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Palliative and End of Life Care in England and Scotland – Historical and Contemporary

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Tour leader
David Praill BA
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Dates
24 Sep
4 Oct
2025

Travel with the editor of ehospice, David Praill, on a path through the history of palliative care in the UK - a fascinating, revolutionary journey.

Join David Praill, the editor of ehospice, on a path through the history of palliative care in the UK, a fascinating and revolutionary journey. This tour will explore the modern development and current practice of care of the dying alongside a consideration of the history of medicine and early monastic contribution to health. There will also be opportunities for group discussion and personal reflection.

Participants will learn from a range of specialists who are working to advance palliative care in the UK. Planned visits include Royal Trinity Hospice, founded in 1891 as The National Free Home for the Dying, St Christopher's Hospice, birthplace of the 'modern' hospice movement and The Maggie's Cancer Care centre at Barts Hospital. In Scotland spend time at St Columba's Hospice Care in Edinburgh, and Robin House - 'a home from home' for children and families – which is situated beside Loch Lomond and is part of CHAS (Children's Hospices Across Scotland).

There will be conversations with staff at each of these centres as well as talks by Ken Worpole, author of Modern Hospice Design, Professor Allan Kellehear on a Public Health approach to Palliative Care, and David Oliviere - former Director of Education at St Christopher's Hospice - on the early history of St Christopher's and its pioneer, Dame Cicely Saunders.

Walk the streets of four of the UK’s most charismatic cities; London, Cambridge, Durham and Edinburgh, engaging with their medical histories. Visit the remarkable 940-year-old Ely Cathedral, the UNESCO World Heritage Durham Cathedral and experience the spectacular coastal scenery between Northumberland and Edinburgh, including a visit to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne with its ancient Celtic history and serene natural beauty.

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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
GBR0925-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Palliative Care
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Nights
10
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Countries
2
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
London
Wednesday
,
24
September
Arrive and check in to the President Hotel. Hear a briefing at the hotel.
2
London
Thursday
,
25
September
Visit the Order of St John and walk to Charterhouse in Charterhouse Square. Continue to St Bartholomew’s Hospital and the Maggie's Centre at St Bartholomew's Hospital. Welcome dinner in the evening.
3
London
Friday
,
26
September
Visit the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham and learn about its fascinating history dating back to 1891. Established in 1967, St Christophers in Sydenham is recognised as the first modern hospice. David Oliviere will deliver a talk on the history of the hospice and the vision of founder, Dame Cicely Saunders. Hear a talk on hospice architecture and future developments from author Ken Worpole.
4
London / Cambridge
Saturday
,
27
September
Drive to Cambridge. Visit the iconic Round Church and take a walking tour of Cambridge’s historic centre; visit the university church Great St Mary’s, Senate House, Corpus Christi Clock, Old Cavendish Laboratory and visit the Grade II listed pub, The Eagle. Dinner and discussion group in the evening.
5
Cambridge
Sunday
,
28
September
‘From Leeches to DNA’ – take a short walk with a focus on the evolution of medical history in Cambridge. Afternoon at leisure with the option to further explore, eg taking a punt on the Cam or visiting the botanical gardens.
6
Cambridge / Newcastle
Monday
,
29
September
Drive to Ely. Take a curated tour of the spectacular Cathedral with its beautiful blend of Romanesque and Gothic features. Optional lunch at the Almonry restaurant, located within the medieval precinct of the Cathedral. Continue to Peterborough to catch the train to Newcastle. Dinner at the hotel.
7
Newcastle / Durham / Newcastle
Tuesday
,
30
September
Brief train journey to Durham. Walking tour through the medieval streets along the River Wear to see sights including the Cathedral, Castle and Durham University. Meet with Professor Allan Kellehear and hear a talk on ‘Creating Compassionate Communities.’
8
Newcastle / Edinburgh
Wednesday
,
1
October
Drive to Holy Island, stopping on the way to see the imposing Angel of the North. Cross the tidal causeway and explore the wild coastal beauty of Holy Island. Visit the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and Lindisfarne Castle, a refurbished Tudor fort, and the garden designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Continue to Edinburgh through beautiful coastal scenery to check in to the hotel, where you'll have dinner.
9
Edinburgh
Thursday
,
2
October
Guided walking tour of Old Town Edinburgh and the historic buildings of the city with historian, Sheila Szatkowski, author of 'Enlightenment Edinburgh'. Learn the histories of the scientists, doctors and nurses in Scotland. Visit Surgeons’ Hall and the Medical History Museum. Optional dinner with whisky pairing in the evening.
10
Edinburgh
Friday
,
3
October
Visit St Columba’s Hospice Care and meet with the staff who provide world-leading care to its patients. Drive through the Trossachs National Park’s breathtaking scenery to Loch Lomond and visit Robin House, to learn about the wonderful work they do at this children’s hospice. Farewell dinner in the hotel’s private dining area, The Wee Snug.
11
Edinburgh
Saturday
,
4
October
Depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

Starting in London, travel to Cambridge, before continuing to Newcastle and finishing the tour in Edinburgh.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Visit Holy Island
Lindisfarne

Visit Lindisfarne, known locally as Holy Island. Once home to Saint Cuthbert and his rumoured powers of healing, widely regarded as the 'Cradle of Christianity.'

Gain firsthand insight into palliative care in the UK
From London to north England and Scotland

Learn about the history and exciting future of palliative care in the UK, with speakers who are leaders in their fields.

Explore Scotland with experts
Edinburgh

Take a specialist tour of Edinburgh with an historian and explore the beautiful scenery around Loch Lomond.

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Beautiful landscapes

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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