Medicine and sexuality, sexology and the treatment of sexually transmitted disease.

Join fellow streetwalkers as we stroll through the notorious district once known as “North Soho”. Uncover the sometimes unsavoury story of the relationship between human sexuality and the medical professions.

Encounter Magnus Hirschfield, the father of sexology, at the Polish embassy, stop for a brief word with Sigmund Freud at the BBC before entering the world of the speakeasy to tune in to how the contraceptive pill gave birth to ‘the swinging sixties’. 

Uncover the forgotten sex scandal that shocked Victorian society and set the tone for the paranoid and counter-productive approach to venereal disease and diverse sexuality that marked the early years of the 20th century.

Meet the innovators who would liberate men and women from centuries of intolerance and dangerous practices allowing them to live lives less prone to prejudice and seek effective and confidential treatment for so-called ‘social diseases’.

From Alfred Kinsey and his world (in)famous studies of sexual behaviour, to the researchers and practitioners working in the field of sexual heath and psychology today, we take a rounded view of the history of medicine and its interactions with the act, emotions and consequences of sexual intercourse. 

Our walk on the wild side of of healthcare ends with an introduction to the Wellcome Collection and Library, home to one of the world’s first and most significant selections of artefacts and texts relating to human sexuality. 

Here you will have the opportunity at your own pace to come face to face with a host of material from across  cultures, disciplines and time richly illustrating this fascinating subject.

Please note that due to the nature of this tour, the content may not be suitable for all. The tour is not appropriate for under 16s, and those aged 16-18 should be accompanied by a responsible adult. 

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 £16** 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 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.

“Sex and The City” 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.

 Click here for more information on The Wellcome Collection