Private tour in Edinburgh Gwen K

Half day Edinburgh 'medical' tour

5.0

(1) review

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Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Gwen K.

4.9

Guide rating

38

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

My passions are my native city of Edinburgh and meeting the needs of people of all nationalities and ages. An avid traveller, I have experienced the 'kindness of strangers' and want to reciprocate the same hospitality in Edinburgh. Born in Glasgow, I have lived in Edinburgh since the age of 6. I went to school, university and work in Edinburgh and have watched the city evolve. I love history and culture and stories about Edinburgh characters. As I have a broad range of interests including the arts, reading, walking, food and shopping, I provide a wide selection of bespoke small group walking tours. I enjoy taking solo travellers on walking tours. I provide bespoke Edinburgh tours for cruise passengers with luxury transport collection from port and return to port. As well as history and culture, my tours include walks in parks and up to the best places for city views, nature and gardens, food tasting tours, shopping expeditions and experiences more suitable for children, teenagers and the 'young at heart'. I enjoy meeting special needs. When my guests are staying on in Edinburgh, I always provide a pack with maps, leaflets about what to see and do and my own typed sheets which include cafes and restaurants, characterful pubs, art, gardens and history, famous Edinburgh writers, past and present and bookshops and attractions for children. I provide multi-day trips. Visitors can either choose a selection of my tours or I can create a personalised package. Free wheelchair use is available. Edinburgh is a very 'walkable' city with most attractions relatively close to each other. For an additional cost, public transport or a private car and driver can be used for some tours. I like to keep up to date with changes in Edinburgh. I am always learning and discovering new places and experiences. Above all, I want you to enjoy Edinburgh as much as I do and have a five-star experience on my customised walking tours to the main sights, neighbourhood areas, hidden gems and secret treasures. What makes me special is my sense of place. Edinburgh is my special place and my place is to make it special for you too. Edinburgh University: MA Honours History and post graduate qualifications in secondary education and in guidance. I am a qualified secondary school teacher of History and Modern Studies and taught and managed schools for many years. First aider I do not have any restrictions in regard to my guiding, I can offer a full range of experiences”

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gwen K.

Overview of your Edinburgh tour

Join me to discover 'the good, the bad and the ugly' of Edinburgh's medical past in 'Auld Reekie'. You will learn about the horrendous living conditions in 'Auld Reekie' where disease and death spread rapidly, the founding of the medical school at Edinburgh University, the increasing need for bodies for anatomy lessons and how such need was met, the contributions of outstanding Edinburgh doctors and physicians, like Dr James Young Simpson, Lord Lister and Dr Joseph Bell, to the world of medicine, pioneers for women in medicine and the life of Duncan Napier, the most famous herbalist in Scotland.

Your Edinburgh tour itinerary

We shall visit: •the Witches Fountain •the Grassmarket •Greyfriars Churchyard •Edinburgh University •the old medical school •Napier's famous shop •Infirmary Street and the old Surgeon's Hall •The Royal College of Surgeons At Napier's you will have the unique opportunity to sample Napier's Skullcap Oat and Passionflower Compound and to enjoy a 10% discount on any purchases in this wonderful shop. Staff will explain the significance and history of the compound. When we end our tour at the Royal College of Surgeons, the museum is well worth a visit - a visual treasure trove about surgery and dentistry with plenty of interactive displays. Alternatively, you may wish to explore on your own some of the sites associated with medicine in the New Town,

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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking tour

What's included
Other: Short talk at Napier's shop, sample of restorative drink and 10% discount on any purchases
Private Guide
Perks: Join me to discover ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ of Edinburgh’s medical past in ‘Auld Reekie’. You will learn about the horrendous living conditions in ‘Auld Reekie’ where disease and death spread rapidly, the founding of the medical school at Edinburgh University, the increasing need for bodies for anatomy lessons and how such need was met, the contributions of outstanding Edinburgh doctors and surgeons, like Dr James Young Simpson, Lord Lister and Dr Joseph Bell, to the world of medicine, pioneers for women in medicine and the life of Duncan Napier, the most famous herbalist in Scotland. We shall visit: the Witches Fountain the Grassmarket Greyfriars Churchyard Edinburgh University The old medical school Napier’s famous shop Infirmary Street and the old Surgeon’s Hall The Royal College of Surgeons At Napier’s you will have the unique opportunity to sample Napier’s Skullcap Oat and Passionflower Compound and to enjoy a 10% discount on any purchases in this wonderful shop. Staff will explain the significance and history of the compound. We end our tour at the Royal College of Surgeons. The museum is well worth a visit – ‘Top of the Ops’, a visual treasure trove of medical wonders about surgery and dentistry with plenty of interactive displays. Alternatively, you may wish an exciting one-hour challenge at the end! After you book the Life Changing tour, I shall email you a 20% off discount code for: The Anatomist – historical escape room. Murder, mystery and malpractice in 19th century Edinburgh. Can you escape?
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

352 Castlehill, Scotland, Scotland, EH1 2NF, United Kingdom

ByGuide: The Witchery by the Castle restaurant, 352 Castlehill. Castlehill is the narrow approach road to the castle esplanade and the castle. The Witchery is near the top of Castlehill on the left hand side End Point: Surgeons' Hall Museums,EH8 9DW

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Tour reference number
1164791
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Edinburgh best suited for?

This private tour in Edinburgh is perfect for those interested in the city's rich medical history, including the stories of witchcraft, herbalism, and the evolution of medicine. It's also ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Gwen K. for deeper insights into Edinburgh's past.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Edinburgh be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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