Why Rosslyn Chapel is the perfect place to practise English after class

Rosslyn Chapel

Just 12 miles south of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel is one of Scotland’s most fascinating and mysterious places — and a wonderful destination for language learners looking to explore, listen and speak in English outside the classroom.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture or hidden symbols, this is a place that rewards curiosity — and offers plenty of new vocabulary along the way.

A short journey into legend

You can reach the village of Roslin easily from central Edinburgh. Simply take Lothian Buses number 37 from Princes Street. The journey takes around 45 minutes and finishes after a short walk from the bus stop to the chapel.

Tickets can be booked online via the Rosslyn Chapel website and we recommend doing so in advance, especially during summer.

Explore at your own pace

When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into the peaceful grounds of the 15th-century chapel. It’s a small building — but one full of stories.

Most visitors begin with a short introductory talk (included in your ticket) where a guide explains the history, carvings and legends of the chapel. You’ll hear new words like:

• apprentice pillar – a famous part of the chapel’s interior
• stone mason – a person who carves and shapes stone
• vaulted ceiling – a type of curved roof found in old churches
• stained glass – colourful window art often used in chapels and cathedrals

You’ll also be free to walk around at your own pace, reading the displays and noticing the incredible detail in the carvings — everything from stars and angels to green men and musical notes.

A good place to listen, think — and speak

Rosslyn Chapel is ideal for quiet English practice. You’ll read signs and information boards, listen to a live talk in English and maybe even ask a question or two. If you’re visiting with a classmate or friend, you could describe what you see or compare what you learned.

“I loved learning the vocabulary for carvings and stonework. I took pictures and then looked up the words later — it helped me remember.”

— Laurel from France, ECS Scotland student

Extend your visit: walk to Roslin Glen

If you have time (and good shoes), continue your visit with a short walk down into Roslin Glen. It’s a peaceful woodland trail near the chapel that includes a castle ruin, wildlife and the River North Esk.

This is a perfect place to practise describing nature in English: the colour of the trees, the sound of the water or how the path feels under your feet.

Why we love this for English learners

At ECS Scotland, we encourage students to keep learning after class — not with more grammar but with real experiences in English. Rosslyn Chapel offers:

• A cultural experience in clear, accessible English
• Guided listening practice
• New vocabulary you can see, hear and use
• A peaceful location to slow down, reflect and explore

And it’s just one bus ride away.

📽️ Watch: The story behind Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel may be small but it holds centuries of mystery, legend and incredible craftsmanship — all carved in stone.

In this beautifully filmed documentary, art historian Helen Rosslyn explores the secrets of the chapel her husband’s ancestor built over 500 years ago. You’ll hear about:

• Green men and inverted angels
• Masonic marks hidden in the stonework
• The search for the stonemasons who created this medieval masterpiece

This video is a great way to practise English listening and deepen your understanding of Scottish history and vocabulary before or after your visit.