

A magnificent medieval chapel near Edinburgh with stunning stone carvings and links to the Knights Templar.
Venue Type
Indoor & Outdoor
Typical visit duration
1-3 hours
Booking
Walk-in
Recommended ages
7 years – 14 years
Coffee shop with light refreshments, sit-in or takeaway. Only accessible to paying visitors.
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Updated 31 March 2026Join KiddyCompass™ Family to unlock 10 insight categories and age suitability data.
Become a Family MemberThe castle is well known from The Da Vinci Code, and that connection alone makes it feel a bit special when you finally get the chance to visit. There’s something quite magical about standing in a place that has been featured in books, films, and so many stories over the years. The atmosphere is unique, with a mixture of history, mystery, and that cinematic feel that fans of the story will instantly recognise. One of the real highlights of the visit is the tour itself. The guide delivers a fantastic talk, explaining not only the parts connected to The Da Vinci Code but also the true history of the church and its significance. It’s informative without being overwhelming, and the guide brings the stories to life with great enthusiasm and clarity. You learn about the architecture, the symbolism, and the people who shaped the site, all in a way that is easy to follow and genuinely fascinating. The church is beautiful both inside and out, and whether or not you’re a fan of the film, it’s a place that leaves a real impression. Overall, it’s a wonderful visit—full of history, character, and great storytelling. A must-see if you’re exploring the area.
My second visit to this beautiful and atmospheric medieval chapel, while on a coach holiday in Scotland. Our visit was in a 90 minute timed slot (between 3.30 and 5.00pm), allowing us plenty of time to look around. Adult admission is £11.50, concessions £9.50, and children go free. We entered through a modern visitor centre just a few strides from the free car park. The exterior of the chapel is impressive enough, with its ornate pinnacles, statues and fearsome gargoyles. But the interior is absolutely stunning! The ceiling, arches and columns are all covered with intricate religious and symbolic carvings of saints and demons, plants and animals, angels and green men. Some beautiful stained glass too. Despite the throngs of tourists, this chapel had an air of wonder, mystery and legend. At 4.00pm, a guide gave us all a lively and entertaining 20 minute talk about the chapel's history - and the shocking story of the Apprentice's Pillar! - and we were also given a free map to help us find the most interesting carvings. You need to watch your step because the floor is uneven in places. A long steep staircase (with a rail) leads down into the crypt where some of "The Da Vinci Code" was filmed. No photography is allowed inside the chapel, but outside is fine! It's worth visiting the small museum in the visitor centre to learn more about the history and restoration. There's a lovely gift shop, toilets, and a café where you can get snacks, scones, and hot and cold drinks. An architectural treasure not to be missed!
Really interesting visit. Easy to find, lots of parking which was free. Lovely surroundings. Extremely helpful staff. The guides in the chapel were very knowledgeable and their presentation during the visit times lot was extremely entertaining. The chapel itself is enchanting and well worth seeing for yourself up close with so many years of mystery built into its fabric.
Ever since I arrived in the UK, I dreamed of visiting two sacred places for my soul: Stonehenge and Rosslyn Chapel. I felt their calling like points of light on the map of a personal initiation.** A few days ago, I took advantage of a reunion with a dear friend in Edinburgh, and together we set off for Roslin. We visited the famous chapel – a mysterious place, full of symbols – and I took a few photographs... until I noticed a small sign in a shadowy corner: "Photography prohibited." Still, I had the joy of speaking with a volunteer deeply passionate about the history of the place. We exchanged ideas, and I felt a gateway to deeper knowledge quietly opening before us. The energy inside the chapel reminded me of certain Dacian sacred sites, yet here the feeling was denser, heavier – as if many silences had gathered between the stones. The crypt, however, conveyed something entirely different. That’s where I felt the true heart of the place. I believe it was the first structure built, and the most important – not by chance. There are a few objects displayed there that, to those who know how to look, reveal the chapel's role as a space of initiation. What drew me most were the two famous pillars: the **Master's Pillar** and the **Apprentice's Pillar**, both echoing the Legend of Hiram and Solomon's Temple. The carved messages are alive – alive like runes still whispering. I wholeheartedly recommend visiting this place – but not blindly. Go prepared. For if you do not know what you are seeking, you will pass by the mystery as you would a cold, lifeless wall.
They are really dedicated to this chapel. Your money will not be lost in circulation somewhere.. But the people who work for this jewel are doing a great job. They told us a lot of stories and there was even a brochure about the church in our language. We could understand better everything we see in this magical place.I highly recommend to go here just for the fact that the chapel was part of the film.
Reviews last updated: 7 February 2026
This venue was last updated on 6 February 2026
