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The Royal Yacht Britannia Has a Fascinating History—Here's Everything You Should Know

It doesn't get more majestic than Queen Elizabeth II's yacht.

Seventy years ago, the Britannia began its journey as the royal yacht for Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family of the United Kingdom. Over the next 44 years she’d travel more than a million nautical miles and, in all her glamour and old world elegance, served as a residence that welcomed state visits from all over the world and family holidays alike. Then and now, she was and is a majestic symbol of the British Commonwealth and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II .

“Britannia is special for a number of reasons,” Prince Phillip once said. “Almost every previous sovereign has been responsible for building a church, a castle, a palace or just a house. The only comparable structure in the present reign is Britannia. As such she is a splendid example of contemporary British design and technology.”

Although she retired from service in 1997, today the Britannia, one of many of the world's grandest yachts , is docked in Edinburgh, where she is open as a visitors’ attraction and host of private events. Below we give you all the Royal Yacht Britannia facts you might want to know, from who owns the yacht now to why she was decommissioned to how fast she is to how to get tickets to visit. Britannia was, after all, the one place the queen said she could “truly relax,” so why not see why for yourself?

queen royal yacht britannia in usa

Royal Yacht Britania Facts and History

On February 4, 1952, John Brown & Co shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland, received the order from the Admiralty to build a new Royal Yacht to travel the globe and double as a hospital ship in times of war, according to the royal yacht's website . King George VI passed away two days after, sadly, and so on April 16, 1953, the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II announced the yacht’s new name as the ship was revealed.

"I name this ship Britannia,” she said. “I wish success to her and all who sail in her." Britannia was commissioned into the Royal Navy in January 1954 and by April of that year sailed into her first overseas port: Grand Harbour, Malta.

royal yacht britannia facts staircase

The queen and The Duke of Edinburgh worked with interior designer Sir Hugh Casson for the ship to serve as both a functional Royal Navy vessel and an elegant royal residence. Queen Elizabeth II selected deep blue for Britannia’s hull, instead of the more traditional black. Its Naval crew included 220 Yachtsmen, 20 officers, and three season officers—plus a Royal Marines Band of 26 men during Royal Tours.

All of them might have had to change uniform up to six times a day, so the laundry service on board worked nonstop. The yacht also engaged in British overseas trade missions known as Sea Days and made an estimated £3 billion for the Exchequer between 1991 and 1995 alone.

royal yacht britannia facts drawing room

The ship’s wheel was taken from King Edward VII’s racing yacht, also named Britannia, according to Boat International , and the 126-meter ship could reach speeds of 22.75 knots, or a seagoing cruising speed of 21 knots, according to Super Yacht Times . Other fun facts: The yacht could produce her own fresh water from sea water, and shouting was forbidden aboard to preserve tranquility, favoring hand signals for Naval orders instead.

royal yacht britannia facts dining room

Over the next 44 years, the Britannia would sail the equivalent of once around the world for each year, in total visiting 600 ports in 135 countries. Princess Margaret and Anthony Armstrong-Jones were the first of four couples to honeymoon on the ship in 1960, gifting them all privacy to sail to secluded locations. Prince Charles and Princess Diana followed in 1981 on the Mediterranean as well as Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips before them in 1973 in the Caribbean and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson in 1986 in the Azores.

diana and william

For family vacations aboard the ship, games, treasure hunts, plays, and picnics were organized, and on warm days the children could play in an inflatable paddling pool on the Verandah Deck.

royal yacht britannia facts sun lounge

In the Sun Lounge, the queen especially enjoyed taking breakfast and afternoon tea with views through large picture windows, a space you can see replicated in the TV show The Crown. Although no filming took place on board the Britannia for the show, researchers ensured scenes aboard it were accurate. In the queen’s bedroom, the resemblance is seen down to the decorative wall light fittings and embroidered silk panel above her bed that had been specially commissioned.

queen crying at britannia

In 1997, the ship was decommissioned after the government decided the costs to refit it would be too great. On its final day in her service that followed a farewell tour around the U.K., the queen openly wept as the Band of HM Royal Marines played "Highland Cathedral."

"Looking back over 44 years we can all reflect with pride and gratitude upon this great ship which has served the country, the Royal Navy and my family with such distinction," Queen Elizabeth II said. All clocks on the ship stopped at 15:01, the exact time the Queen disembarked from the yacht for the final time, and they would remain at that time until the present.

royal yacht britannia facts clock

How to Tour the Royal Yacht Britania

Today the yacht is owned by Royal Yacht Britannia Trus t, and all revenue it generates goes to the yacht’s maintenance and preservation. Ticketed entry allows you to step into state rooms like the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room and State Drawing Room, in addition to the working side of the ship in the Crew’s Quarters, Laundry and gleaming Engine Room. Along the way you will see original artifacts from the shop—95 percent of which is on loan from The Royal Collection.

the royal yacht britannia

How to Visit the Royal Britania

You can visit the Britannia any day of the year on Edinburgh’s waterfront. Hours vary by season, and you can find them listed and purchase tickets on the yacht’s website . Private tours are also available, and you can visit the Royal Deck Tearoom, where the Royal Family hosted cocktail parties and receptions, for drinks, meals and scones. Additionally, the Britannia hosts special ticketed events for New Year’s and other occasions, and event spaces can be booked as well.

While you are in Edinburgh, you can also stay on the Fingal , a neighboring yacht-turned-floating-hotel, which is a seven-minute walk from the Britannia, and dine at its Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, which serves breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and cocktails.

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Royal Yacht Britannia: Everything You Need To Know To Visit This Royal Residence!

