Hadrian's Wall - Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders and Hadrian's Wall

Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders and Hadrian's Wall

The tour travels to the amazing and mysterious 15th century Rosslyn Chapel, across the historic Scotland / England border and south to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage Site celebrating the power – and northern limit – of the Roman Empire.

Rosslyn Chapel has always been mysterious and Scotland’s best-kept secret achieved worldwide fame after publication of ‘The Da Vinci Code’.

An architectural gem, its superb stone carvings are still not fully understood. Many visitors leave with their own theory but all are amazed. The short walk through the glen to ancient Roslin Castle is also fascinating.

Rosslyn Chapel

'The origin and meaning of Rosslyn Chapel’s mysterious stone carvings have long been the subject of much debate'

Given the Da Vinci Code’s subject matter, it’s no surprise that the beautiful and highly ornate 15th-century chapel features in it. It has long been the subject of much theorising and conjecture about its origins and the meanings of its famous stone carvings.

Many of these are amongst the best of their kind in Europe, with many depicting symbols relating to Old Testament texts and characters, the mysterious medieval order of the Knights Templar and to Freemasonry. Incredibly, some carvings even seem to show American plants such as maize and aloe vera, carved fifty years before Columbus’s voyages, while others have thus far defied interpretation.

Interior of Rosslyn Chapel

The beautiful Scottish Borders

Melrose Abbey

We travel south to charming Melrose for lunch. Melrose Abbey is believed to be the final resting place of King Robert the Bruce’s heart. Scotland’s great writer Sir Walter Scott (whose monument dominates Princes Street in Edinburgh) lived nearby and loved this beautiful area. One of the highlights of this tour is crossing the ancient Scotland/England border at Carter Bar in the Cheviot Hills.

The Wee Red Bus at the Scotland / England border

'Hadrian's Wall is the best-known frontier in the Roman Empire'

We follow in the footsteps of feuding clans and families, known as Border Reivers, who fought a series of violent raids across the border hills until the end of the 16th century. Today it represents the political border between two historic and proud nations.

Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most important monuments built by the Romans and is a stunning example of their engineering skills. It cuts Britain in half just south of the Scottish border. It is the best-known frontier in the Roman Empire and stands as a reminder of one of the world’s greatest civilizations. Built almost 2000 years ago to contain the fierce Picts in Caledonia it stretches for 73 miles and was designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.

Enjoy a walk along Hadrian's Wall

We travel to Housesteads Fort (National Trust) in Northumberland National Park, the best preserved Roman fort along Hadrian’s Wall. Here you can enjoy a free nature walk along one of the most dramatic and photographed stretches of the wall.

On our return to Edinburgh we stop in the Border market town of Jedburgh to stretch our legs and for photos of the famous abbey.

From £89 per adult


Departure days

  • Monday
  • Tuesday
  • Wednesday
  • Thursday
  • Friday
  • Saturday
  • Sunday

March — January

Contact details

Heart Of Scotland Tours

Tours depart Stand ZE
Waterloo Place
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3BQ

Tour information

Starting

  • Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh & The Lothians
  • Edinburgh - City Centre

Length

1 Day

Transport

  • Small coach

Type

  • Small Group (1-16)

Languages

  • English

Themes

  • Ancestry
  • Architecture
  • Castles
  • Film and TV
  • Geology
  • History
  • Landscapes
  • Literature

Tour prices


From £89 Per Adult £36 Per Child £86 Concession

Book now

Prices are subject to change depending on season

Tour Stops

Heart Of Scotland Tours

Tour company information

Heart Of Scotland Tours

Our 5-star, award winning guided tours are carefully designed to give you lots of variety by including the best-loved sights as well as hidden gems that many tourists never see. Enjoy the spectacular mountains of the Highlands, ancient castles, beautiful lochs and some of the best views in the world. We look forward to welcoming you onto our famous 16 seat Wee Red Buses to experience and enjoy the essential Scotland together.

Opening times

Our phone line is open from 07.00 to 21.00 every day +44(0)131 228 2888
Or book online at heartofscotlandtours.co.uk

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