8 Doors Open Days Edinburgh Venues (That You Don’t Need To Book)!

It’s that time of the year again when many of Edinburgh’s fascinating buildings fling open their doors to the public for one weekend. Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free annual architectural event, which offers access to over a thousand venues across the country during the month of September. This year, Doors Open Days Edinburgh will take place on the 29th-30th of September in 2018. They’ve curated an exciting line up and we’ve selected a few of our favourites (which you don’t need to book).

1. St Bernard’s Well

• Open: Sunday 30th September 11am-4pm
• Where: Along the Water of Leith Walkway between Stockbridge and Dean Village

St Bernard’s Well is a stunning hidden gem tucked away along Water of Leith Walkway between Stockbridge and Dean Village. The well’s exterior was restored in 2013, and some features, such as the re-gilded pineapple finial atop the roof, have been returned to their original state. If you were impressed by the well’s exterior just wait until you catch a glimpse inside! It will be opened by volunteers from the Dean Village Association.

2. Drumsheugh Baths Club

• Open: Saturday 29th September 10am-4pm
• Where: 5 Belford Road

Next, here’s your chance to peek inside one of Edinburgh’s members-only baths club, the Drumsheugh Baths Club. The beautiful building was designed in a Morrish style by Sir John James Burnet and opened in 1882. There will also be guided tours and lectures for those interested!

3. McEwan Hall

• Open: Sunday 30th September 10am-4pm
• Where: Teviot Place

After closing for a multi-million-pound refurbishment, McEwan Hall re-opened last year in all its grandeur. The building was presented to the University in 1897 by William McEwan, both as a ceremonial hall for graduations and as a gift to the people of Edinburgh. Designed by Sir Rowand Anderson, with lavish interiors by William Palin, this iconic, Grade A listed building is a must-see.

4. Riddle’s Court

• Open: Saturday 29th September 10am-4pm & Sunday 30th September 12pm-4pm
• Where: Riddle’s Court, Royal Mile

Riddle’s Court is another stunning Edinburgh building which has recently undergone a major restoration. The building’s original features (such as exquisitely painted ceilings and panelled rooms) have been painstakingly restored as well as the introduction of contemporary interventions which has transformed the space into a state of the art venue. The picturesque A-listed merchant’s house even has close links to the Patrick Geddes, environmentalist and ‘father of town planning’.

5. John Knox House

• Open: Saturday 29th September 10am-6pm
• Where: Scottish Storytelling Centre

Dating back to 1470 and now incorporated into the Scottish Storytelling Centre, John Knox House is one of Scotland’s greatest cultural treasures. Located on the Royal Mile, the house was the home of James Mossman, goldsmith to Mary Queen of Scots, and became known as the final residence of John Knox, the Protestant reformer. Thirty tickets will be available per half-hour, so be sure to be there early!

6. Northern Lighthouse Board

• Open: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th September 10pm-3pm
• Where: 84 George Street

If you’ve walked along George Street, there’s a chance you may have spotted a model lighthouse sitting above one of the Georgian doorways. This marks the home of the Commissioners of Northern Lights. Built in 1786 as part of James Craig’s New Town development, the original façade is almost unchanged since its construction. Here’s your chance to explore the building and learn about the important job the Northern Lighthouse Board has.

7. Burns Monument

• Open: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th September 11pm-4pm
• Where: Regent Road

We’re sure many of you have either walked past or spotted this prominent monument which commemorates the iconic Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Monuments in this style were built in ancient Athens to celebrate the poetic arts and was designed by Thomas Hamilton to house a statue of the bard by sculptor John Flaxman. Not only will you have a chance to look inside but Burns’ poetry and songs will be performed by members and friends of Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs.

8. Corstorphine Hill Tower

• Open: Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th September 2pm-4pm
• Where: Corstorphine Hill

Corstorphine Hill is one of Edinburgh’s magnificent seven hills. Sitting at the summit of Corstorphine Hill is Corstorphine Hill Tower which was built as a viewpoint and as a memorial to Sir Walter Scott in 1871. It is built of local stone and is ascended by an internal staircase to the viewing platform. It’s the perfect vantage point to admire the City, the Pentland Hills, the Ochills, the Fife Coast and the Firth of Forth. Don’t forget your camera! It will be opened by volunteers from The Friends of Corstorphine Hill.

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