Rosslyn Chapel
Roslin, United Kingdom
A 15th-century chapel covered inside with elaborate stone carvings, just south of Edinburgh. Tickets are timed in busy months.
Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, south of Edinburgh, was founded as a family chapel by Sir William St Clair in 1446, according to the chapel itself; Wikipedia gives 1456 as the start of construction. It was unfinished when its founder died in 1484, and his son Oliver had the choir roofed over. The chapel is famous for its dense stone carving: according to Wikipedia, this includes the Apprentice Pillar, 213 projecting cubes on pillars and arches, and more than 110 depictions of the "Green Man". After the Reformation the building fell into decay, and it was rededicated in 1862. Today it is an active church of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Historians regard the speculation about the Templars as unproven.
Allow one to one and a half hours. Photography inside the chapel has been banned since 2008. In high season it is advisable to book a timed ticket in advance and to arrive early in the day. The visitor centre, open since 2011, is part of the chapel grounds.
- Nearest town
- Roslin, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 55.8553, -3.1600
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Lothian Bridge Caravan ParkCampsite6 km from Rosslyn ChapelTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Mortonhall Caravan and Camping ParkCampsite6 km from Rosslyn ChapelTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Drummohr Camping GroundCampsite14 km from Rosslyn ChapelTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Crossburn Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover21 km from Rosslyn ChapelTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Glentress Forest LodgesCampsite23 km from Rosslyn ChapelTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Pettycur Bay Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover23 km from Rosslyn ChapelTentsCaravansMotorhomes
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Rosslyn Chapel?
Rosslyn Chapel is in Roslin, United Kingdom, at GPS 55.8553, -3.1600. It is about 11 km from Edinburgh.
Can you camp near Rosslyn Chapel?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Slatebarns Caravan Park, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Rosslyn Chapel?
Rosslyn Chapel is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Scottish Borders: abbeys along the Tweed.
What is there to see near Rosslyn Chapel?
Places worth a stop nearby: Edinburgh Old Town (11 km), Traquair House (28 km), Melrose Abbey (40 km) and Scott’s View (43 km).
When is the best time to visit Rosslyn Chapel?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)