Spring days out: Discover this popular attraction close to Edinburgh and why it inspired the Da Vinci Code
With spring comes longer days, better weather and the chance to get outside once more – and it’s the perfect opportunity to discover what’s on your doorstep.
Rosslyn Chapel is top of many a tourist’s must-see list when they visit Scotland, but despite being so close to the city and under an hour from huge chunks of the central belt, the medieval marvel is often missed by locals. There’s free parking onsite and a bus stop a few minutes’ walk away.
There’s plenty for the kids as well as the grown-ups, as you immerse yourself in its history and find out why it inspired the famous book and Hollywood blockbuster the Da Vinci Code.
Famous carvings and more
Rosslyn Chapel’s notoriety comes from its famous stone carvings – and it was the skill of these craftsmen from six centuries ago that fired Dan Brown’s imagination.
You can take your time to marvel at the intricate workmanship as visits to the chapel, which is open seven days a week, are split into timeslots to manage the flow of visitors. Each slot is 90 minutes long to ensure you can make the most of your visit. We’ll give you a free map to help you find out more about what you’re looking at and each timeslot includes a free talk given by one of the knowledgeable guides, where they will share some of the history and legends of Rosslyn Chapel.
Once you’ve had a good look round, you can find out even more about the building’s history in the visitor centre, which has touch-screen exhibits. There is also a gift shop and a coffee shop where you can enjoy drinks and cake indoors – or if the weather is kind, take a seat outdoors and enjoy the stunning views over the Roslin Glen.
Keeping the youngsters entertained
If you are planning a visit over the Easter holidays, there’s a children’s guide packed with puzzles and activities to keep the younger visitors busy. They can discover for themselves the legend of the Apprentice Pillar, and why this amazing work upset the master mason so much! And they will need to keep their eyes peeled to see how many ‘Green Man’ carvings they can spot as they find out more about what they represent.
Coronation special event
There are special events hosted at Rosslyn throughout the year. The next one will be a concert on the evening of 5 May to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
Booking information
Bookings can be made on Chapel website, www.rosslynchapel.com, to guarantee a visit. Admission just £9.50 full-price; £7.50 reduced price and children in family group are free of charge. And don’t worry if one visit isn’t enough as we have an annual pass – at no extra cost – which gives free admission for the whole year.
Plan your trip
To book please go to the website here and choose your timeslot. Any vacant spaces for timeslots are available for people to purchase on the day, however, booking is highly advisable to avoid disappointment.