Rosslyn Chapel

Tours

Your tour takes you to the stunning 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, made world famous in Dan Brown’s book, ‘Da Vinci Code’. Here you have time to explore the chapel and find out more about the myths and legends surrounding the whereabouts of the ‘Holy Grail’. From here, you travel south to Melrose where you can visit the ruined Melrose abbey, founded by the Cistercians in the 12th Century. The Cistercian monks had close connections with the Knights Templar, and legend tells that Melrose Abbey is the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart, brought back from the crusades in Moorish Spain. You then get the opportunity to visit the statue of the great Scottish patriot, William Wallace and the nearby beautiful Scott’s View, overlooking the Tweed Valley, before you return to Edinburgh.* *Please note that if your tour departs on a Sunday, this itinerary will work in reverse.

On this guided tour of Scotland's most famous medieval landmarks, learn about the many heroes that battled in this ancient kingdom. The first stop on your tour will be the town of Dunfermline. Walk down the beautiful nave of Dunfermline Abbey, the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, who battled for Scotland's right to be a nation. Next, travel to Stirlingshire, where you will stop in the beautiful city of Stirling, site of the monument of Scottish hero William Wallace (whose life was dramatized in the film Braveheart). You'll have ample time to stroll through the beautiful and ancient streets that surround it. You will also have a chance to explore the city's stunning castle if you wish. From Stirling, head to Bannockburn, the battlefield where Robert the Bruce routed the English in 1314. Lastly, decode the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel, which was made famous in Dan Brown's novel the Da Vinci Code. Is this the resting place of the Holy Grail? No one really knows, but you'll love the chapel and the beautiful walk you can take through Roslin Glen and the ruins of Rosslyn Castle.

Visit intriguing Rosslyn Chapel, explore the town of Melrose, journey to the Scottish Borders, and see Hadrian’s Wall on this full-day tour from Edinburgh. Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious, and has achieved worldwide fame since the publication of The Da Vinci Code. This beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel has long been the subject of speculation about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings. Visit the charming town of Melrose for lunch, then cross the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar. Follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids here until the end of the 16th century. Then visit one of the world's most important Roman monuments: Hadrian’s Wall. Travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall. Upon returning to Edinburgh, stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch your legs and take photos of the famous abbey.

Travel through the Scottish Lowlands and Borders on an enjoyable day-tour. See the varied natural wonders that make this section of Scotland famous. See historic sites and sample real Scottish whisky as you travel with a friendly and knowledgeable guide! Your tour will head out from Edinburgh Castle to the lovely village of Roslin. There, you will have the opportunity to visit Rosslyn Chapel. Dating back to 1445, the chapel gained worldwide fame thanks to the increasing interest in Freemasonry and the Knights Templar. See the intricate “musical” boxes and green men carved throughout the chapel. Leave Roslin and continue your journey into the heart of the Scottish Borders in the eastern part of the Scottish Uplands. This area is rich in hills, valleys, rivers, and moorland, and is also the traditional home of Scottish rugby. Travel to the historic town of Melrose, the birthplace of the game of Rugby Sevens and home to of Melrose Abbey. The Abbey, founded in 1136, is one of the most beautiful religious ruins in the United Kingdom, containing many intricate carved sculptures. It is also said to be the burial place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce. Enjoy a tasty lunch in Melrose and have plenty of free time to explore the town and the abbey. Before heading back to Edinburgh you will have to option to explore the lowland distillery of Glenkinchie, now owned by Johnnie Walker. Join a tour to learn how whisky is made and taste some of their most popular single malt.

The tour will depart at 08:45 from Edinburgh and return to the original departure point at approximately 20:00. You will leave Edinburgh to stop in the village of Roslin, where you will be able to see the ruins of its castle and the famous Rosslyn Chapel, a Gothic structure built during the 15th century that maintains its mysterious attraction. It is well-known all over the world for the connections established by Dan Brown with Masonic and Templar theories.                                                                                                                     Later on, you will cross the green fields of the Lowlands, and reach Jedburgh, a small town in the border between England and Scotland. After crossing the border, you will go through the Northumberland National Park, one of the most important national parks in England, where you will visit the main attraction of your journey: Hadrian's Wall. This structure, a UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most impressive Roman works of engineering. It splits the island in two parts, and it was the empire's northern frontier. You will also visit the military camp of Vindolanda. After this main visit, see the charming village of Gretna Green, one of the world’s most popular wedding destinations, where you will be able to rest and enjoy its wonderful environment before your way back to Edinburgh.

