Doors Open Day Midlothian 2025: Unlock A Free, Family-Friendly Day Out
Get ready to unlock Midlothian this September with Doors Open Day Midlothian 2025. Explore real places with real stories as they open their doors, free of charge.
Doors Open Days returns to Midlothian on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025, offering an exciting opportunity to discover buildings and venues that are usually closed to the public.
Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old. Be a tourist on your own doorstep and uncover hidden and historic sites and venues right here in Midlothian.
What’s On
A host of venues will throw open their doors for visitors in September. Here’s where you can explore in Midlothian:
- Arniston House– Join a tour of this Palladian-style manor house by William Adam to see a beautiful collection of art, furnishing and portraits by renowned artists such as Raeburn, Ramsay and Alexander Nasmyth.
- Cousland Smiddy & Heritage Hub – Step back in time at this restored 18th-century blacksmith’s workshop and Victorian cottage. The Smiddy’s resident farrier will be working at the forge throughout the day, demonstrating the art of horseshoe making.
- Crichton Collegiate Church – Admire the stained glass windows by Ballantine and Gardiner and a historic pipe organ from 1898 in this beautifully maintained church.
- Dalkeith Community Fire Station – Discover this essential local service in action, meet the local crews, and learn about firefighting heritage and community safety.
- Dalkeith Masonic Lodge – Celebrating its 300th anniversary, this is one of the oldest purpose-built lodge rooms in the world, dating from 1724.
- Dalkeith Museum – Housed in a Grade A-listed Corn Exchange, this volunteer-run museum shares under-told stories of the town and its past.
- Lodge St Leonard Loanhead & Lasswade – Active since 1876, the Lodge will be set up with Masonic furniture and regalia with guided tours taking place on the day.
- Mavisbank House – This beautiful ruin of an 18th‑century house is now undergoing restoration. Talks will be held on the day highlighting the fascinating history of the house and the plans and hopes for its future.
- Midlothian Camera Club – This small but active and friendly camera and photography club caters to all levels of photographic ability and interests. Explore their studio space, dark room and equipment and see some of the members’ work.
- MMCC Bonnyrigg Mosque – A new addition for 2025, this is a chance for the community to explore the listed building, learn more about Islam and enjoy exhibitions and presentations.
- Penicuik Papermaking Heritage Museum – Try your hand at paper-making and explore the legacy of Penicuik’s papermaking heritage.
- Soutra Aisle – Soutra Aisle marks Scotland’s largest medieval hospitals, rich in archaeological and medical history. There will be a full illustrated talk about the Hospital that once stood on the site and the medical practice revealed by on-site excavations and parallel laboratory work.
- St James the Less, Scottish Episcopal Church – Marvel at stunning stained glass and memorial art in this tranquil, historic church.
- St Mary’s in the Park (Dalkeith Country Park) – Listen to the unique water organ and check out beautiful stained glass in an 1845 church.
- Temple Old Kirk – Discover a medieval parish church ruin atop Knights Templar foundations. Guided tours, and plenty of mystery for curious minds, will be on offer throughout the afternoon.
- Thistle Modelmakers (Mayfield)Â – Explore extraordinary model railway layouts and see demonstrations beloved by kids and adults alike.
A Great Day Out for the Whole Family
Doors Open Day Midlothian 2025 promises to be a memorable, enriching, and free outing for families and heritage lovers alike. Whether you’re drawn to historic churches, model railways, or contemporary community spaces, you’ll find stories and experiences that surprise, delight, and inspire, right here in Midlothian.
