Rosslyn Chapel & Pentlands tour: Da Vinci Code sites half-day

A 15th-century chapel tied to one of literature's biggest mysteries sits three stops into the Pentlands.

This half-day guided tour of the Pentlands region takes you through three sites spanning Iron Age ramparts, 17th-century mansion gardens, and Rosslyn Chapel, the 15th-century chapel famous for its intricate carvings and connection to the Da Vinci Code. Door-to-door pickup in a luxury minivan, live guide commentary in English or German, bottled water and WiFi on board are included. The tour runs 4 hours and suits all fitness levels; wheelchair-accessible vehicles and specialized infant seats are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Pentlands historic sites

• Visit Castlelaw Hillfort
• Tour Penicuik House and gardens
• Explore Rosslyn Chapel

The Experience

You get picked up from your accommodation and driven through the Pentlands in a climate-controlled Mercedes minivan. The route moves through three distinct periods of Scottish history in a single afternoon: first the Iron Age ramparts of Castlelaw Hillfort, where you stand among ancient earthworks that once held strategic importance; then Penicuik House, a 17th-century mansion with ornate architecture and gardens that speak to Scottish nobility; and finally Rosslyn Chapel, the 15th-century structure whose intricate stone carvings have made it a focal point for Da Vinci Code readers and historians alike. A live guide provides commentary throughout the journey, available in English or German depending on your preference.

Rosslyn Chapel is the anchor of the day. Built in the 15th century, it carries layers of history—Templar legends, architectural detail, and the modern pull of Dan Brown's novel have all converged on this single building. The chapel's carvings are what draw people in; you walk through and see what the intrigue is about firsthand. The other two stops frame it: Castlelaw Hillfort shows you the landscape's older story, and Penicuik House demonstrates how the region's power shifted over centuries. The sequence matters because it builds context rather than jumping between unrelated sites.

The minivan is private to your group, which means no waiting for other travelers and no fixed departure times beyond your pickup window. WiFi and bottled water are on board. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible, and if you're traveling with infants or small children, specialized seats and stroller space are available. All three sites are accessible to visitors of varying mobility levels. The tour is designed to work for anyone, regardless of fitness—you're not hiking steep terrain or covering long distances on foot.

What’s included

• Door-to-door pickup from your accommodation in a luxury Mercedes minivan.
• live guide commentary in English or German.
• WiFi on board.
• bottled water for all passengers.
• air-conditioned vehicle throughout the 4-hour tour.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hearts and Highlands

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free afternoon and want to move through three distinct historical periods without arranging your own transport or timing—the minivan picks you up, the guide handles the narrative, and the sequence builds from ancient ramparts through 17th-century grandeur to the chapel that ties it all together. Choose the Premium option if you want additional amenities beyond the core experience.

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Top questions

What exactly is Rosslyn Chapel and why is it famous?

Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century stone building in the Pentlands known for its intricate carved details and its association with Templar legends and the Da Vinci Code. The chapel's carvings have captured scholarly and popular attention for centuries, and the building itself is the centerpiece of this tour.

How long is the tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs 4 hours total. You're picked up from your accommodation at a time you arrange, so the start depends on your location and preference rather than a fixed group departure.

Is lunch included, and will there be time to eat?

Lunch is not included in this tour. The 4-hour itinerary covers three sites with guide commentary; you can discuss meal timing with your guide when you arrange your pickup.

Can I book this tour if I'm visiting with young children?

Yes. Specialized infant seats are available, and children can travel in a pram or stroller. The tour involves walking through three sites at a moderate pace, and all locations are accessible to families with small children.

What's the difference between the Basic and Premium private tour options?

Both options include door-to-door pickup, the luxury minivan, live guide commentary, WiFi and bottled water. The Premium option offers additional amenities; you can review the specific differences at checkout to decide which suits your needs.

Is the minivan wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the luxury Mercedes minivan is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options throughout the tour accommodate wheelchair users. All three sites—Castlelaw Hillfort, Penicuik House and Rosslyn Chapel—are accessible to visitors with mobility needs.