
Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour worth booking?
Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour is a 3-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $129 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (25)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $129 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- All guiding and commentary is inclusive.
Not included
- Tea and coffee
What you'll see and do
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.
45 minutes here
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.
60 minutes here
Surgeons' Hall Museum
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)
45 minutes here
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!
20 minutes here
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 here
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 here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
We will meet you in Hunter Square, the little plaza behind the Tron Church on the Royal Mile.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We finish our tour in the grand front courtyard of Edinburgh University's Futures Institute, formerly the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 7 Hills Tours Edinburgh
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent time spent with a born teacher
Dr. Grigor clearly has both a love of and an understanding of the history of medicine as seen through the very significant and pertinent lens of Edinburgh. Both his enthusiasm and depth of knowledge was on full display during our tour and the time literally flew by. I believe his presentation would be appreciated even by the non-medical person but to a trained physician (and physical therapist wife) it was more than delightful. What a great way to spend a day in Edinburgh.
Response from the operator: Thank so much for your kind words and I'm delighted that your both enjoyed your tour - all the very best for the rest of your quest for the midnight sun!! Just a propos of the tour, you might also enjoy a recording of the talk a young colleague and I did at the recent Alumni weekend - some very familiar material as you'll hear! https://medicine-vet-medicine.ed.ac.uk/300-years-of-medicine/edinburgh-anatomy Lastly I'll try to attach my tour notes - if there are issues downloading please just drop me an E mail address and I'll send them directly. With best wishes Moray
via Tripadvisor
A gem of a tour, not to be missed
I recently attended a History of Medicine tour with classmates who graduated from Edinburgh half a century ago. This may have been a bespoke tour for our group. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough. Moray is a natural born storyteller who could not be dull if he tried. You will hear the history of Edinburgh medicine set in the context of national and international developments, and you will leave feeling as if you have personally met many of the great characters in the story. Quite an uplifting morning
Response from the operator: Thanks very much indeed for your very kind and thoughtful review - I'm delighted that you enjoyed the tour, and look forward to welcoming you on the 'Worlds of Change' tour (available via Eventbrite) later in the year should you get the chance! Warm regards, Moray :-)
via Tripadvisor
A thoroughly enjoyable experience.
I organised the trip for a large group of medical friends and partners direct with the operator/guide. It was easy to arrange as he was helpful and flexible. The walking tour itself was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Lots of interesting, varied and relevant information that was well presented with the right amount of humour, easily heard and not rushed. The feedback from the group was enthusiastic. Several commented that they would be keen to go on another of the available walks All in all a real success and I would have no hesitation in recommending.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your kind review Vera, and I'm delighted that you and the group enjoyed our trip back into the profession's early days!!
via Tripadvisor
Moray was a fantastic...
Moray was a FANTASTIC guide! His knowledge was encyclopedic and his enthusiasm was much appreciated. It was a highlight of our trip.
Response from the operator: Lovely to meet you both Barbara and so glad you enjoyed your tour! Always welcome, 'haste ye back'!
via Viator
Go deeper in medical history!
Moray is well prepared, very knowledgeable, and people-oriented. If you want to go deeper in the medical history of Edinburgh, it's THE tour to do. I was impressed and being a lab technician in a hospital, he adds interesting and pertinent information.
Response from the operator: Lovely to meet and tour with you Vicky, and thanks very much indeed for your kind words - 'Haste ye Back'!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $129 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $129 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour?
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Included: All guiding and commentary is inclusive. Not included: Tea and coffee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour?
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We will meet you in Hunter Square, the little plaza behind the Tron Church on the Royal Mile. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Medical and Surgical History of Edinburgh - Private Walking Tour?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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