Visiting the royal yacht britannia in edinburgh.

Of all of the beautiful and historic sites I visited in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Royal Yacht Britannia was hands-down the most intriguing.  Now permanently berthed in Edinburgh, this amazing ship served as a royal residence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and the royal family for over 40 years.  Visitors get an up-close and highly personal perspective on the royals, unlike any other royal residence.  But before you head out to the ship, there are a few things you should know.

Royal Yacht Britannia:  An Unexpected Location

I visited the Royal Yacht Britannia on my very first day in the city, and as part of my solo tour of Edinburgh.  I looked at several maps and read several guide books about visiting, but there was one vital piece of information that I never came across in any of my research.  The entrance to the Royal Yacht Britannia is located inside a shopping mall.   Knowing this ahead of time would have saved me several confused minutes, walking around outside the shopping mall, feeling like an idiot.  Once I finally made my way inside the shopping center, the entrance was obvious.

Royal Yacht Britannia:  Touring and Tickets

Touring the Royal Yacht Britannia is surprisingly relaxed.  Visitors moved at their own pace, and are each given an extremely informative hand-held audio tour.   Directions through the ship are very clear, and each level is easily accessed via a tower on the dock that has both stairs and an elevator.

At the time of writing this, an individual adult t icket can be purchased for £16.50, student and senior tickets are £14.50, children’s tickets are £8.75 (age 5 to 17, under 5 are free), and a family pass (2 adults and up to 3 children) can be purchased for £46.00.

The Royal Yacht Edinburgh offers a free annual pass with your initial ticket, good for the 12 months following your first visit.  Be sure to ask about it when you purchase your ticket ( you can read more information about it here .)

Royal Yacht Britannia:  Highlights of the Tour

Queen Elizabeth's personal apartment aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Every moment aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia was like stepping back in time and getting a glimpse into what royal life is like.  The ship was commissioned in 1952 and officially launched in 1953, and the decor is still exactly as it was.  Visitors can tour all five decks of the ship, and are able to see the State Apartments, including the personal quarters of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.   The State Drawing Room and the State Dining Room were particularly fascinating.

One of the most interesting parts of this tour was all the personal family photos and other objects placed throughout the ship.  Having toured other royal residences where spaces feel extremely formal and historic, the Royal Yacht Britannia seemed much more intimate and quaint than you would expect.  For example, the Sun Lounge, said to be the Queen’s favorite space aboard the ship, was just a simple space where the family could relax and enjoy time together.  A stack of old board games is visible in a cabinet, and you can just picture the Queen and her children enjoying time together, like any other family.

In addition to all the spaces used by the Royal Family, visitors can tour the decks reserved for the crew and staff.  The spaces are small, but well appointed, and visitors get a real feel for how people aboard the ship lived their daily lives.  It quickly becomes obvious why this particular royal residence is said to have been Queen Elizabeth’s favorites.

Royal Yacht Britannia:  The Royal Deck Tea Room

Tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh, Scotland.

A visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia is not complete without stopping for meal or a relaxing cup of tea in the Royal Deck Tea Room.   I stopped by mid-afternoon after finishing my tour for a scone and a cup of tea, and enjoyed the gorgeous view of the harbor.  The service was excellent and my scone was delicious.

Access to the Royal Deck Tea Room is only available if you have purchased a ticket to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, and they are unable to accommodate reservations.

The Royal Yacht Britannia:  A Fantastic Gift Shop

After finishing your tour of the ship and having a bite in the tea room, do not miss the gift shop at the end of the tour.   Since I visited the Royal Yacht Britannia on the very first day of my trip, I didn’t take full advantage of this fantastic location.  Not only does it feature a wide array of items themed around the ship, but it also has many other wonderful items from all over Scotland.  Had I known how boring and similar all the items I would find on the Royal Mile would be, I would have spent more of my souvenir money here!  It’s definitely worth taking the time to look around and find something you’ll love.  (I spent quite a long time trying to find great, unique souvenirs along the Royal Mile, so to save yourself some time,  be sure to check out my post on Where to Buy The Best Souvenirs in Edinburgh by clicking here !)

The Royal Yacht Britannia is not to be missed by any visitor to Edinburgh!  I highly recommend taking advantage of as much time as you can spare aboard the ship.  I will definitely be bringing my family with my next time I visit Scotland to tour this amazing yacht.

Looking for other things to do while you visit Edinburgh?  Check out my guide to the perfect day in Edinburgh, Scotland !

- The Royal Yacht Britannia

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Visit The Royal Yacht Britannia car-free

It’s easy to get to the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith car-free. It is beside the Ocean Terminal tram stop , and bus stops.

There are frequent buses via the centre of Edinburgh from: Riccarton ( bus 34  and bus 35 ) Bonaly ( bus 10 ), Gyle ( bus 36 ) and Edinburgh Airport ( bus T50  and bus 200  which skips the city centre).

There are direct trains to  Edinburgh Waverley  from: local towns and villages, Berwick-upon-Tweed (about 50 mins), Glasgow (55 mins), Newcastle, Dundee (both 85 mins), and further across Scotland and England. If you travel by train, you can buy an  Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket PlusBus  ticket for unlimited travel around the city by bus.

Use our journey planner to get the best route from where you are.

Cyclists welcome - plan your route here

Here’s some information on access to attractions, buses and trains .

About The Royal Yacht Britannia

Elizabeth the 2nd used The Royal Yacht Britannia as a floating palace. She took state visits around the world, entertaining dignitaries on board. Now you can follow in her footsteps and learn more about the ship's history with an accessible audio guide included in the price, available in many languages. For children, there is a corgi treasure hunt (her majesty's favourite pet dogs).

