Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Rosslyn Chapel is open to visitors again with extra safety measures in place and a new booking system, giving 90 minutes for your visit. Please book your visit in advance on our website. Dating back to 1446, the is just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre and is open to visitors all year. The Chapel's setting and the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework have attracted and intrigued visitors for generations. A starring role in The Da Vinci Code propelled it into the international spotlight. There are countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel and our tour guides will be able to tell you more about these, and the building's history, when you visit. Please note that photography inside the Chapel is not allowed but there are no restrictions on outside photography. New visitor centre with touch-screen technology, letting you see the carvings close up; gift shop and good coffee shop. Full details of how to get here and what to see and do is on our website.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- cathandrichard12Falkirk, United Kingdom149 contributionsA fascinating and historical buildingThis is a fascinating and historical building. It is beautiful inside and outside, it is still in use as a church with regular Sunday services but it is also set up for tourists. It was quite crowded when we visited with 3 coach tours, but many people left soon so we were able to have a good look round. The guide was good and told some fascinating stories about the chapel, but made it clear that some of the descriptions in "The Da Vinci Code" , for example, are not strictly true. Well worth visiting.Thank you for visiting and for leaving such a great review. We know that the talks, given by our Guides are often a highlight of a visit and, for the benefit of other travellers, these are included in each timeslot throughout the day.Written 11 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 October 2023
- MarkSheffield, United Kingdom719 contributionsUnexpectedThis was one location I have been past so many times without realising where it was, a number of days in Edinburgh gave us the chance to pay a visit. The chapel is amazing full if history with the staff providing help and an extensive knowledge of the building, pricing is reasonable and although a wet rainy day the inside was relaxing.I can see from its size the need to book, it is small and could get quite crowded, so ensure you book a time.I can also understand the need regards pictures but it does take away some of the overall experience as these are positive memory's to have and take away from the visit. Sit, relax and look around there is so much to see.Thank you for visiting Rosslyn Chapel and for your great review. We all agree with your suggestion for visitors to 'sit, relax and look around'! For the benefit of other travellers, the Chapel is just 7 miles from Edinburgh city centre and we do advise booking through our website to guarantee your visit.Written 23 October 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- B FLondon, United Kingdom16 contributionsAmazing visit, definitely worth goingAn absolute must see when visiting Edinburgh. Amazing visitor centre, excellent cafe, delicious soup and savoury scone, well priced. The chapel is fascinating and all the staff throughout the visit were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Its rare nowadays that's things exceed your expectations but Rosslyn Chapel definitely didThank you very much for giving such a great review of your visit. We were all delighted to know that you had enjoyed all aspects of your visit so much.Written 16 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 November 2023
- YHZGlobetrotterWaverley, Canada762 contributionsDon’t miss it!Another check mark off my bucket list. I have been wanting to visit Rosslyn Chapel for many years and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The carvings and masonry of the entire chapel (inside and out) are magnificent. The in-depth visitor centre was so helpful and informative. The cafe serves delicious food and there’s a lovely gift shop. But the highlight of course lies inside the chapel doors and the history (since 1445) and stories it holds. We waited for the commentary talk by a chapel curate and he answered so many questions. The chapel was fascinating.Thank you for visiting and for leaving such a great review. I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed all aspects of your visit - from the Chapel itself and talk from our Guide to our gift shop and coffee shop - and we'll hope to welcome you back in the future.Written 24 November 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 November 2023
- dazman_familyMelbourne, Australia456 contributionsRosslyn Chapel - does not disappoint.This must be the most beautiful chapel I have ever seen (and trust me, I've seen a few!). Be sure to have the 15-minute guided talk. The woman who gave our talk was exceptional. Such a fascinating history, and be sure to ask about William, the chapel cat.Thank you for visiting and for leaving such a great review. We'll hope to welcome you back in future. For the benefit of other travellers, each of our timeslots includes a free talk from one of our Guides covering some of the Chapel's history and legends.Written 18 December 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 December 2023
