Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery

Thinking about a day trip from Edinburgh that offers a good mix of history, beautiful landscapes, and a taste of Scotland’s famous whisky? This tour covering Rosslyn Chapel, the Borders, and Glenkinchie Distillery might just be what you’re after. While not the most in-depth guide to each site, it gives a well-rounded snapshot of some of the most iconic and picturesque spots just outside the city.

We really like how this tour combines cultural highlights like Rosslyn Chapel with stunning scenic drives through the Borders, and wraps up with a visit to one of the last Lowland distilleries. Plus, the price point—around $59—makes it accessible for many travelers looking for a full-day experience without breaking the bank.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that the time spent at each stop can feel a bit rushed, especially at Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey, which might be frustrating if you’re eager to explore every detail. The tour is best suited for those who appreciate a good overview rather than in-depth exploration, and who enjoy a mix of history and whisky. If you’re happy with a relaxed pace and engaging guides, this could be a solid choice.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning ensures a relaxed ride through scenic routes
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with engaging commentary and local insights
• The itinerary balances history, scenery, and whisky tasting in a manageable day from Edinburgh
• Timing at each stop is concise, so it’s better suited for those who prefer highlights over deep dives
• Price-to-value ratio is quite good, especially for the included sites and guided experience
• The tour is family-friendly (minimum age 4), but note that children under 8 aren’t permitted at the distillery

An Overview of the Itinerary

Rosslyn Chapel: The Mysterious “Library in Stone”

Your day begins outside Edinburgh Castle, where you’ll meet your guide and head out towards Rosslyn. This iconic chapel, often called the “Library in Stone,” is famed for its intricate carvings and the myths tangled around it—think Knights Templar legends and its connection to The Da Vinci Code.

Inside, you’ll find walls covered in thousands of carvings, each seemingly telling its own story. While the admission ticket isn’t included, many visitors find the architectural details and stories of the chapel captivating. One reviewer noted, “The docent was outstanding, bringing the history and restoration to life,” which suggests you’ll get a good storytelling experience.

Scenic Drive to the Borders and Melrose Abbey

Next, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive along Scotland’s border to Melrose, a town known for its connection to rugby and its historic abbey founded in 660 AD. This is a place that sparks curiosity, especially since it’s believed to be the burial site of Robert the Bruce’s heart casket.

Lunch here is part of the plan, giving you a chance to soak in the charming town and its surroundings. Be aware that, due to masonry inspections, the abbey itself is currently off-limits—no interior visits, just a walk around the grounds. Some travelers felt this was a bit of a letdown, with one describing the time at Melrose as “rushed,” especially if you’re eager to explore in detail.

Glenkinchie Distillery: Scotland’s Lowland Whisky

The final part of your journey takes you to Glenkinchie, one of the last remaining distilleries in the Lowlands. Here, you’ll experience a relaxed, informative tour about whisky-making—an art that’s been part of Scottish culture for centuries. The distillery is also the Lowland home of Johnnie Walker, adding a touch of whisky history to the visit.

While the whisky tasting itself is an optional extra (for those over 18), many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendly approach. One visitor called the guide “amazing,” and another experienced how the storytelling made whisky-making come alive.

What We Love About This Tour

Knowledgeable Guides: From the reviews, it’s clear that guides like Kenny, Graham, and Eric really make a difference. They bring Scottish history and stories to life, making each stop more engaging. One reviewer said, “Graham was extremely knowledgeable, very entertaining,” which shows how a good guide can turn a sightseeing trip into a memorable experience.

Stunning Scenery: The drive through the Scottish Borders offers lovely views that many travelers appreciated. The countryside landscape is what makes this part of Scotland so special—rolling hills, charming villages, and open skies. One review mentioned “breath-taking views,” emphasizing how the scenery enhances the day.

Good Value for Money: For roughly $59, this tour packs in multiple highlights—transport, entry to Rosslyn Chapel and the distillery, and an overview of local history. While the stops are brief, the guided commentary means you learn quite a bit without extra cost. Plus, the bus ride is air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable.

Cultural Blend: You get a taste of Scotland’s rich stories, its religious and royal history, and its whisky heritage—all in one day. For someone wanting a quick yet comprehensive cultural snapshot, it hits the mark.

The Realities of the Experience

Despite the many positives, there are some aspects to keep in mind. The most common critique is time management—many visitors felt the stops at Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey were too brief. For instance, Rosslyn is allocated 1 hour 30 minutes, which some found just enough to see the carvings and listen to a guide, but not enough for thorough exploration.

Another consideration is the nature of the tour: this isn’t a guided exploration of each site, but more of a shuttle service with commentary from the driver. As one reviewer pointed out, “This is not a guided tour,” which means if you’re after in-depth, personal tours of each location, you might be disappointed.

The group size maxes out at 32 travelers, which keeps things intimate enough for dialogue, but larger groups can sometimes feel rushed or crowded, especially at popular sites.

Travel Comfort and Flexibility

The transportation is described as air-conditioned and industry standard size, which should keep you comfortable during the drive. The day starts early at 8:30am, so arriving a bit earlier at the meeting point ensures smooth boarding. Restroom facilities are not available on the bus, so plan accordingly.

Family and Age Suitability

This tour is suitable for most travelers aged 4 and above, but note that children under 8 are not permitted at the distillery, which might impact family plans. The focus on history, scenery, and whisky appeals more to adults or older teens interested in Scotland’s culture.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is perfect if you’re after a relaxed, guided overview of some iconic Scottish sites without the hassle of planning each detail yourself. If you enjoy stories and local insights, you’ll love the guides’ engaging commentary. It’s a great way to see scenic landscapes, historical sites, and taste whisky—all in one day, at a reasonable price.

However, if you crave deep exploration or have tight time constraints, you might find the stops a bit rushed. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate a balanced itinerary that covers key highlights without the need for exhaustive touring.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but note that children under 8 aren’t allowed at Glenkinchie Distillery. The tour is family-friendly in general, but check individual site restrictions.

Does the tour include admission tickets?
No, the ticket for Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose Abbey, and the distillery are not included, so you’ll need to pay on site if you wish to enter.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 8:30am and returning to Edinburgh in the late afternoon.

What’s the transportation like?
The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle with industry-standard seats, accommodating up to 32 travelers comfortably.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts, allowing you to cancel for a full refund if plans change.

Is food included?
No, meals are not included. You can bring snacks or plan to buy lunch in Melrose, but the tour doesn’t provide food.

Is there WiFi on the bus?
No, WiFi is not available onboard, so come prepared with offline entertainment or maps.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, comfortable clothes, some cash for extras, and perhaps a light jacket—Scottish weather can be unpredictable.

Is the tour good for history buffs?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable and tell stories that bring the sites alive, especially at Rosslyn Chapel.

When does the tour depart?
It departs at 8:30am from 9 Castle Terrace in Edinburgh.

If you’re looking for an approachable, scenic, and informative day outside Edinburgh, this tour ticks many boxes. It offers a good mix of history, landscapes, and whisky with engaging guides who make the experience lively and authentic. While the stops are a bit brief and it’s more of a shuttle with commentary than a deep dive, it provides a satisfying snapshot of Scotland’s character for the price.

Ideal for travelers who want a balanced overview without the hassle of independent planning, and who enjoy storytelling as much as sightseeing. If you’re okay with a quick visit and a focus on highlights, this could be your perfect day trip.

Enjoy your Scottish adventure!