For any queries about visiting contact The Royal Yacht Britannia on 0131 555 5566 or [email protected]

Address: Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJ. Visit Website

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We live on a beautiful island and there’s no better way to explore it than by train, bus, bike and foot. But, at this exceptional time, please follow  current advice  to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel in England. Separate travel rules apply in  Wales  and  Scotland .

We look forward to helping you enjoy great days out and more car-free adventures in the future.

Royal Yacht Britannia

Queen Elizabeth once said that the Royal Yacht Britannia was the only place she could truly relax, and we’re inclined to agree. After 968 official voyages worldwide, which counted for over 1 million nautical miles to 135 countries, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now a tourist attraction just two miles from Edinburgh’s city centre. The Royal Yacht Britannia has been visited by several world-famous people, including Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill, and potentially you too!

The floating palace of the British royal family is a sublime tourist attraction nestled near the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre in Leith. With plenty of attractions to see within this royal household on the water, we’ll be breaking essential details to know and the top things to do on your visit. Sit tight and enjoy!

In This Post

Important Details to Know

Before you board Britannia and explore the royal halls, remember these important details to make your trip successful. Firstly, the Royal Yacht Britannia allows guide dogs on the premises, with special considerations for hearing and recognised assistance dogs.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is also a Class 1 Wheelchair Access, allowing for highly accessible wheelchair service without assistance.

How to Get There

You may be asking yourself, “Where is the Royal Yacht Britannia?”. Luckily, the Royal Yacht Britannia is located 20 minutes away from Edinburgh’s city centre , in the picturesque region of Leith. The Visitor Centre can be found on the second floor of the Ocean Terminal Centre and can be reached using a variety of transport methods.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is only a 20-minute drive from the city centre and a 40-minute drive if you’re arriving from Edinburgh Airport. From the city centre, follow the signs north towards Leith and then the signs for the Royal Yacht Britannia.

There is parking available within the Ocean Terminal Visitor Centre, with Level E the closest place to park. Free car parking and disability-access parking are available.

The Train Station near Royal Yacht Britannia is the Edinburgh Waverly Station. Further passage via car, tram, bike, or bus from the station is necessary to reach the attraction and visitor centre. You can also arrive in style on the Edinburgh Orient Express.

Edinburgh’s Lothian Bus Services can conveniently reach the Royal Yacht Britannia via the 10, 16, 34, and 35 lines. Ticket prices for the service vary, but generally, a single ticket costs £2, and a day ticket costs £5.

Opening Times

Opening times for the Royal Yacht Britannia vary throughout the year, but the attraction is generally open from 10:00 to 17:00, with longer hours during the summer months (April through September). Last admissions are two hours before closing time, so ensure you do not arrive afterwards to avoid disappointment.

Ticket Prices

Royal Yacht Britannia tickets for adults cost £19.50 per person, Child (5-17) tickets cost £9.25 per person, and Family Tickets cost £50.00 (2 Adults, up to 3 Children). Children under 5 enter for free.

It’s recommended that tickets be pre-booked online. Expect your tour through this visitor attraction to take about an hour and a half.

Attractions

Now that all the logistics and tickets are sorted, you can look forward to seeing why the Royal Yacht Britannia was voted the Best UK Attraction by Tripadvisor Travellers Choice in 2023. The Britannia Royal Yacht has 40 years of incredible history and unique insight to offer its visitors, with many of its features maintained precisely the same as when the royal family used it.

Here are the top attractions you should take the time to see when you visit Royal Yacht Britannia

Stop by the Visitor Centre First

Before setting foot on the mighty vessel, stop by the Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Centre first! It’s located at the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, and has all the necessary information you’d need before hopping aboard the Britannia.

If you have any questions about the attraction, queries about your ticket, or want to know where the gift shop is, then this is the place to ask.

Tour Britannia’s Five Decks

The Royal Family were sailing in opulence aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, and visitors can explore the five decks of the Royal Yacht Britannia interior and exterior to their heart’s content. There are countless things to see, but here are a few that you should not miss during your visit while aboard this racing yacht:

Explore the Sun Lounge

Welcome to Queen Elizabeth’s favourite room aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Sun Lounge. The late Queen would often enjoy her breakfast and afternoon meals within the Sun Lounge because of its relative solitude and stunning views it grants. Admire the polished wood and blue hues as you relive the sights and sounds that made this location the Queen Mother’s favourite.

Fans of the show “The Crown” will likely remember this iconic room from the series, although no actual filming took place within the Sun Lounge.

Engine Room

One of the highlights of the Royal Yacht Britannia is undoubtedly the gleaming Engine Room, which has remained almost unchanged since its construction in 1953. For a nearly 75-year-old relic, you wouldn’t be faulted for believing that it’s brand new! The polished chrome, white enamel, and black steam turbines offer a unique industrial flair that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.

You can imagine the hustle and bustle of the room, filled with hot steam and engineers making the mighty vessel cut through the seven seas to their next port. The Engine Room is an immersive and well-maintained part of the Britannia that you can’t miss while aboard.

Royal Deck Tearoom

Once you’ve explored the interior of Royal Yacht Britannia and have worked up an appetite, there’s no better place to sate it than the Royal Deck Tearoom. You can enjoy freshly baked cakes and scones alongside a selection of sandwiches and soups, all with a view out to Leith Harbour from the “Rolls Royce of Ships”.

The Royal Deck Tearoom also has a selection of exquisite teas for you to enjoy, including the Champagne Cream Tea! There’s something surreal about sipping tea where the Royal Family once played cards, an experience you can only enjoy from the Royal Deck Tearoom aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh .

