University of Edinburgh Medical School, 1876: A Journey into the Mind of Sherlock Holmes

The Industrial Revolution has cast its shadow over Edinburgh, filling the skies with thick black smoke and transforming the city's streets into a bustling hive of modern crime. Amidst this evolving landscape, a young Arthur Conan Doyle walks the cobblestone paths, a medical student with a passion for storytelling. It’s here, at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, where his fascination with the intricacies of crime takes root—a fascination that will eventually give birth to one of the greatest detectives of all time: Sherlock Holmes.

Embark on a captivating journey through Edinburgh with our costumed storyteller, who will unravel Sherlock Holmes' greatest mystery: the detective himself. This immersive experience begins with a 2-hour private guided tour, where you'll retrace the steps of Arthur Conan Doyle and discover the very places that inspired his famous stories. From the eerie Greyfriars Cemetery, where bodies were once exhumed by students, to the influence of Joseph Bell, Conan Doyle’s mentor and a consulting doctor for the Scottish police, you’ll see the city through the eyes of the young writer.

But the adventure doesn’t end there. After your tour, warm up in a restaurant that blends chemistry with culinary delight. Enjoy experimenting with foaming and bubbling cocktails and mocktails, and indulge in a meal that’s as intriguing as the stories you’ve just explored. Nestled in the haunted Tolbooth Corner, this iconic spot in Edinburgh, dating back to 1591, has its own tales to tell. Once a toll collection point and briefly a prison, the Tolbooth is steeped in history—its ghostly inhabitants may even be former prisoners still lingering in the shadows.

Join us on this unforgettable journey through time, where history, mystery, and the spirit of Sherlock Holmes come to life in the heart of Edinburgh.