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
Thursday:
10:00 - 15:00
Friday:
10:00 - 15:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 15:00
Closed
Sunday:
10:00 - 15:00
Google Reviews
Kevin Beecher
2 months agoThe Britannia is an amazing piece of history, and from the moment you step on board you genuinely feel as though you are walking in the Queen’s footsteps. Every room, corridor, and deck tells a story, and it’s incredible to see how beautifully preserved everything is. The audio guide is fantastic—really clear, engaging, and full of interesting facts that help you appreciate what life was like for the Royal Family and crew when the yacht was in service. It adds so much depth to the visit and makes the experience feel very personal. I would also highly recommend booking the afternoon tea. It’s a really special occasion, served in lovely surroundings with great attention to detail. The cakes, sandwiches, and scones are delicious, and enjoying them while looking out over the water makes it feel even more memorable. The staff are all extremely friendly, helpful, and professional, which adds to the whole experience and makes you feel genuinely welcomed. Overall, the Britannia is well worth a visit. It’s fascinating, relaxing, and surprisingly moving. If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh, this should definitely be on your list—it’s an absolute must and a highlight of any visit to the city.
Ash Lee
a month agoWe spent 4 hours in HMY Britannia which was a great experience for a tourist visiting Scotland for the first time. We purchase the ticket at the ticket office (they price the same as online ones). The staff members were very welcoming and helpful, they shared a lot of information about the yacht. The souvenir shop was definitely a must go place even you are not visiting the museum part. Their merchandise is so nice especially the cute little corgi that appears in every corner of the yacht!
Katerina Prochazkova
2 months agoVisiting the Royal Yacht Britannia was an unforgettable experience – the three hours on board passed quickly and left me feeling truly satisfied. The tour takes you from the Bridge and the crew’s quarters all the way to the private cabins of the Royal Family, the official state rooms used for receiving guests, and even the impressive engine room. Each area feels authentic and offers a fascinating contrast between the daily life of the crew and the elegance of the royal apartments. I especially enjoyed the chance to stop at the Royal Deck Tearoom, where you can relax with freshly prepared food, cakes, and drinks while enjoying the view from the deck. Overall, the visit was very well organized, with clear routes and plenty of time to explore. Britannia is a place that beautifully combines history, elegance, and comfort, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Steve
2 months agoWe 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.
Shanz Shanz
4 months 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.
