Doors Open Days 2025: Discover Paisley with Walking Tours and a Brand-New Treasure Hunt

This September, Paisley will once again throw open its doors to the public as part of Doors Open Days 2025 – Scotland’s nationwide festival of architecture, heritage, and culture. For two days only, on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, Paisley Tours and our heritage hub at 2 County Place will welcome visitors from near and far to experience a specially curated programme of tours, storytelling, and family-friendly activities.

A Weekend of Discovery

At Paisley Tours, our mission has always been simple: to showcase the incredible history, architecture, and identity of Scotland’s most storied town. From its medieval abbey and industrial might to its weaving legacy and cultural revival, Paisley is a place with a tale on every street corner.

As part of Doors Open Days 2025, we are offering something for everyone – from curious locals who’ve never quite looked up at the buildings around them, to visitors stepping into Paisley’s heritage for the very first time.

“Introduction to Paisley” Tours

Running throughout the weekend, our team of passionate guides will lead a series of free 30-minute “Introduction to Paisley” walking tours. These short taster sessions are designed to give guests a flavour of the town’s history and highlight some of its most iconic landmarks.

Each tour will begin at our heritage hub in County Place, before weaving through the heart of Paisley. Along the way, participants will hear stories of:

• Paisley Abbey – the magnificent 12th-century landmark and resting place of Scottish royals.

• Paisley Town Hall – a symbol of civic pride, recently restored and reimagined as a cultural venue.

• Coats Memorial – Paisley’s architectural jewel, once called the “Baptist Cathedral of Europe.”

• High Street highlights – a chance to look up at forgotten details in the stonework and appreciate Paisley’s historic urban landscape.

These tours are perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about Paisley in a short, engaging burst. They also provide a great introduction to our wider range of walking tours, which explore Paisley’s witches, weaving history, architecture, and more in depth.

Launch of the Children’s Treasure Hunt

This year, we’re especially excited to unveil something brand-new: the Paisley Children’s Treasure Hunt, designed to help families explore the town together.

Leading the way is Paisley Pattern Pete, our friendly mascot, who will guide young explorers through riddles, clues, and challenges that reveal Paisley’s hidden stories. Starting at Paisley Abbey and finishing at County Square, children (and their adults!) will uncover fascinating history while spotting treasures tucked into the town’s streets and buildings.

The treasure hunt is simple to join in:

• Gather in pairs or small groups.

• Snap photos of discoveries (where allowed).

• Follow Pete’s clues and collect points along the way!

It’s a fun and accessible way for children to engage with history, while giving families a reason to slow down and notice the details that make Paisley unique.

Explore the Heritage Hub

Our County Place HQ will also be open throughout the weekend as part of Doors Open Days. More than just a starting point, the hub is a space to discover, connect, and celebrate Paisley’s identity. Visitors are encouraged to step inside, chat with our guides, browse heritage displays, and learn more about our mission as a community-focused social enterprise.

We believe heritage should be open to everyone, and our hub is a space where locals and visitors alike can feel part of Paisley’s ongoing story.

Accessibility Information

Our building is on the ground floor with step-free access via a flat entrance, making it accessible to wheelchair users. While we do not currently have an accessible toilet on site, the nearest facilities are located in the Piazza Centre and Gilmour Street Station, both a short walk away. Our team will be on hand to provide assistance wherever needed.

Why It Matters

Doors Open Days is about more than free entry to buildings – it’s about sparking pride, curiosity, and connection. By taking part, Paisley Tours is proud to contribute to a Scotland-wide celebration of local history and community. For us, this weekend is another step towards placing Paisley firmly on the tourism map, while giving families, residents, and visitors the chance to discover the town in fresh and exciting ways.

Event Details

📅 Saturday 6 September 2025 – 11am to 5pm📅 Sunday 7 September 2025 – 11am to 5pm📍 Paisley Tours HQ, 2 County Place, Paisley

• Free “Introduction to Paisley” tours (30 minutes each, running throughout the day)

• Launch of the Children’s Treasure Hunt with Paisley Pattern Pete

• Opportunity to explore the Paisley Tours heritage hub

All activities are free of charge, with no booking required – simply drop in and join us!

Join Us

Whether you’re a lifelong Buddie or visiting for the first time, we invite you to step into Paisley’s story this Doors Open Days. Come for the history, stay for the stories, and leave with a new appreciation for the town that shaped Scotland’s heritage.