Edinburgh’s Doors Open Days are here – scores of buildings are ready to welcome visitor this weekend, September 23-24, 2023.
And there’s a huge variety of venues throwing open their doors to let people see parts of the premises not normally on show to the public. Among the buildings in this selection from the programme are the Lost Close in the heart of the Old Town, a funeral home in a Victorian villa, churches with interesting features and several university buildings with stories to tell about the past and the future.
We have already featured other buildings which are taking part in three other photo galleries. For some of the venues, visitors must book in advance. Some are open both Saturday and Sunday, others just on one of the days. All Doors Open Days events and activities are free. Take a look at our latest selection and decide where you will go on your venture of discovery.
We have already featured other buildings which are taking part in three other photo galleries. For some of the venues, visitors must book in advance. Some are open both Saturday and Sunday, others just on one of the days. All Doors Open Days events and activities are free. Take a look at our latest selection and decide where you will go on your venture of discovery.
5. Royal Edinburgh community gardens
The ‘Growing Space’ community gardens in the grounds of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Morningside, are managed by the Cyrenians. The focus is on welcoming people experiencing mental or physical health problems, disadvantage, isolation or poverty. The gardens offer people - hospital patients, staff, visitors, volunteers and community groups - opportunities to grow food, socialise and improve general health and wellbeing.
Local poets and musicians will perform in the garden alongside demonstrations of traditional crafts and an exhibition of artwork. Drop in art/ craft activities will connect with sustainability and biodiversity. And there will be stalls with garden produce, cakes and plants.
Open: Sundaty, September 24, 11am - 3pm. Tours will be given, 11am - 11.30am and 2pm - 2.30pm. Photo: Scottish Civic Trust
7. National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge is the country’s largest library. Within its collections of millions of items you can view books, manuscripts, newspapers, maps, films and many other formats, from Scotland and beyond. Doors Open Day activities include historic tours, .shorter behind-the-scenes trips to work areas and conservation workshop tours for families with children. The guided tours will take you through parts of the Library that are not usually open to the public. Learn about our building's history, discover hidden spaces like the towering, book-laden stacks. Booking is required at https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/places/edinburgh/national-library-of-scotland/
Open: Sunday, September 24, 10am - 4pm. Photo: Scottish Civic Trust