Doors Open Days Festival Returns to East Lothian with Free Access to Historic Buildings
Scotland's annual Doors Open Days festival takes place on 26th and 27th September, offering free access to various locations across East Lothian. Coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust as part of European Heritage Days, the event opens historic, cultural, and civic buildings to the public free of charge. Visitors can explore hidden areas, join guided building tours, attend talks, and view local history exhibitions.
【1-Day Tour Routes】Edinburgh Departure | 2-Day Outlander Journey
Programme Highlights

Langskail, Gullane: Designed by Richard Murphy Architects for Graeme and Kim Ritchie and finished in 2023, this new house is featured in the programme. The owners and architect are microlight pilots who met at the nearby East of Scotland Microlights at East Fortune.
National Museum of Flight: Visitors can access the museum for free over the weekend to explore aviation history from the First World War to the present. The site includes interactive galleries, supersonic experiences, historic hangars, and an airfield, alongside a chance to board Concorde.
St Mary's Parish Church, Haddington: Dating from the 14th century, this church spans 206 feet with cathedral proportions. It was damaged and left roofless by musket and cannon fire during the 1549 Siege of Haddington, with only the west end initially repaired. A complete restoration project finished by 1973 made the church whole again.

Organisers advise checking with venues or the official event website for updates before visiting.