- Helen HMoffat, United Kingdom28 contributionsA magical candle lit evening in an extraordinary setting.We had the privilege of being part of a small group that had the opportunity to visit the chapel on a winters evening and to hear from our wonderful guide, Helen, the history and the mystery of Rosslyn. The atmosphere created by being candle lit was intimate, relaxed and mystical. Then having time to wander at will through the chapel was icing on a delicious Christmas cake. A location and an experience not to be missed. Thank you.Thank you for coming to our candlelit visit and for giving it such a great review. We were all delighted to hear that you had enjoyed it so much! We run a series of these visits around Christmas time so I'm sure that your review will encourage others to enjoy a candlelit experience in future.Written 18 December 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 14 December 2023
- Madeline0403Detroit, Michigan101 contributionsHistoric chapelRosslyn Chapel is the kind of place where everywhere you turn, you find something interesting and unexpected. The carvings and windows are beautiful and I ventured down to the Sacristy. The grounds are lovely, as well. If you are in Edinburgh, a visit to Rosslyn Chapel is a definite must-do.Dear Madeline0403, Thank you for taking the time to write us a 5* review and for visiting us here at Rosslyn Chapel. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. We hope to welcome you back to Rosslyn Chapel in the future.Written 18 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 22 December 2023
- JenJen85254Scottsdale, Arizona158 contributionsTake the Kids!This was my husband's pick for a touristy item while in Scotland this past Christmas. He chose it based on his viewings of Ancient Aliens. We ended up spending much longer here than planned and had to drag our son out. We were lucky enough to listen to a speaker in the Chapel itself and see things we would never have noticed otherwise. Our 7 year old loved the guide for children -he found his way around and the speakers were so patient in answering all his questions. Inside the centre we continued our learning and our son found the kids area with dress up, building and games. He would have spent all day here. We did get a quick snack at the cafe which was much better than you usually get at these places. Definitely an amazing day out and so much to do for the kids!Dear JenJen85254, Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful 5* review and for visiting us here at Rosslyn Chapel. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. We hope to welcome you back to Rosslyn Chapel in the future.Written 20 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 1 February 2024
- Derek M26 contributionsFamily presentationMy daughter in law was awarded a BEM in the King's honours list. She chose to have her award presentation in the Chapel. What a wonderful place for it. My wife and I had visited it several days prior with 2 of our grandchildren, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of it all, especially the "whispering door. There are lots of things for them to get involved in, and also a lovely cafe and gift shop. Staff were excellent, and the guides very knowledgeable within the Chapel. To return later in the week was amazing, seeing it in a "°different light" On this special occasion, we were allowed to take photos inside. Thank you for that.Dear Derek M, Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful 5* review and for visiting us here at Rosslyn Chapel. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your time with us on both occasions. We hope to welcome you back to Rosslyn Chapel in the future.Written 20 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 23 February 2024
- Dino422 contributionsVery interesting and welcoming!Such interesting history! I have always wanted to visit as I am a big history fan and was not disappointed. Inside the chapel and the info in the welcome centre was all so informative and well presented. We sat in for a talk by one of the guides who was very knowledgeable, interesting and engaging! Even my partner had a great time and he is not a huge history person. The cafe and shop were both good too, we had breakfast and coffee and no complaints at all. Could not recommend more!Dear Sulls, Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful 5* review and for visiting us here at Rosslyn Chapel. We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. We hope to welcome you back to Rosslyn Chapel in the future.Written 20 March 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 February 2024
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4.5
3,782 reviews
Excellent
2,697
Very good
783
Average
179
Poor
61
Terrible
62
Jacqui M
632 contributions
Aug 2020
Having not visited for over 10 years, we came back with grandchildren. Unfortunately, it was during the easing of lockdown and certain restrictions were in place, such as having to book a 90-minute slot, limited access to the cafe and some areas in the chapel closed. The modern entrance housing the gift shop and cafe looked incongruous but improved the waiting experience! Once inside the chapel, we were subjected to a one-way system which diminished the joy of wandering round at leisure. A volunteer guide gave an interesting talk, pointing out various objects which were difficult to pick out because of the need to move on, with people behind us. Worth returning to when some normality resumes!
