Hightlight
-
Family Friendly
-
Restaurant
-
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
Thursday:
10:00 - 15:00
Friday:
10:00 - 15:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 15:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 15:00
Closed
Google Reviews
Tipanan Naklamthong
a month agoHistoric elegant place to visit. Good audio to explain all the interesting places available in a wide range of languages. Very easy to follow and make your way around the yacht. Amazing to learn how everything worked to serve the royal family and see where the various ranks lived. Felt like we were a part of history standing in the same place as so many famous people from around the world.
Adrienne DC
2 weeks agoHighly recommend visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia which was the Royal Family’s floating palace for over 4 decades and had traveled more than 1 million nautical miles. The tour is very well organized utilizing handheld audio devices that helps you navigate the yacht on your own.
JuJu
4 months agoLoved this visit. There is so much to see and a great experience of how our royal family travelled. A well organised route to take, we didn't use the tea room, but it did smell nice, helped you imagine what tea would have been like. Wasn't overcrowded, and I loved feeling like the captain of such a magnificent yacht. I decided against the audio as I love to read more and take in the images. My wife loved the audio. Overall a lovely day had.
Faryal Fatima
4 weeks agoQueen Elizabeth remains the only royal truly worthy of admiration—not just for her decades of service, but for her unwavering principles. I’ve always respected how she famously refused to allow Israeli officials into Buckingham Palace and that she never visited Israel, standing firm in her convictions. Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia felt like stepping into her world, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of Britain’s greatest monarch. As I wandered the decks, I couldn’t help but hum *"Rule, Britannia!"*—the history and grandeur were simply awe-inspiring. The staff were exceptional, adding warmth and professionalism to the experience. A particular highlight was the Café Manager’s thoughtful gesture—a touching memento that brought me to tears. More than just an attraction, the Royal Yacht Britannia is a tribute to British heritage and the Queen’s indelible legacy. An absolute must-visit for those who revere her dignity, strength, and moral fortitude.
Amy Tucker
2 months agoIt felt like stepping back in time into royal history. The self-guided audio tour was very informative and easy to follow, giving insight into both the grandeur and the everyday life aboard the Queen’s former yacht. Highlights for me included the Queen’s bedroom, the engine room, and the charming tearoom with a beautiful view. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in Edinburgh – it’s a must-see
