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Offered languages
- English
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
Meeting and pickup
We will meet you in Hunter Square, the little plaza behind the Tron Church on the Royal Mile.
We finish our tour in the grand front courtyard of Edinburgh University's Futures Institute, formerly the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Itinerary
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1Royal 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.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
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.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
3
Here 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.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4University 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!
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
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.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
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.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
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Additional info
- 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.
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.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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