Explore Midlothian Heritage for Free: Doors Open Days Set for September 12-13

Travelists planning a trip near Edinburgh this autumn can enjoy free access to dozens of historic and cultural sites during the Doors Open Days Midlothian festival. Taking place on 12 and 13 September 2026, the annual event offers visitors a rare look inside buildings across Midlothian that celebrate the area’s rich built environment and heritage.

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Highlights Across Midlothian Venues

Organised as part of a national festival by the Scottish Civic Trust, the Midlothian programme features a wide range of participating locations, including:

• National Mining Museum Scotland: Located in Newtongrange at the restored Lady Victoria Colliery, this 5-star attraction is just a short journey from the Edinburgh City bypass and a five-minute walk from Newtongrange Railway Station.

• Cousland Smiddy and Heritage Hub: Features an early 18th-century blacksmith workshop with working roots dating back to at least 1703, alongside a Victorian cottage and organic allotments.

• Temple Old Kirk: The ruins of a medieval parish church built on the foundations of the Knights Templar Preceptory of Balantrodoch.

• MMCC Bonnyrigg Mosque: Housed in a 1908 former Carnegie Library originally funded by Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie.

• Crichton Collegiate Church: Home to stained glass windows by Ballantine and Gardiner and a pipe organ dating from 1898.

• Dalkeith Museum: Situated inside the Grade A listed Dalkeith Corn Exchange, chronicling the history of the market town.

• Penicuik Papermaking Heritage Museum: Showcases the history of Penicuik as a world-leading papermaking hub.

Other venues taking part in the event include St James the Less Scottish Episcopal Church, St Mary's in the Park, Lodge St Leonard Loanhead and Lasswade, Newbattle Masonic Lodge, Mavisbank House, Soutra Aisle and Abbey, Dalkeith Community Fire Station, Midlothian Camera Club, and Thistle Modelmakers.