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Offered languages
- English
- English
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
Meeting and pickup
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.
The tour ends outside the Scottish Parliament Building
Itinerary
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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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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