Edinburgh and East Lothian Doors Open Days 2026
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Start date
September 26, 2026 All-day Event
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End date
September 28, 2026 All-day Event
Edinburgh and East Lothian Doors Open Days returns on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026. The free cultural festival gives the public access to historic, civic, religious, educational, and modern buildings that are normally closed or only partly open.
Each participating building sets its own hours and access arrangements, with some offering walk-in entry and others using timed tours or advance registration.
Key Event Details
| Event | Edinburgh and East Lothian Doors Open Days 2026 |
| Date(s) | Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September 2026 |
| Time | Opening times vary by building |
| Location | Venues across Edinburgh and East Lothian |
| Entry | Free; selected tours and buildings require advance booking |
| Event type | Architecture, heritage, and open-building festival |
What To Expect
The programme usually combines well-known landmarks with offices, studios, places of worship, community buildings, private interiors, and specialist sites. Talks, guided tours, exhibitions, family activity, and behind-the-scenes access can sit alongside general building entry.
The complete 2026 programme is due to go live at noon on 31 July. Venue lists can change, and individual booking links may open at different times, so visitors should plan a route only after checking the official listings.
Entry and Practical Information
Doors Open Days is free, but booking can still be required for buildings with limited capacity. Use the official Edinburgh programme to check each venue’s dates, times, access notes, and reservation rules.
Location and Getting There
Locations are spread across Edinburgh and East Lothian rather than based at one venue. The Event Location is mapped to Edinburgh Old Town as the existing broader city-centre location for import purposes, but visitors should use the official map for the address of every participating building.
Our Tips
- Book limited-capacity tours as soon as their registration opens.
- Group nearby buildings into one route rather than crossing the city repeatedly.
- Check photography, bag, and accessibility rules for each site separately.
The programme and building search are managed through Doors Open Days Scotland.