Hightlight
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Family Friendly
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Restaurant
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Tours
Step aboard for a great day out. Bring the family along to see one of Edinburgh’s top attractions where you’ll get to walk in the footsteps of Royalty. The Royal Yacht Britannia has been part of the Edinburgh city since 1998, and brings tourists to sample their afternoon tea and their private tours.
A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 – 2024, you can discover across five decks stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served on board. Our five-star visitor attraction is located in Leith, just two miles from Edinburgh’s city centre.
What will I see?
- Britannia’s five decks with your free audio guide
- Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge
- Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments
- See Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite room
- Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters
- Admire a tour highlight, the gleaming Engine Room
- Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition
- Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom
- Admire the stunning waterfront views from the Best UK Attraction (Tripadvisor)
Maps
Contact
Opening Hours
Monday:
10:00 - 15:00
Tuesday:
10:00 - 15:00
Wednesday:
10:00 - 15:00
Closed
Thursday:
10:00 - 15:00
Friday:
10:00 - 15:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 15:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 15:00
Google Reviews
Steve
in the last weekWe took a day trip out the Royal Yacht Britannia and it was well worth it, It's like going back in time when you see all the furnishings and layouts of the rooms. there is a lot to see but you can just take your time and take it all in. The self guided tour is very good but we just had one between us as there is plenty of signs explaining what things are. We used the onboard restaurant, had to queue for a little while but it is worth it as the food and service was first class. This is one of those trips you have to do if you are in Edinburgh it is well worth it. Steve and Jenny.
Wolfgang Jakob
a month agoA fascinating and fun visit! We had such a great time exploring The Royal Yacht Britannia! It’s beautifully preserved and full of interesting stories about the royal family and life at sea. The self-guided tour is super easy to follow and gives you a real sense of what it was like on board from the elegant state rooms to the crew’s quarters below deck. Everything is so well presented, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The onboard café is also lovely, with great views over the water. Whether you’re into history, ships, or just something unique to do in Edinburgh, this place is definitely worth a visit. We left really impressed and with huge smiles!
Shanz Shanz
a month ago🚢 My Visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia was an unforgettable experience that offered a personal glimpse into the life of the British Royal Family at sea. Moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh, this magnificent ship served the royal family for over 40 years (1954–1997), sailing over a million nautical miles on royal tours and state visits. Walking through the beautifully preserved State Apartments, Royal Bedrooms, Crew Quarters, and Engine Room, I was amazed by the ship’s elegant design and attention to detail. The audio tour provided fascinating stories about royal voyages and daily life aboard the yacht. Visitor Tips: Book tickets online to avoid queues. Allow around 1.5–2 hours to explore comfortably. Don’t miss the Royal Deck Tea Room for a relaxing break with views over the harbor. How to Reach: Easily accessible by bus or tram from Edinburgh city centre to Ocean Terminal Mall. Parking is also available at the terminal. Overall, the Royal Yacht Britannia is a must-visit — a floating palace that perfectly combines royal history, naval heritage, and timeless elegance.
Daniel McGlynn
a month agoVery easy to get to. Free parking at the Ocean Terminal Car Park with very clear signage when you arrive as to how to access the Royal Yacht Britannia Experience. Tickets are worthwhile purchasing online in advance but it is easy enough to also buy on arrival. The exhibitions were very well put together and really display the magnificent Britannia at its best. An extremely interesting and enjoyable visit. Well worthwhile adding to your list of things to see when visiting Scotland!
Carol Cheung
3 months agoI really enjoyed visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia. The whole place is very well presented and gives you a great sense of the history behind this royal yacht. Walking through the different rooms, from the elegant state apartments to the simple crew quarters, you really get to see both sides of life on board. The audio guide and displays are easy to follow, and they make the experience much more engaging. What stood out to me is how well everything has been preserved. It doesn’t feel like just a static museum but more like stepping back in time. You can imagine the royal family traveling on board, but also the crew working hard behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. As someone from Hong Kong, this visit was extra special. Britannia’s last official voyage was to my city in 1997, and standing here brought back that piece of shared history. It felt meaningful and a little emotional to see it in person after hearing about it for so many years. Overall, it’s definitely worth a visit. Even if you’re not a big history fan, the experience is unique and very memorable.
