Autumn at Rosslyn Chapel: What’s on at this visitor attraction close to Edinburgh

There’s so much to see and do this autumn at Rosslyn Chapel – from talks to walks, music to mysteries – it’s a fantastic day out for all the family

Made famous by being the inspiration behind Dan Brown’s bestseller The Da Vinci Code, Rosslyn Chapel was attracting visitors for generations before the book and film brought it worldwide renown.

Founded by Sir William St Clair in 1446, the chapel offers visitors a host of history, intriguing carvings and stories, activities and lively, informative talks – and all of this in a stunning countryside setting – made all the more glorious with the autumn leaves as a backdrop.

The almost 600-year-old building is adorned with ornate carvings. Almost every surface inside and out is covered in this astonishing display of incredible craftsmanship by the stonemasons.

Most impressive of all is the Apprentice Pillar – a stone pillar which was used by those perfecting their craft. This makes for some intriguing discoveries, young and old alike love finding favourite carvings like the bagpipe-playing angel or the green man.

Even those who have visited before will find something different every time, and can enjoy seeing the chapel in different seasons.

Visiting in autumn means you are away from the summer tourism crowds – and also that you can make the most of the views, with those autumnal colours or wintry landscapes, as you gaze from the chapel across Roslin Glen.

With visitor times split into 90-minute slots, everyone is guaranteed to be able to enjoy their visit in comfort. Tickets also include free talks, which are highly recommended for making the most of your trip, and ensuring you don’t miss out on any of the treasures the chapel has to offer.

A visit here is more than just a history lesson; the interactive touch screens can help you find your favourite carvings, there’s dressing up for all ages, and you can enjoy refreshments and do some shopping, which all help to contribute to a full day out. A free welcome leaflet with a map of the main interior and exterior carvings comes with your ticket, to get you started.

Touring inside and out

There is plenty for visitors to do within the chapel boundary and in the surrounding area.

The coffee shop offers a lovely opportunity to enjoy refreshments – with outside seating overlooking Roslin Glen if the weather permits. Here you can enjoy a warming soup, filled rolls, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cakes and more.

The Gift shop has wide range of souvenirs and gifts mostly exclusive to the site and many made in Scotland. Here you can also buy a copy of the Da Vinci code of course, the book which made this hidden Scottish gem into a global attraction. It’s also a fantastic place for gifts and cards for Christmas too.

There are lots of short and longer walks to enjoy from here – such as the lovely stroll to Rosslyn Castle nearby.

What’s on at Rosslyn Chapel

As well as being open to visitors, there are also special events held throughout the year.

Helping support the chapel

Run by Rosslyn Chapel Trust, which is a recognised charity, every visit supports ongoing conservation work for the chapel.

Rosslyn Chapel is situated in the village of Roslin, about 7 miles from the centre of Edinburgh, and is easy to reach by car or by bus. At the end of the village's Main Street, look out for Chapel Loan, a short lane about 240m/264 yds from the nearest bus stop, which is outside the Original Rosslyn Inn.

If driving to the Chapel, take the first entrance on the right to the main carpark. At the far end, there are five parking spaces for disabled drivers; these are around 55m/61yds from the entrance to the Visitor Centre.

Taxis usually drop people off outside the visitor centre.

Every effort is made to ensure the site is accessible to all, but you can find out more about accessibility and transport by visiting https://www.rosslynchapel.com/visit/access/

Entry prices

Entry is just £12 with reduced rate of £10 for aged 65+, students, unemployed, Young Scot cardholders, disabled, Armed Services; free for children in a family group and for recognised carers.

Why not give the gift that keeps on giving – a day out at the Chapel. An experience pack includes admission for two, tea or coffee and a cake for two and a guidebook in a presentation folder. See the website here for details.

If one visit is not enough, upgrade your day ticket to an annual pass for no extra cost.