The Royal Deck Tearoom has limited capacity and is unable to take reservations or bookings, so guests should expect a first-come, first-served system. The Tearoom has wheelchair accessibility and is only available for those with an admissions ticket to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Take an Audio Tour

You can learn about the fascinating history of the Royal Yacht Britannia through the attraction’s audio tour! Children especially will love the audio tour’s child-curated guide, which offers the chance to unleash their inner Captain and search the five decks of the Britannia for the Cuddly Corgis hidden away within.

For the adults, the audio tour will cover the Britannia’s history from its maiden voyage to the decommissioning ceremony that led it to be the attraction it is today. If you want additional insight and fun facts while exploring the ship, then the audio guide will be your best friend.

See the State Apartments

The State Apartments are another grand highlight of the tour within the Royal Yacht Britannia, featuring some of the world’s most iconic dining rooms, bedrooms, and staterooms. The list of important locations within the State Apartments should be shorter, but we’ve tried to cover the top sights to watch out for.

Firstly, the State Drawing Room. This atmospheric room has a lively energy, even when empty, and was host to the likes of Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, and Sir Noel Coward — who all loved playing the immaculate keys of the Welmar Baby Grand Piano that sits within the room.

The grandest room aboard the Britannia is the State Dining Room, whose guest list would make anyone’s jaw drop! The dining room has seen Churchill, Mandela, Clinton, and even Reagan. There are several easter eggs throughout the dining room, such as the giant whalebone that Prince Philip found on Deception Island or a wooden shark signed by the adults of Pitcairn Island.

In all their former glory, the State Apartments are the Royal’s bedrooms, including the Queen’s bedroom. While it may be tempting to jump into the bed and see what thread the Royal Family sleeps on, we ask you refrain from doing so, or the Royal Yachtsmen will be very upset with you.

Shop at the Royal Yacht Britannia Gift Shop

There’s nothing quite like some retail therapy to make you feel like a Royal after exploring the Britannia. Luckily, the gift shop aboard this royal vessel has terrific souvenirs to take home with you. There’s a little something for everyone, from miniature replicas of the Britannia to Royal paraphernalia and even Royal Navy equipment.

Enjoy Britannia’s Events

Throughout the year, the Royal Yacht Britannia comes alive with corporate and public events. You can purchase tickets during many of Scotland’s most famous holidays if you want to celebrate in an unparalleled setting. Live it up aboard Britannia during Hogmanay, Burns Supper, or Christmas — complete with live music, delicious food, and an unmatched atmosphere.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is also available for exclusive use, including private tours and events. This Royal ship is a magnificent setting for a reception or company year-end bash, so why not create a memorable place for your most important moments?

Interesting Facts About The Royal Yacht Britannia

What do you do to impress your friends and family with some interesting facts about the Royal Yacht Britannia during your visit? Remember these interesting facts and show off your Royal knowledge:

  • The marvelous gold and white binnacle situated on the Britannia’s veranda is actually originally part of the HMY Royal George (which was named after King George VI) — Queen Victoria’s royal yacht!
  • Below the silver-grey carpet within the State Dining Room is a lavish wooden dance floor, last used for Princess Anne’s lively 21st birthday celebration.
  • King Charles (then Prince Charles) and Princess Diana spent their honeymoon cruise aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in 1981.
  • Prince Philip kept a model replica of the HMS Magpie in his office aboard the Britannia, the first royal navy ship he commanded.
  • The beautiful and stately steering wheel at the ship’s helm was originally taken from the racing yacht HMY Britannia, which was built for King Edward VII in 1893. It’s one of the oldest parts of the ship!

Now that you’re well equipped with facts to tackle the Royal Yacht Britannia, why not book your trip to Scotland’s most beloved tourist attraction and enjoy its magnificence in person?

More Scottish Museums to Visit

  • Black Watch Museum
  • Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
  • Edinburgh Writers Museum
  • Glasgow Science Centre
  • Highland Folk Museum
  • Museum of Childhood
  • Museum of Edinburgh
  • Museum of the Isles
  • Museum on the Mound
  • National Mining Museum
  • National Museum of Flight
  • National War Museum
  • People’s Palace
  • Riverside Museum
  • Scottish Crannog Centre
  • Scottish Maritime Museum
  • Shetland Museum & Archives
  • St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
  • Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
  • Surgeons’ Hall Museum
  • V&A Dundee

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A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

TripBlog

First Royal Yacht Designed for Ocean Travel

Commissioned just two days before the death of king george vi, created to double as a hospital, home to a lot of history, redesigned to be less opulent, has homely touches by royal standards, a royal honeymoon essential, a family vacation spot, the decommissioning in 1997, features of this ship, the queen’s favorite room, royal apartments and bedrooms, naafi sweet shop, royal deck tea room, the entrance, car parking, opening time.

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The Royal Yacht Britannia is Leith's most popular attraction. Great Britain has had a very strong connection with the seas and oceans for centuries. Plan your trip for a tour of the iconic royal yacht Britannia in the beautiful city of Edinburgh in Scotland. Rated as one of the top 5 tourist attractions in the UK, this is truly a must-visit place. Here is a brief information about the story of this royal vessel, activities and things to do, along with all the facilities it has to offer.

