Self-Guided Audio Tour | The Women of Edinburgh's Old Town
£8.99
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 self-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 Greyfriars Kirkyard to the Scottish Parliament, explore iconic landmarks and hear the stories you’ve never been told — until now.
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 the famous graveyard, Greyfriars Kirkyard, 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 chilling 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
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: Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
End Point: Scottish Parliament
Distance: 2.5km
Duration: 90 minutes
Please note that the duration of the audio guide will vary depending on the time of the year. When it's crowded, it may take you much longer! You might also want to take breaks along the way, and you're very welcome to do so.
See below for some suggested break points to help you plan your walk.