Written 10 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim W
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Apr 2019
Set in peaceful surroundings and well worth a visit if you loved 'The Da Vinci Code'. The trip to Rosslyn Chapel was the unexpected highlight of my 2016 Scotland/Ireland holiday. We arrived half an hour before closing and were fortunate enough to sit in and listen to the last (free) talk of the day from one of the guides (who I have since seen being interviewed on tv documentarys about the Chapel). In the talk, the guide highlighted to the left-hand corner where numerous sightings of angels are seen by a few, as well as talking about the exact point (or cross) where the St Michael and Mary Magdalene (Rose Line) intersect. It was interesting (and amusing) to see everyone rush to those points of interest after her talk was finished, so I just sat there and waited in my pew. It was the ley lines I was interested in and when it was clear, I stood up and moved to this spot. Within seconds of standing there I felt a wave of immense energy come from within me that it reeled me backwards. As this happened, I just happened to look over to the guide who was still standing behind the dais and noticed that she was watching me smiling. We walked towards each other and she said that she could only count five times what she had just witnessed with me! I was that overwhelmed that I burst into tears, so this beautiful lady gave me a hug and she said that she'd like to give me some candles that had been blessed (and this strange experience didn't finish there!) As I followed her up the aisle to the front of the church I became aware that my legs were growing heavier and heavier with each step (like I was being pulled down from a force beneath). It was a strange sensation and it started to really scare me, particularly for one who has an open mind to a lot of esoteric things. On this, I took my candles and thanked our guide and once outside I was fine. There were more things said about what the guide had witnessed with her time at the Chapel, but I won't go into it here. I wish I could have stayed longer that afternoon as I didn't want to leave and I regret not having the time to explore the Chapel's outer surroundings too. So, if anyone reads this, make sure you give yourself a couple of hours at this amazing site and I hope you get to experience a little big of angelic magic too.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,657 contributions
Oct 2020
An incredible little Gothic chapel with elaborate masonry, carvings and decoration that make it comparable to some of the most magnificent Gothic cathedrals in Europe, and I've seen a few. Just about every centimetre of the chapel is decorated with relief and statues, some in poor state, but mostly beautifully restored. My only complaint is the entrance price which is high for a 1 hour visit. We visited on one of the time slots that also includes a guided tour and talk was very interesting. Photos and videos are not permitted inside the church, so if it wasn't for the guided tour, I'd feel short-changed.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chilled04
Glasgow, Scotland129 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Enjoyed visit to Rosslyn Chapel. Amazing building and the stone carvings are incredible. Lots of information as you go round the church. Only slight issue was that it felt like there were too many people in at the time of our visit. We had prebooked a time slot and expected it to be quieter but you had to wait to see next information board and move constantly to let people passed. I would say reduced the numbers you are letting in just for a little while more to make people feel safe.
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greenacres18
Wells, UK160 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Amazing, fascinating and full of mystery. Really worth the visit.
Due to covid you must book a slot online if you want to go inside, although you can walk round the outside no problem and use the cafe.
Couldn't find the holy grail this time but maybe on another visit 😀
Due to covid you must book a slot online if you want to go inside, although you can walk round the outside no problem and use the cafe.
Couldn't find the holy grail this time but maybe on another visit 😀
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your great review and for highlighting that visits should be booked through our website in advance.
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dgutte
Benidorm, Spain5,446 contributions
Aug 2020
Visited this week and had a great visit. It really is a beautiful church with wonderful history.
TIP: if you are visiting under the COVID restrictions, where numbers are limited and have to be pre-booked, stay in the gift shop and cafe for half an hour or so. Everyone heads straight to the chapel which means you feel pressured to make your way round the chapel fairly briskly. If you wait, let everyone go round until they head to the gift shop, you will have a much more intimate experience.
TIP: if you are visiting under the COVID restrictions, where numbers are limited and have to be pre-booked, stay in the gift shop and cafe for half an hour or so. Everyone heads straight to the chapel which means you feel pressured to make your way round the chapel fairly briskly. If you wait, let everyone go round until they head to the gift shop, you will have a much more intimate experience.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for posting your review and a good tip for other visitors! Each visit, booked through our website, gives visitors 90 minutes to enjoy the Chapel and visitor centre (including shop and coffee shop).
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KJM377
Glasgow, UK190 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
My friend and I came to visit the chapel on the 7th of February. We sat in and listened to one of the best tour guides talk about the history and myths of the chapel. The main part of the chapel is accessible for all but you will need to be able to use rather steep steps to go in to the lower part of the building. The intricate carvings and the story behind them is fascinating. The tour guide talked about the film that was done at the chapel... I've still not seen it! Once you have done the chapel there are walking areas, down to the graveyard has a steep hill for those that have mobility issues. The cafe is lovely and reasonably priced. The 2 lads working in the cafe are brothers and were very polite and took our order to the table. Lots of souvenirs and gifts and lovely jewellery on sale too. Look out for the wee cat... he may take up a seat with you in the chapel.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meandmybloke
Mansfield, UK260 contributions
Aug 2020
This chapel is really worth a visit. Book your time online before visiting. Easy to get to on the bus with a short walk up to the chapel. Tours are well organised and Maureen gave us a brilliant talk on the Chapel’s history. Very nice small shop and cafe. All visitors are asked to leave for ten minutes throughout the day so that sanitisation can take place inside. Look out for William the Chapel cat although he doesn’t like a lot of fuss from visitors.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review and great comments. I'm very pleased to hear that you enjoyed your visit so much and even managed to spot William the Chapel Cat!
