Rosslyn Chapel Religious Site
15th-century Scottish chapel famed for intricate stone carvings
Located near Roslin, south of Edinburgh, the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel draws visitors for its richly carved stone vaults, detailed masons' work and associations with popular history; guided tours focus on masonry, iconography and medieval craftsmanship.
Rosslyn Chapel at a Glance#
Address: Chapel Lane, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PU, Scotland, UK
Website: https://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk
Hours: Daily 10:00am-5:00pm (seasonal variations; check website)
Admission: Approx. £11 adult, concessions and family tickets available (check official site)
About Rosslyn Chapel#
Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century chapel in the village of Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland, founded in the mid 1400s by the Sinclair family. It is widely noted for its exceptionally detailed carved stonework.
The chapel was founded by William Sinclair in the mid 15th century as a collegiate chapel for the Sinclair family. Over subsequent centuries it suffered periods of neglect and partial repair; conservation and interpretation work and a purpose-built visitor centre have been undertaken in recent decades.
The chapel sits in the village of Roslin, about 11 km south of central Edinburgh, set in a small valley above the River North Esk and accessed from the A701 road.
- Proximity to Edinburgh: Located in the village of Roslin about 11 km south of Edinburgh city centre, with an on-site visitor centre that supports guided tours.
- 15th-century origins: Construction of the chapel began in the mid 15th century under the patronage of the Sinclair (St Clair) family and many original carved stones remain visible today.
What to See#
- Apprentice Pillar: A freestanding sculpted column inside the chapel noted for dense vegetal carving, figures and local folklore tied to its craftsmanship.
- Chancel and nave: Chapel interior including the choir and nave where extensive carved stonework depicts biblical scenes, saints and a wide range of vegetal and animal motifs carved in local sandstone.
How to Get to Rosslyn Chapel#
Rosslyn is about 13 km (8 miles) south of Edinburgh city centre. From Edinburgh Waverley station take Lothian Buses 37 or 67 to Roslin/Rosslyn; the chapel is a short walk from the bus stop. Driving from Edinburgh follows the A702 south then A701/A772; limited on-site parking is available.
Tips for Visiting Rosslyn Chapel#
- Arrive early (opening) or late afternoon to catch the chapel's light and avoid coach groups.
- Look for the apprentice pillar inside - the deep keyhole-shaped cut is often missed in quick visits.
- Buy timed-entry tickets online on busy summer weekends; the small gift shop sells a multilanguage guide with detailed carving photos.
Best Time to Visit Rosslyn Chapel#
Best visited spring through autumn for decent light and easier access; winter can be wet and some visitor services are reduced.
Weather & Climate near Rosslyn Chapel#
Rosslyn Chapel's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (710 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 6° | -2° | 67 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 6° | -1° | 48 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.4h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 55 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 44 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 5° - 14° | 7° | 51 mm | overcast | 83% | 4.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.0h |
| June | Good | 8° - 16° | 12° | 57 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.1h |
| July | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 60 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.6h |
| August | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 62 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.8h |
| September | Good | 8° - 15° | 12° | 67 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 12° | 6° | 71 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 9° | 2° | 63 mm | overcast | 93% | 5.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 7° | 0° | 65 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
