Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh's Medical History

"Blood and Guts walking tour was amazing! We loved the tour guide, all the history and stories we heard. It was also awesome to walk around the museum afterwards.” *****

Join Surgeons Hall Museums on their 5* walking tour through Edinburgh’s old town.

We will take you through the highs and lows of Edinburgh’s world renowned medical history. Discover the intrigues, rivalries and dedication to the cause as our guide leads you through the sites where anatomists, surgeons and physicians worked, operated and squabbled in the quest for medical advancement.

Drawn from the archives at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh you will hear little known accounts of iconic writers, chloroform tea parties, pioneering women, grave robbing and of course Britain’s first serial killers the infamous Burke and Hare.

Hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment.

Tours will last between 75 and 90min and include free museum access from 10am-5pm on the day of your tour.

We always aim to be finished by 75mins, but, due to the nature of a walking tour, factors out with our control may lengthen this. We recommend that you allow for 1 hour 30.

Meeting Point: Please arrive in good time for you tour. Your guide will meet you at the entrance to Surgeons Hall Museums (in front of the sculptures)

Please note that this is an outdoor walking tour that runs throughout the year so please dress accordingly. Not all the sites we visit are dog friendly and therefore we admit assistance dogs only.

We do not sell through any other channels other than our official Eventbrite page. Please be aware that we do not accept re-sold tickets for our events and your name must be on our guest list to be admitted.

Age Guidance: Age 10+

Improtant Refund Information: Eventbrite charge a booking fee
(6.95% + £0.59 of the ticket value per sold ticket) for this event which is included in your ticket price but is non-refundable. This is part of Eventbrite terms and conditions and is not at the discretion of Surgeons Hall Museums

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“The Blood & Guts tour was a fantastic afternoon walking around some of Edinburgh's fascinating yet dark and macabre historical landmarks, brought to life by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide! We did the tour as a couple, but would highly recommend to all ages.” *****

“Had a great time on @surgeonshall ‘Blood and Guts’ walking tour around Edinburgh! Our guide Eliza was very knowledgeable so definitely check it out if you get the chance!”

Content Warning: Our collections contain human remains as well as representations of anatomy, injury, and disease that some may find upsetting.

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Host or Publisher Surgeons' Hall Museums