Written 20 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chillin2812
Corfu, Greece26 contributions
Mar 2020
A beautiful little chapel on the outside and a stunning gem on the inside. We had some time to wander round taking in some of the skilled masonry work inside the chapel before the guide gave the audience a wealth of information explaining the design, the building, the features, the restoration work and the amusing stories of the people through the years.
I have no interest in The De Vince Code or the Knights Templar but didn’t need any as this building captivated me with its beauty and I would happily visit again.
I have no interest in The De Vince Code or the Knights Templar but didn’t need any as this building captivated me with its beauty and I would happily visit again.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmydob
Carnock, UK40 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I have been wanting to visit for years as a huge Da Vinci Code fan. I was shocked at how small the chapel is but somehow this added to its beauty and intimate feeling. The masonry is amazing, I could have spent all day looking at it. We sat and listened to the guide's talk and it was so interesting (and at times funny). As much as I would loved to have taken photos inside, I think it is the right decision not to allow this. Just myself and my husband visited this time and I was surprised (and thrilled) to find next time we visit our teenage kids will get entry free. All in all a lovely way to spend a few hours and every staff member we spoke to was very friendly.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it far to walk from the bus stop from Edinburgh to Rosslyn chaoel
Written 23 September 2024
Is the 1.5 visit time on your booking just for the chapel or whole site? Can we spend more time exploring the grounds etc?
Written 16 May 2023
1.5 hours is what they say for the chapel but there not strict on that as for walking around the grounds you could take as long as you like very friendly staff couldn’t fault them when I went
Written 18 May 2023
Hola, hay audioguia en español? Gracias
Written 13 March 2020
Unfortunately, I'm not sure if they provide audioguides at all. There is a local guide in the chapel but the tour is in English. There are also informational cards with mutiple languages but I'm again not sure about Spanish though I almost expect that to be on there too. You can contact them directly btw via their website - I'm sure they will let you know.
Hope you can enoy the chapel :).
BR Lisa
Written 16 March 2020
Per cortesia, sapete se la Cappella di Rosslyn è compresa nell'Explorer di 3 giorni?
Written 14 February 2020
JoyRatford
Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Hello. We are a family on holiday with our dog. Can we walk dog easily outside in grounds - taking it in turns. Or would he be allowed inside the chapel.
Written 24 July 2019
There are parking areas to walk your dog but I doubt it would be allowed inside the gates.
Elizabeth
Written 27 July 2019
FarAway802680 has stated that the accessibility to the Chapel is good. I am disabled and use a camper-van sized vehicle. Can I park close to the Chapel? If not, how far away is the nearest car park as my mobility is limited.
Written 13 June 2019
The parking lot is relatively close. If I remember correctly, it is a gravel parking lot. Your camper sized van will be fine, tour buses fit in the lot.
Written 21 June 2019
A Tripadvisor member
Rome, Italy
4 contributions
ciao, a dicembre sarò qualche giorno a Edimburgo. Come si arriva dal centro città alla chiesa di Rosslyn usando i mezzi pubblici? e dove si prendono? grazie mille
H. in december, i'll be in Edimburg......how i can came to Rossyln chapel by public transport?
Written 1 November 2018
It's easy to get to the Chapel by public transport from Edinburgh city centre with a Lothian bus, service 37, marked Penicuik/Deanburn; if in doubt ask the driver! You can also come with one of the minibus tours which visits the Chapel or by taxi. You will find more information on the Chapel website; click on 'visit' and 'getting here'. We'll look forward to welcoming you.
Written 1 November 2018
se puede visitar el sitio en donde fue clonada la oveja Dolly?
Written 4 August 2018
Dolly was cloned at the Roslin Institute in Midlothian, part of Edinburgh University. I do not think you can visit. Dolly's remains are in the National Museum of Scotland. She is preserved there.
Written 6 August 2018
Ciao, Claudio. Cosa desideri sapere su questa attrazione?
Salve, ho letto su un sito di viaggi che attualmente la struttura ha delle impalcature esterne ed interne per lavori di ristrutturazione, questo mi fa pensare che forse non si riesce ad apprezzare tutta la sua bellezza.....Ringrazio anticipatamente per le eventuali risposte ricevute
Cordiali saluti
Claudio
Written 22 July 2018
Io ci sono stato a fine maggio, qualcosa all'interno c'era ancora. All'esterno nulla.
La visita comunque non veniva disturbata dalle impalcature.
Written 23 July 2018
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