Story of Royal Yacht Britannia

The British royal family too has the same long history of seafaring. HMY Mary (HMY standing for His or Her Majesty’s Yacht) was the first official royal yacht. It was gifted by the Dutch to Charles II in 1660. Over the centuries, the British monarchy has used 83 royal yachts including the current one, the HMY Britannia, also known as The Royal Yacht Britannia. Though the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned from royal service in 1997 and despite some efforts to get a new one, there has been no replacement for it so far. With its seafaring days long over, The Royal Yacht Britannia remains an important piece of history. It gives a sneak preview of the royal life with interesting stories behind it.

Royal Yacht Britannia was the first royal vessel that was designed for travel across oceans. John Brown & company built it in a Clydebank shipyard. It is also regarded for building famous liners Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary. With 12,000 horsepower to propel it in the oceans, the ship could sail at the max — speed of 22.5 knots which was quite reasonable. Before its commissioning, the royal family used the British Naval ships or even passenger liners for their sea travel during royal tours across the commonwealth. The Royal Yacht Britannia was in royal service for 44 years and traveled 1.1 million miles throughout its life span in royal service.

A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

The idea of having an ocean capable royal vessel was conceived. So that the royals could comfortably tour their far-flung commonwealth and with the belief that travelling may improve the failing health of the reigning King. Just two days after the order was placed to the shipbuilders, John Brown Shipyard in Scotland, the King died on 6 th Feb. 1952. The ship was built in little over a year and was officially named only during its launch in April 1953. It was just two months before the new monarch, and Queen Elizabeth was coronated. The ship was named Royal Yacht Britannia by the Queen who toasted it by opening a bottle of wine as Champagne was considered very extravagant for celebrating the launch ceremony of a ship at that time.

Envisioned to be built less than a decade post-WWII, the ship designers planned to build the ship as functional as possible so that it could be transformed from a royal ocean liner to a seafaring floating hospital during wartime. As a result, the main veranda was spaced wider and re-enforced to support helicopter landing. The laundry area was made much larger than naval vessels to accommodate wounded soldiers in the event of a war. The ship was never actually used for that purpose though. However, Royal Yacht Britannia was put to service for a mission to rescue European nationals from Yamen in 1986.

The Royal Yacht Britannia had many pieces of history on it. The white and gold binnacle in the ship’s verandah was picked up from HMY Royal George, which served Queen Victoria. Some of the Queen’s bedroom linens were originally made for her bed aboard older royal yacht.Royal Yacht Britannia had its steering wheel lifted from its namesake racing yacht HMY Britannia that was built in 1893 for King Edward VII.

A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

Despite the sense of opulent luxury that a royal yacht exuberates, the Queen and Prince Philip, the interior plans by the ship’s original interior designers found it too lavish for a country. Still recovering from war, it got redesigned by Sir Huge Casson. The ship in her 44 years of service has received minimal updates throughout.

The low-key royal living is a fairly high class by any standards on the Royal Yacht Britannia. The floating royal home has a 56-seat state dining room which has hosted the likes of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, many US Presidents and has a formal staircase where the Queen would greet her guests. It has separate bedrooms and sitting rooms for both the Queen and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh and a telephone system with similar configurations as Buckingham palace systems. During her earlier years, The Royal Yacht Britannia used to carry the Queen’s car, a Rolls Royce Phantom V, in a special garage compartment. The space being slightly small, the car’s bumpers used to be dismantled for storage to avoid damage and refitted at the port of call. As the Queen started using the car provided for her at the port, this space was converted to a storage space for beer.

A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

Four royal couples, starting from Princess Margaret & Anthony Armstrong Jones in 1960, have celebrated their honeymoons in the honeymoon suite of Royal Yacht Britannia. This is the only room aboard which has a double bed. Since then, Princess Anne and Capt. Mark Phillips, in 1973, Prince Charles & Princess Diana in 1981, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson have famously traveled on The Royal Yacht Britannia for their respective honeymoons. Stories of these tours abound with one who got the ship its nickname “the ghost ship” owing to the crew that ducked the press so effectively during the Mediterranean honeymoon cruise of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

In addition to her diplomatic duties on frequent royal tours and as a honeymoon retreat, The Royal Yacht Britannia was also used as a vessel for family vacations. During summers, it catered to the royal family’s western Isles tour cruising around Scotland with a stopover to play games and barbeques on the islands. The tour would also have a stop off at Castle of Mey to visit the Queen Mother and a port of call at Aberdeen for the Queen to visit her favorite summer home, The Balmoral Castle . Though no longer used as a private yacht for tours, it still has connections with the royal family. The oldest granddaughter of the Queen, Zara Phillips, hosted a reception a night before her wedding in 2011 on the ship. The guests included all her royal cousins though the Queen was not in attendance.

A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

Having clocked 1.1 million miles on the seas, Royal Yacht Britannia was finally decommissioned on 11 th December 1997. The Queen was seen shedding a tear at the ceremony as so many memories were attached to it. Since the Queen officially took leave of it, the ship is docked in the port of Leith in Scotland. It now serves as a floating museum and venue for events for those who can afford it. All the clocks aboard the ship remain stopped at 3.01 hours which is the exact time the Queen disembarked the vessel for the last time. The Queen has never visited the yacht ever again till date.

Initially, there were plans to get a replacement yacht, but the government eventually declined to fund it, and thus it remains an unfulfilled plan.

The ship was designed with three masts – a 41 m foremast, a 42 m mainmast, and a 36 m mizzenmast. A portion of the top of the foremast and mainmast were hinged to be removed to allow safe passage under bridges. A floating palace, Royal Yacht Britannia was built to double up as a hospital in the event of a war and was a functional royal residence.

