Women Hidden in Plain Sight: A Self-Guided Tour of Edinburgh
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 self-guided 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.
Options
Women Hidden in Plain Sight: A Self-Guided Tour of Edinburgh
What's included in Women Hidden in Plain Sight: A Self-Guided Tour of Edinburgh
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Edinburgh Castle EsplanadePass-by Only
You'll catch a glimpse of the strong and imposing Edinburgh Castle, once home to countless monarchs, including some of Scotland's most remarkable queens. Please note that entry to the castle is not included in this tour.
Royal MilePass-by Only
You'll stroll along the historic Royal Mile, uncovering stories of remarkable women whose contributions shaped this iconic street. Please note that entry to any venues along the Royal Mile is not included in this tour.
St Giles' CathedralPass-by Only
You'll pass by St Giles' Cathedral, where you'll uncover the story of a rivalry marked by faith and misogyny, which played a role in the tragic downfall of one of Scotland's most infamous queens. Please note that entry to the cathedral is not included in this tour.
Inclusions
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Food and drink
- Transportation
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- This tour starts at Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
End Points
- The tour ends outside the Scottish Parliament Building
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
VOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app Create an account Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point. Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour. SUPPORT ─── For technical support and other queries, please email [email protected]
