Secrets of London medicine past: cholera and doctors on horses
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Could you guess that before 1873 alcohol was prescribed by doctors? We know that you want a time-travelling machine now, we do too…
Highlights
• Explore horrible anti-masturbation devices
• See remains of the first hospital for orphans
• Hear great stories about British medical reformers
• Visit longest surviving medical society in England
• Site of the first hospital created by Florence Nightingale
London was once known as a dirty place, site for epidemic distempers. On our tour we examine the highways of London’s medical past.
You will discover how health care trades transformed themselves into professions, see places where people used to seek treatment and hear stories about the greatest people in medicine.
Available options
Secrets of London medicine past: cholera and doctors on horses
What's included
Professional guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Perhaps you would have wished to have a time machine after you realize that before 1873 alcohol was prescribed by doctors.
Nowadays nearly everyone has an opportunity to visit a doctor and receive proper medical advice. While just 200 years ago, it was not like that. London was once known as a dirty place and site for epidemic distempers. On our tour you will examine the highways of London’s medical past. You will discover how health care trades transformed themselves into professions, hear stories about the greatest people in medicine and see the places where people sought treatment.
Meet your Guide at the statue of Thomas Coram who was a philanthropist and campaigner. Discover how the kind-hearted man saved abandoned infants. Walk towards the national hospital of neurology and hospital for infirm and incurable women and Hear stories about cholera outbreaks.
2
Stop 2
Discover how hysteria was treated by doctors and how it brought doctor Joseph Mortimer Granville, to the invention of the first vibrator. Walkthrough the London school of hygiene and tropical disease and discover how incurable diseases were brought to London in the past few Centuries. Pass by the Cardiovascular Society founded by was a Scottish cardiologist who was knighted by King George V before you arrive at the site of the Florence Nightingale’s first hospital. Florence Nightingale was an English social reformer and the most important person in British nursing system in the 19th Century. Discover how Florence helped British soldiers in the Crimean war.
Pass by the oldest surviving medical society in England founded in 1773 by the Quaker physician and philanthropist Dr John Coakley Lettsom.
Finish your tour at The Royal Society of Medicine, the major provider of accredited postgraduate medical education in the United Kingdom.
3
Stop 3
Pass by the oldest surviving medical society in England founded in 1773 by the Quaker physician and philanthropist Dr John Coakley Lettsom.
4
Stop 4
Finish your tour at The Royal Society of Medicine, the major provider of accredited postgraduate medical education in the United Kingdom.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Meet your guide in the front of the Foundling museum
About London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and dynamic cultural scene. From the ancient Tower of London to the modern Shard, the city offers a blend of the old and the new, making it a fascinating destination for travelers from around the world.
Top Attractions
Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, armory, and treasury. The Crown Jewels are also housed here.
Historical
2-3 hours
£28 (adult ticket)
Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the British monarch. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and tour the State Rooms during the summer.
Historical
1-2 hours
£27.50 (adult ticket for State Rooms)
The British Museum
One of the world's largest and most comprehensive museums, housing a vast collection of artifacts from around the globe.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free (special exhibitions may have a charge)
The London Eye
A giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames, offering panoramic views of the city.
Entertainment
30 minutes
£27-£33 (adult ticket)
Westminster Abbey
A large, mainly Gothic abbey church just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the most notable religious buildings in the UK and the traditional place of coronation and burial for English and, later, British monarchs.
Religious
1-2 hours
£27 (adult ticket)
Tower Bridge
An iconic symbol of London, this combined bascule and suspension bridge spans the River Thames. Visitors can explore the bridge's walkways and the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Architecture
1-2 hours
£11 (adult ticket for the exhibition)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of battered and fried fish, usually cod or haddock, served with thick-cut chips (fries).
Dinner
Contains gluten and fish
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast.
Breakfast
Contains meat and gluten
Afternoon Tea
A quintessential British tradition involving a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries, all served with tea.
Snack
Can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal served on Sundays, featuring roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken), Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.
Dinner
Contains meat and gluten
Popular Activities
Rock climbing
Kayaking on the Thames
Cycling tours
Afternoon tea
Spas and wellness centers
Punting on the River Cam
Museum visits
Theater performances
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in London, with long daylight hours and a variety of festivals and events. The weather is generally pleasant, though it can be unpredictable.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
London is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
- • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
Getting there
By air
- Heathrow Airport • 23 km from city center
- Gatwick Airport • 40 km from city center
By train
London Waterloo, London King's Cross
By bus
Victoria Coach Station, Earls Court, Farringdon
Getting around
Public transport
The Tube is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. It operates from early morning until late at night and covers all major attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Westminster
Camden Town
Soho
Notting Hill
Shoreditch
Greenwich
Day trips
Windsor Castle
34 km from London • Half day to full day
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it's one of the official residences of the British monarch.
Stonehenge
130 km from London • Full day
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, located in the English county of Wiltshire.
Brighton
80 km from London • Full day
Brighton is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Festivals
Notting Hill Carnival • Last Sunday and Monday of August
London Film Festival • October
New Year's Eve Fireworks • December 31
Pro tips
- Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper and more convenient public transportation
- Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to skip the queue and save money
- Explore the city's neighborhoods and markets for a unique and authentic experience
- Try the local street food and international cuisine at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market
- Visit the city's parks and gardens for a peaceful escape from the bustling streets
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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