The Wander of Science: A scientific and historical walking tour of Edinburgh

2h30
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF Scotland

We begin at the front steps of the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, where I introduce the tour and provide a quick overview of how a place as small as Edinburgh has contributed so much science and so many incredible scientists to the world.

Over the next two hours we will typically explore:
- the Old College of Edinburgh University (established in 1582), home to one of the greatest chemists of the 18th century and the greatest physicist of the 19th century
- Charles Darwin's lodgings, where he lived while studying at Edinburgh, and where he developed his natural history skills
- the old Medical school, and learn about the people there who were responsible for anaesthesia, antiseptics, the #EdinburghSeven, and Sherlock Holmes!
- Greyfriars Kirkyard, which has many famous scientists buried and has horrific connections with the medical school
- the ground floor of the National Museum, to see some of the amazing artefacts linked to the tour
- Surgeons Hall, and how the #EdinburghSeven were prevented from writing an exam there
- Peter Higgs' house, where he wrote the paper that won him the Nobel prize
- Surgeon's Square, where the best surgeon in Edinburgh fell from grace
- Cowgate/Canongate, and their links with the Scottish Enlightenment
- Dynamic Earth, where we will touch a 2.8 BILLION-year-old rock and learn about the father of modern geology.

Duration: 2 hours

Included
  • Expert local guide with a science PhD
Not included
  • Gratuities are not included, but are encouraged to keep the free-tour model sustainable
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • We will be walking ~1.5 miles or ~2.5 km over 2 hours, so this is an easy paced walk with lots of stops. There will be bathrooms available at the start, middle, and end of the tour. Please bring some protection from the rain if the weather is bad.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Features
Tourism
90% Cultural
70% Original
25% Sport
20%