Follow in the footsteps of the pioneers at the forefront of healthcare improvements and female emancipation.

From a medical institution that took over 470 years to elect a woman president to a hospital founded by the first female to officially qualify as a doctor in the UK, we travel through Fitrovia and Bloomsbury to seek out the trailblazers who have cleared the way for today’s medical women.

Along the way we learn how female practitioners have played their role in raising standards of care for not just women but the population as a whole.

Discover hidden histories from the behind the scenes assiduousness of Agnes Lister to the controversial campaigners of the Pregnancy Advisory Service and explore the often contentious presence of ‘the fairer sex’ in the sphere of medicine.

Meet a host of fascinating characters including the society hostess and diplomatic wife who introduced inoculation to Britain to the the cross-dressers who paved the way for sexual equality in more ways than one!

We conclude with the option for a visit to The Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery at the Unison Centre.

The gallery is located in the premises of the former New Hospital for Women and Children, later known as the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital.

To arrange a private group tour at any time contact us by email at discovermedicallondon@gmail.com 

For public tour dates (when available) click here to visit the Our Calendar page.

The walk commences in the medicinal garden of Royal College of Physicians and lasts between 2½ and 3 hours*.

The tour costs £12.50-15** per person.

* Tours do not include a visit to the interior of the Royal College of Physicians.

** This walk includes the option of an escorted visit to the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Gallery or Wellcome Collection for £2.50 extra per person. Please ask about a museum visit when making your booking. Private tours are subject to a minimum group fee for parties of 14 persons or fewer.

“Women In Medicine” is available as a private tour at any time by prior arrangement. 

For further details or to make a group booking for a private tour please contact us at  discovermedicallondon@gmail.com 

Click here for a map and directions to the Royal College of Physicians.