Rosslyn Chapel Reviews Summary

Architecture & Carvings

Pros:

• "Stunning stonework and architecture the detail, in some places so worn but absolutely breathtaking, very gothic looking in its style the intricacy inside is unbelievable, worth the ticket money and the trip."
• "The chapel is renowned for its intricate and ornate stone carvings, which depict a wide range of biblical and mythological scenes."
• "The architecture is stunning and the history feeds the imagination."
• "The entire chapel itself is a truly amazing work of art and I count myself lucky to have seen it and touched it with my own hands."
• "The interior is a visual feast. Virtually every inch of the stone surface is adorned with intricate carvings - biblical scenes, symbolic representations, and mysterious figures."
• "The chapel has amazing history and stone carving."
• "The stone carvings in the chapel are amazing."

Cons:

• "The chapel is so big from the outside but it seems so small inside."
• "Didn’t realise it was intended to be much bigger."
• "It's not the biggest medieval structure but it has got to be one of the top 5 in the UK for intricate stone carving."
• "Not the prettiest church inside, but some great stone carvings and good stories behind the stonework."
• "No pictures are allowed inside, which is very disappointing since there are too many details to take in at once."
• "The chapel hasn't changed that much. It's still damp inside and it still has that eerie tang of magic."
• "It is more like a commercial establishment than a historical relic."

Guided Tours & Staff

Pros:

• "The staff at the main entrance are absolutely fantastic. Worth their wait in gold. Nothing was too much hassle for them."
• "Make sure to stay for the tours that are given every hour for free. It's more than worth your time!!"
• "We appreciated the guide who gave us a 30 minute talk about the history of the chapel."
• "The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable."
• "Neil gave a very interesting talk on the history and you could see and hear his enthusiasm."
• "The staff provides a very informative presentation of the history of the chapel and the St. Clair family owning it."
• "The guide inside the chapel explained the symbols and their history."

Cons:

• "However the guide (woman) has given some false information today in regards to the history of the Chapel."
• "The guided tour was not a really a guided tour, but a 30 min oral presentation by one of the chapel experts."
• "The person who did the talk was not very good. She put her own spin on things and brushed over some very historic info."
• "Thought there was going too be a guided tour, like last time, but was just left to look around on our own."
• "Bought tickets for the chapel, but after we bought the tickets they told us we had missed the talk and the next one was not for 1.5 hours."
• "Unfortunately we didn't realise that you had to book a timed slot in advance to visit the chapel."
• "The person who did the talk was not very good. She put her own spin on things and brushed over some very historic info."

Visitor Facilities & Accessibility

Pros:

• "There is a really good cafe and gift shop on site too."
• "Beautiful place to see. Free car parking."
• "Parking is free here."
• "There is a great cafe superb clean toilets and shop wheelchair users can get around."
• "The visitor centre provides limited toilet facilities, a small shop, additional information boards and activity stations, and a small cafe (which offers good food and drinks)."
• "Plenty of parking but in busier seasons thr parking lot may become full. Restrooms, cafe, and gift shop onsite. Handicap accessible."
• "Certain areas of the Chapel can be accessed by wheelchair like the visitor centre and main Chapel."

Cons:

• "Small cafe does not have vegan options - be prepared with your own snacks."
• "The café ran out of most of the things by 15 00 on Sunday, as it was sunny and many people came."
• "Only downside was it was very busy tho we only waited an hour for the next available tour so book ahead and the cafe was so busy we were asked to sit outside ...it was raining and there is no cover!"
• "Souvenir shop overpriced as well."
• "The parking wasn't clear where there was disabled marked parking so we ended parking in the 'coach' Park as it seemed nearer the entrance."
• "You can't even get a coffee or use the toilet if you have a member of your party who doesn't want to look around."
• "The slight niggle would be that the toilet facilities could not accommodate the footfall during our visit this Sunday afternoon(Mother's Day)."

Overall Experience & Atmosphere

Pros:

• "Rosslyn Chapel is a MUST see if you're going to be around the Edinburgh area."
• "Peaceful and steeped in history ... take your time and soak up the history."
• "The peace and serenity of the place was humbling."
• "Rosslyn Chapel has a lovely, tranquil feel to it."
• "It really is a spiritual experience visiting it."
• "Absolutely impressive and enchanting, no matter what one's belief or background."
• "A wonderful visit. Despite the connections to the Da Vinci code, the Chapel has maintained its individuality."

Cons:

• "No - I thought it was a grotesque monument to religion in a divided society where the oligarchs could have what they pleased, and thought they could buy their way into heaven."
• "Hardly a spiritual or tranquil setting!"
• "The only downside is that dogs aren't allowed on site (obviously not in the Chapel) which means that the carpark is full of holidaying families stuck with one member and their pooches."
• "It's just a tourist trap - I wouldn't bother."
• "I live in Edinburgh, think it's a rip off that we have to pay same price as tourists."
• "I really struggled with how to rate this experience. It was very, VERY touristy, lots of people, lots of tour buses."
• "However, no signs outside letting you know not to take pictures inside?"