Unique piece of history just 40 minutes’ drive from Falkirk
Visitors from Falkirk are just a 40 minute drive from this unique piece of Scotland’s history – Rosslyn Chapel - made famous when it proved to be the inspiration for the Dan Brown novel and subsequent hit film, the Da Vinci Code.
As well as the usual attractions that a visit to this stunning building include, there are also a series of special events planned this autumn, and closer to Christmas including:
Special events
September 24, 6.30pm -You Are Lost Be Careful, Mike McKenzie and Mally Smith
The trio of contemporary acts return to Rosslyn Chapel with their concert of multi-genre original music featuring Edinburgh Alternative band You Are Lost Be Careful, Boston born folk artist Mally Smith and award winning Scottish pop artist Mike McKenzie.
October 8, 7.30pm. The Last Rose of Summer: Poetical Music at Rosslyn
You are very warmly invited to a concert of beautiful poetry set to music by Vaughan Williams, Roger Quilter, Herbert Hughes and others. With Elspeth McVeigh (voice) and Jacques Carroll (classical guitar).
Chapel by Candlelight in Autumn (various dates)
Enjoy the special atmosphere of an evening visit to Rosslyn Chapel by candlelight.
November 5, 7.30pm. Gaita: A Series of Unfortunate Events – A Musical History of Medieval Scottish Kings
A semi-staged vocal and instrumental performance interleaved with a brief, and often wry, storyline from Malcolm Canmore to the Wars of Independence.
Visit the building
There is so much to see, not least the incredible carvings showing intricate craftsmanship throughout the stonework of the building.
Visits are split into sessions lasting an hour and a half. First you will be given a free talk by a Chapel guide about its history and then you can explore the carvings yourself, or take a tour using the map to find the main points of interest and famous carvings, including the angels, the Green men and the Apprentice Pillar.
Autumn is a fantastic time to come to Rosslyn Chapel, outside of the busiest summer season, but booking is very much recommended ahead of your trip – and can be done easily via the website. Make sure you leave time to explore the stunning Midlothian countryside roundabout too.
There is free parking at the site, which is in Midlothian, just seven miles south of Edinburgh.
The chapel was founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair and took over 40 years to build. It is open daily and every ticket bought goes to help the Rosslyn Chapel Trust manage and preserve it.
Bookings to visit the chapel or attend any of the special events can be made on the website here.
Admission is £9.50 for adults/ £7.50 for visitors who are aged 60+, or unemployed or disabled or students
At the visitor centre there is a gift shop and café overlooking the Roslin Glen, and an interpretation area.
Book your place
The chapel is open seven days a week. To book your 90-minute timeslot please go to the website here.
Any vacant spaces for timeslots are available for people to purchase on the day, however, booking is highly advisable to avoid disappointment.