It had a capacity of 250 guests and carried one platoon of Royal Marines and 21 officers with 250 Royal yachtsmen while carrying the Queen or the royal guests. Five of the decks open for public viewing include the Queen’s sleeping chambers, the state drawing, and dining rooms and a honeymoon suite with a double bed. It also had a garage to carry the Queens Rolls Royce Phantom V during the royal journeys. The Royal Deck Tea Room was added in 2009.

Royal Yacht Britannia had a steering crew who could not see where they were going as unlike on most ships, where the steering wheel sits on the bridge on the topmost floor. The Britannia’s wheel room is one floor below blinding the crew. To navigate, the crew used voice pipes to convey navigational orders to circumvent this problem. Amazing but true.

To maintain silence and calm during the Royal presence onboard, the crew would use hand signals instead of shouting orders. It was also the last Naval ship where the crew slept in hammocks, a practice that was discontinued in1973.

A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

What Can You Do on Board?

The five decks of The Royal Yacht Britannia are open for public viewing as the ship was converted to a museum. The following are the few attractions on the yacht.

The sun lounge was the Queen’s favorite room where she liked to have her tea at 8.30 AM whenever sailing on onboard. She would view the shipping chart at 11 AM here reviewing the sailing progress it made during the night as she got back here for coffee. She liked having her afternoon tea here at 5 PM. The wooden-floored and paneled Sunroom remained the Queen’s favorite room for relaxing and informal time spending.

The yacht was a functional royal residence for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburg. It was fully equipped with all conveniences to host world leaders who have stayed in the royal apartments in the royal vessel. You can see the grand staircase where the Queen would greet her guests, a state drawing-room along with a state dining room for 56-guests. The Queen would sit on the port side of the dining table and used a small bell to clear off a food course. You can also see the Queen’s bedroom and sitting room which is covered with a glass screen for protection.

A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

As in all Royal navy ships, Britannia has a NAAFI (Navy, Army & Air Force Institute) shop where the crew could buy sweets, papers, magazines and special Britannia souvenirs along with daily need items like razors and toothpaste. You could visit it too on your own to Royal Yacht Britannia.

The Royal Deck Team Room was added in 2009 in The Royal Yacht Britannia where you can enjoy freshly made food with stunning views and are warmly welcomed here. Treat yourself with tea and onboard baked snacks on the very same spot where the royals would have played games and entertain during their royal tours.

A Tour Guide to Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh Scotland

The onboard award-winning gift shop is a good place to buy exclusive gifts for your loved ones. Buy beautiful Britannia souvenirs to immortalize your tour to a royal icon.

Information about Royal Yacht Britannia

After being at service of her Majesty, The Queen and the Royal Family for more than 40 years and sailing over 1.1 million miles, the majestic Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in Leith in Scotland. The place is just 2 miles from the city center of Edinburgh. You can follow the lives of the royalty on this tour with this most special royal residence. You can be part of the historic icon which hosted the Kings & Queens of the world along with important world leaders who have been a guest here. This famous ship is one of the top 5 landmark attractions in the UK. You can visit The Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland - EH6 6JJ.

As you reach the Ocean Terminal, which is the entrance of the Royal Yacht Britannia museum, you will get a truly warm welcome. The terminal is the gateway and boarding point for the ship. It has a replica Lego model of Britannia. You can view the historical royal photographs in the gallery before you get on board the ship. You can get a complimentary audio headset which gives you an audio tour of the 5 main decks in 30 languages.

Same-day tickets for the tour can be bought onsite at the Ocean Terminal visitor center before 8 am. You can also pre-book your ticket online for added convenience. Look out for discounts or special offers that may be applicable from time to time. The ticket free costs £16.50 for adults, £14.50 for senior citizens (60 years), £14.50 for students with valid ID, £8.75 for children (5-17 years), free - children under 5 years. There is also a family package of £46 (2 adults and up to 3 children).

There is ample free car parking available at the Ocean Terminal for Britannia visitors. The level E of the blue car park will get you to the same level as the Britannia’s visitor center. There are reserved car parking slots for disabled and dedicated bays for parent and child parking on this level.

The museum opens for admission at 10 am and allows admission till 3.30 pm, 7 days a week from Jan- March, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from April- Oct. and 10 am to 3.30 pm in Nov- Dec. It closes 2 hours post the last admission.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed for visits on 25 th Dec. and 1 st Jan. due to holidays.

How to Get There

Royal Yacht Britannia can be reached in just 15 minutes by car from the Edinburgh city center. The visitor center is located on the 2 nd floor in the Ocean Terminal. For satnav guided driving, punch the codes EH66JJ or use google maps to reach here. Follow road signs for Edinburgh and Leith/ North Edinburgh. You will see brown Britannia signs for the final approach.

There are local bus services from Edinburgh city center. Lookout for Lothian Bus services with bus number 11, 22 or 35 which have service to the Ocean center. The ticket can be purchased in the bus carrying exact change. You can also buy bus tickets online at form-tickets. Optionally you can consider Majestic Tour buses which depart from Waverley Bridge at Edinburgh city center. You will get a 10% discount showing your Majestic bus ticket on your Britannia admission ticket.

Royal Yacht Britannia is approx. A 45-minute drive from Edinburgh airport. The new Lothian Skylink 200 service directly connects the airport to the Ocean Terminal.

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How to get to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh by Bus or Light rail?

See royal yacht britannia, city of edinburgh, on the map.

Royal Yacht Britannia map

Directions to Royal Yacht Britannia (City Of Edinburgh) with public transport

The following transport lines have routes that pass near Royal Yacht Britannia

How to get to Royal Yacht Britannia by Bus?

Click on the Bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules.

From Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

From ikea, loanhead, from the sir walter scott (wetherspoon), ratho station, from straiton retail park, loanhead, from asda, edinburgh, from portobello high street, edinburgh, from costco wholesale, loanhead, from edinburgh zoo, edinburgh, from the royal bank of scotland group headquarters, city of edinburgh, from nuffield health, edinburgh, bus stations near royal yacht britannia in city of edinburgh.

  • Ocean Terminal, North Leith, 7 min walk, VIEW
  • Ocean Drive, North Leith, 7 min walk, VIEW
  • North Leith Sands, Newhaven, 8 min walk, VIEW
  • Prince Regent Street, North Leith, 10 min walk, VIEW

Light rail stations near Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh

Bus lines to royal yacht britannia in city of edinburgh.

  • 200, Corstorphine, VIEW
  • N200, Edinburgh Airport, VIEW
  • 34, Sighthill, VIEW
  • 35, North Leith, VIEW
  • N35, Riccarton, VIEW
  • 10, North Leith, VIEW
  • 36, North Leith, VIEW
  • 16, Broughton, VIEW
  • N16, Bonaly, VIEW
  • 12, Duddingston, VIEW

What are the nearest stations to Royal Yacht Britannia?

The nearest stations to Royal Yacht Britannia are:

  • Ocean Terminal, North Leith is 445 meters away, 7 min walk.
  • Ocean Drive, North Leith is 456 meters away, 7 min walk.
  • North Leith Sands, Newhaven is 528 meters away, 8 min walk.
  • Prince Regent Street, North Leith is 676 meters away, 10 min walk.

Which Bus lines stop near Royal Yacht Britannia?

These Bus lines stop near Royal Yacht Britannia:  10 , 16 , 200 , 34 , 35

Which Light rail lines stop near Royal Yacht Britannia?

These Light rail lines stop near Royal Yacht Britannia:  T50

What’s the nearest light rail station to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The nearest light rail station to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh is Ocean Terminal, North Leith. It’s a 7 min walk away.

What’s the nearest bus stop to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The nearest bus stops to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh are Ocean Terminal, North Leith and Ocean Drive, North Leith. The closest one is a 7 min walk away.

What time is the first Light rail to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The T50 is the first Light rail that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 05:04.

What time is the last Light rail to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The T50 is the last Light rail that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 23:56.

What time is the first Bus to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The N200 is the first Bus that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 03:10.

What time is the last Bus to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh?

The N16 is the last Bus that goes to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh. It stops nearby at 03:15.

How much is the Light rail fare to Royal Yacht Britannia?

The Light rail fare to Royal Yacht Britannia costs about £2.00 - £7.50.

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Public Transit to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh

Wondering how to get to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh, United Kingdom? Moovit helps you find the best way to get to Royal Yacht Britannia with step-by-step directions from the nearest public transit station.

Moovit provides free maps and live directions to help you navigate through your city. View schedules, routes, timetables, and find out how long does it take to get to Royal Yacht Britannia in real time.

Looking for the nearest stop or station to Royal Yacht Britannia? Check out this list of stops closest to your destination: Ocean Terminal; Ocean Drive; North Leith Sands; Prince Regent Street.

Bus: 10 16 200 34 35 Light rail: T50

Want to see if there’s another route that gets you there at an earlier time? Moovit helps you find alternative routes or times. Get directions from and directions to Royal Yacht Britannia easily from the Moovit App or Website.

We make riding to Royal Yacht Britannia easy, which is why over 1.5 million users, including users in City Of Edinburgh, trust Moovit as the best app for public transit. You don’t need to download an individual bus app or train app, Moovit is your all-in-one transit app that helps you find the best bus time or train time available.

For information on prices of Bus and Light rail, costs and ride fares to Royal Yacht Britannia, please check the Moovit app.

Use the app to navigate to popular places including to the airport, hospital, stadium, grocery store, mall, coffee shop, school, college, and university.

Royal Yacht Britannia Address: Ocean Drive street in City Of Edinburgh

How to get to Royal Yacht Britannia with public transport- About the place

Popular routes to Royal Yacht Britannia, City Of Edinburgh

Attractions near royal yacht britannia.

  • Hmy Britannia
  • Ocean Terminal
  • Nando's
  • Leith Docks
  • Build-A-Bear Workshop
  • Porta Pups Dog Creche
  • Pure Gym-Ocean Terminal
  • Toytown Edinburgh
  • The Royal Yacht BRITANNIA
  • Port of Leith
  • Royal Yacht Britannia Bus Stop
  • The Vue Cinema, Ocean Terminal UK
  • Ocean Terminal (Stop 5), Edinburgh
  • The Boardwalk

How to get to popular attractions in City Of Edinburgh with public transportation

  • Fir Park Stadium
  • Edinburgh Christmas Market
  • The Three Sisters
  • Soar at intu Braehead
  • Western General Hospital (Edinburgh)
  • Buchanan Bus Station
  • South Queensferry
  • Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • The Queens Arms
  • Royal Infirmary Of Edinburgh (Little France)
  • Saughton House
  • Perth Railway Station (PTH)
  • The Alexander Graham Bell (Wetherspoon)
  • Bruntsfield Links
  • Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ)
  • The Sir John Moore (Wetherspoon)

Public transport routes with stations closest to Royal Yacht Britannia in City Of Edinburgh

Bus lines with stations closest to royal yacht britannia in city of edinburgh, ocean terminal, north leith, ocean drive, north leith, north leith sands, newhaven, prince regent street, north leith.

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Royal Yacht Britannia – tickets, prices, discounts, afternoon tea, what to see

Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh

Royal Yacht Britannia used to be Queen Elizabeth’s Palace on Water and is now Scotland’s most popular tourist attraction. 

