5 interesting things to see and do in Edinburgh while at the WEM Conference
NOTICE: WEM20 has now moved over to the online arena becoming #VirtualWEM20 – a virtual conference to be held on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th October 2020. Immerse yourself in a WEM online environment where you can be inspired from the comfort of your sofa (or, frankly, from wherever in the world you can get online). So, unfortunately whilst this particular workshop won’t be running, you can find our brand new #VirtualWEM20 programme including inspiring panel sessions and fascinating speakers here.
With a dramatically beautiful Old Town, a dynamic and stunning modern New Town and historic details, monument and famous landmarks around every corner, Edinburgh is the perfect city to host our annual World Extreme Medicine Conference. Known for its innovation, discovery and progress particularly concerning medicine, Scotland’s capital city provides an abundance of activities for you to participate in and interesting places to visit and enjoy as part of your stay.
Here are a few of our recommendations for things to see and do while staying in Edinburgh:
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
A must see for any medical maverick, is a trip to the award-winning Surgeons’ Hall Museum – home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the United Kingdom. Owned and founded by The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and initially established as a medical teaching resource, the Museums consist of the Wohl Pathology Museum, the History of Surgery Museum and The Dental Collection and have long since held fascinating and extensive collections of pathology, anatomy and medical ephemera. Following a major £4.4 million Heritage Lottery Funded redevelopment project, the Museums reopened in 2015 and created a new space to share the historical journey of surgery and its advances.
Mary Kings Close
Journey back in time and explore the 17th-century warren of streets hidden underneath the famous ‘Royal Mile’ that was once a breeding ground for the black death. Experience over 400 years of history, capture a unique glimpse into Edinburgh’s past and unlock the secrets of this glorious city. Wander through a labyrinth of Old Town alleyways, Explore the rooms, meet the residents and discover untold tales on this one-hour guided tour.
National Museum of Scotland
Enjoy walking around the National Museum of Scotland and taking in an eclectic collection of extraordinary treasures from around the world relating to nature, art, science and technology. Uncover the darker side of Scottish History with tales of the infamous ‘body snatchers’ William Burke and William Hare and see for yourself the tiny, four-inch-long effigies of the victims of Edinburgh’s famous anatomy murders. The taxidermy remains of ‘Dolly’, a scientific marvel and the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell can also be found in the science and technology gallery here at the museum.
Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park walk
Take a couple of hours out of your day, stretch your legs and experience a proper hill walk in the heart of Edinburgh city. Start by walking to Arthur’s Seat, the highest of a group of hills that were formed from the remains of a volcano and that make up Holyrood Park. Once you reach the summit (some 251 metres high and surprisingly rocky) enjoy fabulous views across the city and beyond. Carry on walking behind the crags until you reach the top of Salisbury Crag where you will be able to look down over Holyrood Palace, the Scottish Parliament and the white roof of Dynamic Earth (home to #WEM18).
Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the skyline of the city of Edinburgh from its position on Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle is a world-famous icon and one of the most exciting historic sites in Western Europe. Rich with history and with scenery that will take your breath away, a visit to this iconic castle is a must. Explore the various attractions with a guided tour or discover the castle and its people at your own pace with an audio tour. Walk through The Great Hall, witness the firing of the One o’clock Gun, a much-loved Edinburgh tradition or seek out the Crown Jewels in the ‘Crown Room’.
We’d love to hear what you’ve got planned or get up to during your visit to our World Extreme Medicine Conference and what discoveries you’ve made during your explorations of this glorious city. Share your photos with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #WEM20 or download our app and let other delegates know the best places to visit.