The ultimate guide for the strangest Doors Open Day in Edinburgh

This weekend, Scotland’s largest free festival comes to Edinburgh, and it is the perfect way to explore the city while you wait for your next SAAS payment.

Doors Open Day 2024 does exactly as it says on the tin. With thousands of venues opening their doors across the city, here’s the only guide you need to find the wackiest places available to you this weekend!

1.  Anatomical Museum (28th September)

The Anatomy Museum can be found in the historic old medical school. Image via Twitter

For those looking to remain within the comfort campus, the Anatomical museum is the perfect day out. Normally shut to the public, it houses a great collection, including the death mask of William Burke, offering a great chance to see the face of one of the most infamous men in Scotland’s history!

2. Institut Français D’Ecosse (28th September)

The institute sits at the corner of the Royal Mile and George IV Bridge. Image via Google Maps

In place of the weekend break you can’t quite afford, the Institut Français D’Ecosse may be your next best option. This institute promotes French culture, enabling us to exercise our French connection without the travel expense.

3- Corstorphine Hill Tower (28th and 29th September)

A trip out of the city centre, away from all the tourists and freshers, is likely a welcome escape from central Edinburgh. Corstorphine hill boasts a memorial tower for Sir Walter Scott – the lesser known of his monuments – and is a perfect place for a view of Edinburgh.

4- Lothian Buses Marine Garage (28th September)

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Bring these divas back to replace the 30 PLEASE. Image via Instagram

One for all the Lothian Bus fanatics!
No doubt this will be a firm favourite for followers of Lothian Bus Spotter, providing an insight into how the public transport we all know and love is cared for and maintained.

5- Northern Lighthouse Board (28th and 29th September)

Built in 1786, and in use since 1832, all the lighthouse information you never knew you needed can be found inside its unassuming Georgian façade. There’s no doubt this makes for a unique day out, being a guiding light for your weekend plans.

6- Pianodrome Warehouse (28th and 29th September)

Enjoy some time away from your screen in the weirdly artistic garage. Image via Instagram

A great experience for music lovers, and beyond, it displays art made from old and disused pianos. It offers a wonderful interactive experience (greatly depending on who’s playing).

7- WIlliam Purves Funeral Directors – Oakvale Funeral Home (28th September)

Stay with me here. This was originally built with the intention of being a cathedral, and having had multiple purposes over the years, is now a modern funeral home. Certainly worth a visit despite its slight morbidity, the building boasts fully restored period rooms, and an original oak staircase. Also, showcasing a new funeral hearse Land Rover, quiz, cafe and family activities on offer, making itself a prime option for a fun day out.

8- Nook and Crannie Gallery (28th September)

Based in a converted phone box, this gallery is a unique space housing art from local artists, as well as from community groups. The unusual site makes for a fun Insta post if that’s what you’re looking for, and a lovely opportunity to check out some fun local art at no cost.

9- Barnton Bunker (28th and 29th September)

A bunker experience both more interesting and somehow scarier than Hive. Image via Facebook

Although a trip to a nuclear bunker may not be everyone’s ideal weekend plan, the Barnton Bunker is definitely worth a visit. This may just be the perfect opportunity to put your flatmate fall out into perspective – could’ve been worse.

10- Seafield Wastewater Treatment Works (28th September)

If you’re looking for a great day out – this is the sh*t.

11- Bank of Scotland Head Office – The Bryce Hall (28th September)

Whilst this may not have sprung off the list at you immediately, it may be the perfect opportunity to learn more about finance. Whether you’re hoping to out-mansplain the next finance bro you meet, or finally get a handle on your term-time budget, this is a great way to get into the history of money.

12- Edinburgh Chess Club (28th and 29th September)

Boasting the title of the longest established chess club in the UK, this is the perfect way to flex that chess knowledge you picked up from The Queen’s Gambit. It’s about time you put all of those hours spent procrastinating on Netflix to good use.

Featured image via Facebook.

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