Rosslyn Chapel: Day Trips and Tours from Edinburgh

Steeped in history and intrigue, the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel is both spiritual and ornate. Most people take a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh, as it’s not far from the Scottish capital.

The mysterious symbolism of the stone carvings inside the chapel has captured the imaginations of artists and writers for centuries. Famed for its starring role in Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code”, this rural church is now one of Scotland’s most visited sites.

Here's what you need to know about Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most stunning day trips from Edinburgh.

How do you get to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh?

Rosslyn Chapel lies in the village of Roslin in Midlothian. This destination makes for one of the most interesting day trips from Edinburgh and sits only 11 kilometers from the city.

From Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel by car

The journey to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh by car takes half an hour. The brown tourist signs make navigation easy. Just follow the A701 south, before taking the B7006 to Roslin. Free parking is available on site.

From Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel by bus

You can hop on Bus 37 from Princes Street and arrive in Roslin village an hour later. It’s then a short walk to the chapel from the bus stop.

Guided tour to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh

Day trips from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel are the easiest way to visit. Many excursions include stops at other key sights across the Scottish Borders region for a fun-filled day out.

How much is the entrance ticket to Rosslyn Chapel?

There is an entrance fee to visit Rosslyn Chapel – tickets should be purchased online. The prices vary according to visitor category.

• Adult (18 – 60 years): £9.50
• Senior Citizen (61+ years): £7.50
• Student: £7.50
• Persons with disabilities: £7.50
• Child (under 18 years): Free

If you are entitled to a concessionary rate, you will need to show your ID at the entrance gate.

What is the usual itinerary of a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh?

Your Rosslyn Chapel day trip begins in central Edinburgh, where you’ll join your fellow explorers. The group will then travel by coach to the chapel for a 90-minute visit. Some tours are guided while others allow you time for independent exploration.

Then, depending on what excursion you have chosen, you’ll continue to other tourist locations in Scotland. The Borderlands, Dunfermline and Stirling Castle are the most common destinations. You’ll enjoy lunch at a local café or restaurant along the way.

Your day tour to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh ends in the evening, back in the city center.

Which kinds of tours are available to go to Rosslyn Chapel?

There are several ways you can enjoy a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh. Here are the main contenders:

Guided tours to Rosslyn Chapel plus Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish Borders from Edinburgh

You can visit the chapel independently but it’s so much easier to join an excursion. That way you don’t have to worry about transport logistics.

You’ll be traveling by coach or minivan, depending on the group size. The maximum participant number varies between operators, so make sure you compare the tour details before booking.

This Rosslyn Chapel day tour also takes you to Hadrian’s Wall and several scenic spots in the Scottish Borders. Melrose Abbey and the market town of Jedburgh are popular stops.

Day trips to Rosslyn Chapel plus Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle from Edinburgh

This group tour includes bus transport and takes in Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey as well as Rosslyn Chapel. It’s a fun way to explore a bit more of Scotland while traveling with like-minded visitors to keep costs down.

You’ll be collected from a central location in Edinburgh and returned to the same place in the evening.

Private tours to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh

Private day trips from Edinburgh to the Rosslyn Chapel are a great option for travelers who prefer their own space and guide. These excursions allow you to make the most of your visit and ask all the questions you like!

Hotel pickups are often offered on private trips. Some tours provide guided visits at the chapel while others give you free time to explore.

Many private tours also include stops at some of Edinburgh’s other sights - The Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle feature on most itineraries.

What are the prices of Rosslyn Chapel tours from Edinburgh?

For a Rosslyn Chapel excursion from Edinburgh with stops at Hadrian’s Wall and the Scottish Borders, prices start at £40 per person. This covers transport by coach or minivan, live onboard commentary and a local guide. You will usually have to pay entrance fees separately.

The tours that also swing by Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey are also priced at £40 per person. This includes a driver-guide. Admissions to all the sites are extra.

Private Rosslyn Chapel trips cost £160 per person for a half-day tour. Hotel transfers, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included.

What will you see at Rosslyn Chapel?

Founded in 1446, Rosslyn Chapel is known for its ornate stonework and intriguing symbolism. This is a place of legend and folklore, and it’s easy to see why Dan Brown featured the chapel in his “Da Vinci Code” novel.

The chapel is an architectural masterpiece, with a star-sculptured ceiling and decorative pillars setting the scene. Here are some of the highlights to look out for during your Rosslyn Chapel tour:

The Lady Chapel

This intricately carved chapel is resplendent with decorative stonework drawing the eye to the heavens. Ornamental pillars lead the way while angels watch down from above – see if you can spot the ones playing bagpipes!

The Green Men

These unusual foliage-adorned faces are often seen in medieval cathedrals and churches around England. The Green Men represent the parallels of good and evil, as well as nature. There are 100 of these pagan faces in the Rosslyn Chapel – will you be able to find them all?

Sacristy

Also known as the crypt, the sacristy was used as a workshop during the chapel construction. You can still see architectural drawings on the walls. The crypt featured in “The Da Vinci Code” film, so you might recognize it from the big screen.

Symbolistic carvings

One of the highlights of your Rosslyn Chapel jaunt will be checking out the symbolic carvings. Many relate to the Knights Templar, and legend has it that their treasure lies beneath the vaults. Some scholars even believe that the Holy Grail is hidden here – will you be the one to find it?

When is Rosslyn Chapel open?

You can enjoy a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh all year round. Opening times are as follows:

• Monday – Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
• Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM

You will need to choose a time slot when booking. This lasts for 90 minutes and includes a short history presentation and free time to explore the chapel.

When is the best time to visit Rosslyn Chapel?

You can visit Rosslyn Chapel at any time of year, and each season brings a different vibe. In summer, the ornate stonework gleams in the sun, but this is also when the chapel is at its busiest.

During winter, the skies can be moody, but if you’re looking for something to do on a wet day, Rosslyn Chapel ticks all the boxes.

Know before you go

• You may have to wait outside the chapel for your time slot to commence, so bring an umbrella if it looks like rain.
• Book your day trip to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh in advance so you can search for the cheapest deals online.
• Photography is not allowed inside the chapel, but you can take pictures of the exterior.