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
Closed
Friday:
10:00 - 15:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 15:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 15:00
Google Reviews
Jp Cridland
3 weeks agoGreat to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia. Well worth a visit, a real sense of family, royal presence and history. The tea room is also lovely. This is a great experience all can enjoy. Shame the viewing platform wasn’t open when visiting to see the whole ship from about but this didn’t disappoint in the experience. Just a little something it would be good to visit the tea room (extra income, both out having to purchase tickets) but totally get why. Good experience and a real sense of history.
JuJu
3 weeks 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.
Kellina Pinar
2 months agoTL;DR: The Royal Yacht Britannia is an unforgettable Edinburgh experience with an excellent audio guide, beautifully preserved rooms, and deep historical significance. Don’t miss the tea room for a snack and wonderful tea! The Royal Yacht Britannia was one of my favorite stops in Edinburgh. Walking through the ship and listening to the fantastic audio guide provided so much insight into life on board, from the crew’s quarters to the Queen’s private spaces. The attention to detail in preserving the rooms makes it feel like stepping back in time. One of the most fascinating details is that all the clocks on board are stopped at 3:01—the exact moment the Queen last stepped off before the ship was decommissioned. It’s a touching tribute to its history and royal legacy. To top off the experience, I highly recommend stopping at the tea room above the third deck for a snack and some wonderful tea. It’s a perfect way to soak in the atmosphere while enjoying a relaxing break. This is a must-visit in Edinburgh!
M R
2 weeks agoThe Crown (TV show) used a replica of this yacht for filming but you get to see, touch and eat at the original! Great way to spend a few hours in Edinburgh. Lots to photograph and explore. The audio guide was informative. My favorite thing though?? I loved the tea room! Great menu choices, great service, great views, and I appreciated the recommendations of staff member Sudarshan.
Hadi Al Lawati
a week agoThe Royal Yacht Britannia, moored in Leith, Edinburgh, offers a captivating glimpse into royal maritime history. This former floating palace served the British Royal Family for over four decades, embarking on 968 official voyages and hosting numerous dignitaries.   Visitors can explore five meticulously preserved decks, including the State Apartments, Crew’s Quarters, and the gleaming Engine Room. The complimentary audio guide enriches the experience, providing context and stories about life aboard the yacht.
