Edinburgh has been a centre for education and medicine for centuries and so is the perfect destination for a history of medicine school trip!
One of the highlights of your medicine through time school trip to Edinburgh will be a visit to the History of Surgery Museum. Here, you’ll be able to learn about some key figures in the history of medicine.
Your students will find out how James Syme pioneered surgery before the invention of anaesthesia. And they’ll learn how his son-in-law, Joseph Lister, pioneered the use of antiseptics in surgery. They’ll also find out how James Young Simpson became the first physician to demonstrate the anaesthetic properties of chloroform.
And at the Edinburgh Dungeon, your students will discover the grisly truth behind the supply of cadavers for anatomical study during the early 19th century, when Edinburgh was a leading centre for anatomical study in Europe.
Suggested Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)
Day 1/3

Morning
Travel to Edinburgh

Afternoon
Time to have lunch and explore the city
Visit to the Edinburgh Dungeon

Evening
Evening meal at local restaurant
Day 2/3

Morning
Breakfast at accommodation
Visit to Edinburgh Castle

Afternoon
Visit to the History of Surgery Museum

Evening
Evening meal at a local restaurant
Day 3/3

Morning
Breakfast at accommodation and check out

Afternoon
Visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia or the Chocolatarium

Evening
Travel back to school
What's included?
-
2 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Evening meals at local restaurant
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Return coach travel
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Entrance to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
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Entrance to the Edinburgh Dungeon
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Entrance to the History of Surgery Museum
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Entrance to Edinburgh Castle
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Society in medieval Britain: 1066 - 1509
- Challenges for Britain, 1901
GCSE
- The history of medicine
- Medicine in Britain
Key Stage 3
- Medicine in Britain
Primary
- British history beyond 1066
Educational activities and visits
Edinburgh Dungeon
Journey into the depths of Edinburgh's darkest history with a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeons! Professional actors will bring history… Read More
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit on a school trip to Edinburgh. Here, you'll find some fantastic exhibitions… Read More
The History of Surgery Museum
For any groups studying the history of medicine, a visit to the History of Surgery Museum in Edinburgh is unmissable… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
Camera Obscura and World of Illusion
The Camera Obscura show is a fascinating and highly amusing way to see the city and learn about its history… Read More
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle dominates the capital and offers stunning views of the city and countryside. As part of the visit you… Read More
Harry Potter Walking Tour, Edinburgh
J. K. Rowling famously wrote the first instalment of theHarry Potterseries in a number of cafes in Edinburgh. On a… Read More
National Wallace Monument
The National Wallace Monument sits on top of a hill overlooking Stirling and commemorates one of Scotland's national heroes, Sir… Read More
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, also known as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland. Sitting… Read More
Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia spent 44 years carrying the Royal Family around the world, covering over a million nautical miles… Read More
The Chocolatarium
Enjoy a 90-minute fully guided tour of chocolate at Edinburgh's Chocolatarium, just off the Royal Mile! Your students will find… Read More
Accommodation
The a&o hostel in Edinburgh is ideally located in the heart of the city on the famous Royal Mile, meaning that if you choose to stay here you will be close to all of Edinburgh's top visits and attractions.
With 131 rooms and a total of 610 beds in singles, twins and multi-bedded rooms, there's plenty of room for your group here.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Laura Martin — Tour Adviser
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Easy trip for teachers to plan because it's so well organised by the company! We also had a fantastic knowledgeable driver— Portsmouth Academy for Girls
Your School Trip is Fully Protected
As a fully-accredited school travel company, booking with Halsbury Travel offers you complete peace of mind. Our accreditations are your guarantee that:
- Your school trip will be fully financially protected
- Your group’s safety will be prioritised
- Your trip will be a quality educational experience
Safety prioritised

As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.
As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.
Financial protection

Our ABTA bond means all our school trips are financially protected. Plus, all air tours and flights arranged by us are also ATOL protected.
Quality educational experiences

The Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge is your reassurance that Halsbury Travel is committed to offering LOtC activities that are safe and beneficial to learning.