Roslin: Rosslyn Chapel, Rosslyn Castle and Roslin Glen

Roslin combines ornate stonework, medieval history and the landscape of Roslin Glen. Those planning a trip involving culture, nature and different types of walks and hikes will find several options here for structuring their days. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider Roslin as a base for your plans and compare the experiences you want with the available bus connections.

Rosslyn Chapel and medieval history

Rosslyn Chapel was founded as a family chapel in 1446 and rededicated in 1862 under the direction of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Its design is particularly impressive: practically every stone surface inside and outside is covered with carvings. These include mystical animals, complex foliage ornaments and religious figurative sculptures. Anyone interested in architecture, craftsmanship and historical details can spend a long time visiting without having to limit themselves to a single motif.

The Rosslyn Chapel visitor centre has touchscreens, interactive storytelling kiosks and a dressing-up area. Rosslyn Chapel guides give talks throughout the day about the chapel's history, the history of the family and important carvings. This allows the visit to be combined with different forms of interpretation. Rosslyn Castle stands on a rocky promontory and is surrounded by the River North Esk on three sides. The building is of national importance for understanding medieval castles and their development and is regarded as the ancestral seat of the St Clair family. A short ten-minute walk from Rosslyn Chapel leads to Rosslyn Castle.

The Battle of Roslin also forms part of the site's historical context. It is apparently regarded as one of the largest battles in Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence. This history adds another perspective on Roslin's past alongside the visible buildings.

Roslin Glen between woodland, river and walking trails

Roslin Glen is a cultural landscape developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Forty-seven hectares of the mixed deciduous woodland in the Roslin Glen valley are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Paths along the banks of the River North Esk run through Roslin Glen, offering opportunities to see wildlife and providing a peaceful setting. Roslin Glen South also features a 25-metre-high river cliff along the River North Esk.

Roslin Glen Country Park has paths leading to woodland, the riverbank and weir, wildflower meadows and historic features. For a longer tour, a 13-mile walking route to Rosslyn Chapel passes through Roslin Glen. Grail Trails offers three routes, ranging from relaxed family walks to more demanding hikes through Roslin Glen. There is also an interactive discovery trail from The Original Rosslyn Inn to the gorge and back.

Those interested in the valley's industrial past can include the ruined mill buildings in Roslin Glen South. They are accessible from Roslin Glen Country Park via the Gunpowder Mill gates; from there, they are approximately 600 metres upstream. This means that travel plans can include both shorter walks and longer routes as well as historical discoveries.

Roslin as a base for your travel planning

Roslin village has good bus services in both directions every day. This is a specific factor if you want to plan your arrival and departure as well as excursions without relying exclusively on your own car. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore consider whether the focus of your trip should be on Rosslyn Chapel and Rosslyn Castle, the paths in Roslin Glen, or a combination of culture and landscape. A holiday apartment in Roslin can thus be incorporated into a travel plan that takes the village and its diverse experiences into account.

Explore more destinations

If you would like to compare other places for your travel planning in addition to Roslin, you can also view Gorebridge, Penicuik, Loanhead, North Middleton, Dalkeith, Polton, Rosewell and Bonnyrigg.

For the overarching travel overview: Midlothian.