and drink is not inclusive.

Itinerary

Royal Mile

45 min

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.
Stop 2

one hour

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

45 min

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

20 min

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!
Stop 5

25 min

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.
Stop 6

15 min

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 point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.