Doors Open Day 2025
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Open Booking PortalActivity details
Explore a secret piece of Cold War history for Doors Open Day! Your free ticket grants you access to the historic above-ground areas of the Barnton Bunker. You will walk through the iconic circular tunnel, discover the WWII military complex, and learn how our volunteers are transforming this former nuclear shelter into a vibrant hub for arts and culture. See for yourself how we are building a creative future on a site of historic conflict.
(Please note: This booking is for the Doors Open Day historical tour only. Our Community Garden Celebration is also running on this day)
What's included
Free timed-entry ticket for our Doors Open Day event
Access to the historic above-ground WWII military complex
See our our iconic circular entrance tunnel
An introduction to the history of the bunker and our ongoing restoration project
What's not included
Access to the main underground Cold War bunker. (This is only available through our separate, paid guided tours to help fund the bunker's restoration).
Tickets for our full guided tour experience, these can be booked and paid for separately.
On-site parking (attendees will need to find parking in the nearby neighbourhood).
Food and refreshments.
Itinerary
Arrival & Check-in: Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your booked time. A volunteer will check you in at our pedestrian gate and gather your group.
Guided Tour (20 mins): Your visit will begin with a 20-minute guided tour. A volunteer will lead you through the historic above-ground WWII facility and the iconic entrance tunnel, sharing stories about the site's unique history.
Explore the Grounds: After your voluntary guide concludes, you are welcome to explore the grounds at your own leisure.
Total Visit Time: We recommend allowing 30-40 minutes in total for your visit, which includes the tour and some time for your own exploration. Our volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions.
Highlights
Step behind the blast doors into a world once hidden from public view. The Barnton Bunker is a genuine piece of Cold War history, a former top-secret command centre and nuclear shelter built in case of attack. For Doors Open Day, we are offering a rare chance to access the grounds of this incredible site and get a tangible connection to a pivotal period of the 20th century.
This is more than just a historical site; it's a story of powerful transformation. Rescued from abandonment by our charity, the bunker is being reborn. We are turning a structure built from fear into a vibrant future home for the arts, music, education, and community. Your visit allows you to witness this unique restoration project in action as we build a place of hope from the architecture of the past.
Our project is a living embodiment of this year's Doors Open Day theme, "Architectural Heritage: Windows to the Past, Doors to the Future." By preserving the heritage of the WWII and Cold War structures, we open a window to understanding our history. By reimagining the space for creativity and connection, we are building a doorway to what our community can become.
Additional information
Check-in details
Please arrive at our pedestrian gate 5-10 minutes before your booked tour time. The gate is located on the trail as you approach our address. Have your digital or printed ticket ready to be checked in by one of our volunteers, who will then gather your tour group.
What to bring
Sensible Footwear: The site has uneven ground and grassy areas. Sturdy, comfortable shoes like trainers or walking boots are highly recommended.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Much of the tour is outdoors. Please check the weather forecast and bring a waterproof jacket or sun protection as needed.
Booking Confirmation: Please have your ticket ready on your phone or as a printout.
Special requirements
All visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
The site is a historic monument under active restoration. For your safety, please stay with your guide and do not enter any restricted areas.
No dogs are allowed on site, with the exception of service animals.
Restrictions
The terrain is uneven and may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility or those who have difficulty walking on unpaved surfaces.
The site is not currently wheelchair accessible.
We advise that the tour may not be suitable for most pushchairs or prams.
If you have any specific access concerns, please contact us directly through our website before booking to discuss the suitability of the tour.