WHIPS
Women Hidden in Plain Sight
Discover the hidden stories of the women who shaped Edinburgh’s past.
WHIPSTOURS offers immersive walking tours
— both self-guided and in-person —
that uncover the lives of queens, rebels, reformers and forgotten pioneers.
Art designed by basicBdesign
In-Person Guided Walking Tour
Join us for a 90-minute guided walking tour through Edinburgh’s Old Town, where our expert guides will uncover the hidden histories of the remarkable women who helped shape the city—yet were nearly written out of it.
From Surgeon’s Hall to the Scottish Parliament, explore iconic landmarks and hear the untold stories that history books left behind.
Practical Information
Group size: Minimum 2 people, maximum 8
Start Point: Surgeon’s Hall
End Point: Scottish Parliament
Language: English
Price: £25 per person
Purchase: Pay by card via our [online booking page]
Our Tours
Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
This 90-minute self-guided audio tour brings to life queens, rebels, abolitionists, innovators, and unsung heroines as you journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town at your own pace.
Starting at Greyfriars Kirkyard and ending at the Scottish Parliament, you'll explore iconic landmarks and hear the stories history left untold — until now.
Practical Information
Start point: Greyfriars Kirkyard
End point: Scottish Parliament
Language: English
Price: £8.99
Purchase: Available via VoiceMap
Private & Corporate Tours
Looking for something more personal or unique?
We offer bespoke private tours for groups, special occasions and company days out — tailored to your schedule and interests.
Private Tours
Ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, bachelorette parties, small groups, or visiting friends. Enjoy a more intimate experience of the tour with just your group and a dedicated guide.
Custom start times
Flexible pacing
Routes adapted for accessibility or interest
Available for groups of 3–10 people
£30 per person
Corporate & Team Building Experiences
Step away from the desk and into Edinburgh’s hidden women’s history. Our guided walking tours offer a memorable and meaningful way to connect as a team — perfect for staff away days, women’s networks, or diversity and inclusion events.
Up to 10 people per group (multiple groups possible)
Optional add-ons: coffee stop, reflection prompts, pre-walk presentation
Pricing based on group size and customisation
Interested in booking or learning more?
Get in touch and let’s create a tour that fits your group perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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If Your Plans Change
Life happens—we get it. If you need to cancel or change your booking, just let us know as soon as you can. We often have waiting lists, so the earlier you tell us, the better chance we have of filling your spot.
More than 7 days notice? Full refund, no problem.
Need to swap dates? We can help with that up to 24 hours before the tour.
Within 24 hours? Unfortunately we can't offer refunds or date changes at this point.
Please Arrive Early
Tours start on time—please arrive 5-10 minutes early so you don't miss the group departing. Our guides can't delay the start for late arrivals, and if you miss the tour departure, we won't be able to offer a refund or reschedule.
Weather & Other Disruptions
WHIPS can't be held liable for cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control—things like severe weather, government restrictions, natural disasters, or major city disruptions. If this happens, we'll work with you to reschedule or refund where we can.
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Weather Policy
Edinburgh weather is famously unpredictable—our tours run rain or shine. We only cancel when conditions become unsafe for participants or guides.
When we cancel: Tours may be paused, rerouted, or cancelled in cases of severe weather warnings issued by the Met Office, including:
Severe storms or lightning
High winds (amber or red warnings)
Heavy snow or ice
Flooding
Other conditions that compromise safety
Weather-related cancellations are at the discretion of WHIPS guides and staff. If we cancel due to unsafe conditions, you'll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Dress for Scottish Weather
Edinburgh's weather can change quickly—please dress appropriately:
Rain expected? Waterproof jacket and sturdy, waterproof footwear
Cold weather? Warm layers, hat, gloves
Wind forecast? Windproof outer layer
Any season: Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Being properly dressed makes an enormous difference to your comfort on the tour. It's your responsibility to check the forecast and prepare accordingly.
Your Safety
If conditions deteriorate during a tour, our guide may pause, reroute, or end the tour early for safety reasons. In these cases, we'll work with you to reschedule or provide a partial refund depending on how much of the tour was completed.
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Group Size
Our tours are deliberately small—maximum 10 people—to create an intimate, engaging experience where everyone can hear clearly, ask questions, and connect with Edinburgh's stories. Whether you're exploring solo or with friends, you're welcome.
Minimum Numbers
We run tours with as few as 2 participants. Small groups mean a more personal experience and the chance for deeper conversation.
Rare Cancellations
In rare cases, tours may be cancelled due to guide illness, safety concerns, or unforeseen operational issues. If this happens, we'll offer you a spot on another tour or provide a full refund—your choice.
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Families & Young People
We design our tours for ages 12 and up, but we've had younger history enthusiasts join us and thoroughly enjoy themselves. If your child loves stories and exploring cities, they're welcome to come along.
Under 13s: Free entry, but must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian (one child per paying adult).
A heads up: Our tours are around 2 hours of walking and storytelling. Some younger kids thrive on this; others get restless. You know your child—trust your judgment!
Content concerns? Wondering if a particular tour covers topics you'd rather avoid with younger ears? Drop us a message and we'll give you the details.
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Carers
Carers attend free of charge when accompanying visitors who require support.
Simply book your ticket through our website, then email us at info@whipstours.com to let us know you'll be bringing a carer. No separate booking needed.
Kindly bring your carer status ID when visiting.
Route Information
Our tours involve 2 hours of walking on Edinburgh's cobbled streets and pavements, with 14 stops. There are few places to rest along the route.
Questions?
If you have questions about accessibility, need specific information about the route, or want to discuss any support we can provide, please contact us at info@whipstours.com. We're happy to help.
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Absolutely. We love collaborating with like-minded organisations, creatives, and community groups. Got an idea? Want to explore a partnership? We'd love to hear from you—just get in touch.
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Absolutely! We run private tours for schools, workplaces, community groups, and special events. Planning a team day out, an educational experience, or something entirely different? We'd love to help.
Get in touch at info@whipstours.com to talk about what would work for your group.
Get in Touch
Got a question, idea, or story to share? Whether you're interested in booking a tour, arranging a private group experience, exploring a media collaboration, or discussing a speaking opportunity—or you simply want to chat about the women's stories that have been left out of Edinburgh's history—we'd love to hear from you.
Drop us a message and we'll get back to you within 48 hours.