In-Person Walking Tour | The Women of Edinburgh's Old Town

£0.00

Uncover the hidden history of Edinburgh’s Old Town through the eyes of remarkable women who shaped it — and were nearly written out of it. This live-guided 90-minute audio tour brings to life queens, rebels, abolitionists, innovators and unsung heroines as you walk through the heart of Scotland’s capital. From Surgeon’s Hall to the Scottish Parliament, explore iconic landmarks and hear the stories you’ve never been told — until now.

Time: 11:00 - 12:30

Uncover the hidden history of Edinburgh’s Old Town through the eyes of remarkable women who shaped it — and were nearly written out of it. This live-guided 90-minute audio tour brings to life queens, rebels, abolitionists, innovators and unsung heroines as you walk through the heart of Scotland’s capital. From Surgeon’s Hall to the Scottish Parliament, explore iconic landmarks and hear the stories you’ve never been told — until now.

Time: 11:00 - 12:30

About the Tour

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 90-minute 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 Surgeon’s Hall, 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 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. The tour ends outside the Scottish Parliament, where you’ll have an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of women in the country’s political and cultural landscape.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• Admire the majestic Palace of Holyroodhouse, a symbol of Edinburgh’s royal heritage, where I’ll tell you the secret to knowing whether or not a royal is paying a visit
• Encounter remarkable figures including Margaret, Queen of Scotland, and Mary, Queen of Scots, whose lives are intricately tied to iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and St. Giles Cathedral
• See your reflection outside the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, the quirky home to mind-boggling exhibitions, and learn about Maria Theresa Short, the innovative woman behind its design
• Walk down Castlehill and spot the Witches Well, built in memory of the hundreds of women who were burnt at the stake between 1479 and 1722 for suspected witchcraft
• Explore Edinburgh’s landmarks through a feminist historical lens
• Hear the tale of Greyfriars Bobby, a loyal terrier whose love for his master warmed the nation’s hearts

Join me for an unforgettable journey that brings to light the untold stories of Edinburgh’s remarkable women, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s rich history and enduring legacy.

Major Landmarks

  • Surgeon’s Hall

  • Edinburgh University

  • Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh

  • Greyfriars Bobby Statue

  • The Magdalen Chapel

  • Edinburgh Castle

  • The Witches Well

  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

  • St Giles' Cathedral

  • Royal Mile

  • Trinity church

  • Scottish Parliament Building

  • Palace of Holyroodhouse

Route Overview

Start Point: Surgeon’s Hall

End Point: Scottish Parliament

Distance: 2.5km

Duration: 90 minutes