This online travel guidebook helps you create a bespoke road trip to help with planning your break before you travel and when you are on your break. Experience a diverse journey: scenic coast, untamed countryside, city culture, and rich history. Explore historic homes, and ancient abbeys, plus trace Sir Walter Scott's path on a captivating road trip through Scotland's breathtaking landscapes. - Edinburgh Heritage & Culture: Dive into Edinburgh's rich history at landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. - Beyond Edinburgh: Explore surrounding hills, parks, and gardens beyond the city's limits. - Festival Delight: Plan your visit during festivals like Edinburgh International, Fringe, or Hogmanay for a vibrant experience. - Romantic Borders: Discover the picturesque Scottish Borders, known for rolling hills and serene countryside, perfect for romantic moments. - Inspiring Landscape: Artists and writers like Walter Scott found inspiration in the Borders' beauty and history. - Ancient Sites: Explore historic abbeys like Melrose and castles such as Abbotsford House for tales of old. - Scenic Walks: Traverse scenic paths through forests, riversides, and villages, ideal for romantic strolls. - Local Delicacies: Relish fresh produce and local whisky, savouring the region's finest food and drink offerings. Edinburgh & Scottish Borders Highlights: • The suggested mapped route on the online guidebook is fully flexible meaning it will help you plan your trip with places to go and things to see and do, whether from 3 to 14 days • Circular Route: Begins and ends in Edinburgh, adaptable starting points, spanning 153 miles (247km) with a 5-hour drive time. • Recommended duration: 5 to 8 days, allowing exploration in Edinburgh, Abbey visits, country estates, and ruins en route. • Cultural Immersion: Delve into Scottish culture, exploring coastal towns, nature reserves, and Gothic architecture. • Borders Exploration: Traverse countryside, discovering the heart of Scottish Borders, royal footsteps, and historic chapels. • Historical Journey: Unveil Scottish Borders' history, highlighting dramatic scenery and heritage sites. • Comprehensive Guide: Covers 13 destinations with visitor info, numerous links, local experiences, and activities for booking. • Stay Options: Tailored for motorhomes, campervans, caravans, featuring campsites. Options for car travellers include B&Bs or hotels. Online & Interactive Destinations Guidebook: - Guides you through 13 destinations. - Overnight Stays: Discover hotels, B&Bs, campsites, etc - Over 100 attractions, activities, and experiences through embedded links and references. Uncover More Edinburgh & Scottish Borders map: 25+ Scottish Borders Viewpoints 60+ Places of interest 20+ Borders Hidden gems 10 Wild swim spots Overnight Stays map: 45 campsites 20+ motorhome stops, pub stops & almost wild spots 50+ Borders hotels 65+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges

Join us on a half-day expedition through the Pentlands region, where the pages of history come alive at Castlelaw Hillfort, an Iron Age hill fort nestled in the rugged landscape. Here, the remnants of ancient ramparts stand as silent witnesses to Scotland's prehistoric past, providing a glimpse into the strategic importance of this hilltop fortress. Moving forward in time, our journey takes us to Penicuik House, a 17th-century mansion surrounded by picturesque gardens. The stately halls and ornate architecture narrate tales of Scottish nobility, offering a regal interlude in our exploration of the Pentlands. Our next stop leads us to the iconic Rosslyn Chapel, where history, mystery, and the allure of the Da Vinci Code converge. Dating back to the 15th century, this architectural gem is adorned with intricate carvings that have captured the imagination of visitors and scholars alike. As you explore the chapel's sacred interior, the echoes of Templar legends and the enigmatic symbolism depicted in the Da Vinci Code come to life, providing a unique perspective on this historical masterpiece. This half-day tour is a curated journey through the Pentlands, offering a blend of ancient wonders, regal grandeur, and the intrigue of a site forever linked to one of literature's most captivating mysteries.