Known by many names such as Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth’s Yacht ,  HMY Britannia, etc., this Yacht was in the Queen’s service for 44 years and sailed more than a million miles worldwide. 

It is a perfect opportunity to see how the British Queen lived when traveling with other Kings and Queens, World leaders, and celebrities. 

This article shares everything you must know before booking your tickets for the Royal Yacht Britannia tour.

Top Royal Yacht Britannia Tickets

# Royal Yacht Britannia tickets # Royal Edinburgh ticket

Table of contents

What to expect at yacht britannia, royal yacht britannia prices, royal edinburgh ticket, where is the royal yacht britannia, royal yacht britannia entrance, royal yacht britannia opening times, are the britannia tours timed, are the royal britannia tours guided, how long does a tour of britannia yacht take, royal britannia discounts, royal yacht britannia audio guide, royal deck tea room timings, 1. the state drawing room, 2. the verandah deck, 3. the sun lounge, 4. the state dining room, the engine room, the laundry, admiral’s cabin.

Here is a quick video on what visitors can expect inside Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia.

Your Royal Britannia tour starts from the Visitor Centre, on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, where you get the historical background about the Royal Family and Yachtsmen.

You then pick up the audio guide, which is part of the entry ticket, and board Queen Elizabeth’s Yacht and explore five fascinating decks.

Highlights on the Yacht’s Royal side are the Sun Lounge, the State Dining Room, and The Queen’s Bedroom.

On the ship’s operational side, you get to see the Crew’s Quarters, the Engine Room, the laundry, etc.

More than 95% of the exhibits you will see during your tour are original and are taken on loan from The Royal Collection.

If you prefer, you can also visit the Royal Deck Tea Room.

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Royal Yacht Britannia tickets

This entry ticket gets you complete access to the Royal ship that’s now berthed in Edinburgh’s historic Port of Leith.

Visitors can explore all five decks at a leisurely pace even as they take in the public and private lives of the British Royal Family.

This ticket also includes the complimentary audio guide. 

Adult ticket (18+ years): 18.50 pounds Child ticket (5 to 17 years): 9.25 Pounds  Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): 50 Pounds Infant ticket (under 5 years): Free entry

This combo is known as the 48-hour Royal Edinburgh Ticket and is a real money saver. 

If you are visiting Edinburgh for the first time, we highly recommend this Royal attractions combo. 

This ticket gets you to access three of the best attractions in the city:

  • Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Edinburgh Castle
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse

And to top it all, you also get unlimited travel for 48 hours on three of Edinburgh’s hop-on-hop-off bus tours. 

Royal Yacht Britannia location map

Address:  Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ, United Kingdom. Get Directions

The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, just 2 miles from the City Centre.

Britannia’s Visitor Centre is on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, just 15 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh City Centre.

Ocean Terminal is soon going to be  re-branded  as Porta. 

There are many ways to get to the Royal Yacht. 

If you are coming by train, you must get down at  Edinburgh Waverley .

From outside the station, you can take a taxi to cover the 3.7 kms (2.3 miles) to Ocean Terminal. 

From the Waverly station, you can also take bus No. 22 and 34.

You must board the buses at  Princess Street (Stop PN) , and after 24 minutes and 27 stops, get down at  Ocean Terminal (Stop OF) .

There is a bus from the Station, every 15 minutes.

Lothian Bus services  run three buses – Bus No. 11, 22, and 35 – from Edinburgh City Centre to Ocean Terminal. 

You can purchase tickets on the bus by presenting the correct change or from the  Lothian Buses app .

A single journey on a Lothian Bus costs 1.70 Pounds. 

If you use Satnav, use the postcode EH6 6JJ. 

Else, open Google Maps to get  directions to Ocean Terminal .

If you prefer a taxi, we recommend  Uber ,  Central Taxis , or  City Cabs .

Car Parking

Royal Yacht Britannia offers free parking at Ocean Terminal.

Blue Car Park on Level E is closest to the tourist attraction’s Visitor Centre. 

This part of the Park also has spaces for Blue Badge holders. 

If you reach by foot, taxi, or bus, access to Royal Britannia is from the Ocean Terminal Shopping Center’s main entrance on the ground floor. 

You must take a lift to the 2nd floor of Ocean Terminal and walk towards the building’s East end.

Royal Yacht Britannia Visitor Center Entrance

You will first spot Debenhams and then HMY Britannia’s Visitor Center entrance.  Even though you can book tickets at the venue (the ticket desk is to the left of the visitor center entrance), it is better to  buy them online , much in advance, to avoid last-minute disappointment. 

During the peak months of April to October, Royal Yacht Britannia opens at 9.30 am, and the last entry is at 4.30 pm. 

The rest of the year, the Royal Yacht opens at 10 am, and the last entry is allowed till 3.30 pm. 

The last admission on 24 December is at 2.30 pm, and on 31 December it is at 3 pm. 

Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Royal Yacht Britannia tour

The Royal Yacht Britannia   tours are a perfect way to feel like a celebrity for a few hours. 

In this section, we share a few things you must know before you book your tour of the Royal ship. 

No, tours of HMY Britannia don’t start at a stipulated time. 

When you book your tickets, you only select the ‘date.’ 

On the day of your visit, reach the Royal ship between their opening hours to start exploring.

Her Majesty’s Yacht doesn’t offer guided tours. 

However, every ticket comes with an audio guide to walk around and tour the ship yourself.

Kids get their own version of the audio guide. 

You need at least two hours to explore Royal Yacht Britannia to satisfaction. 

However, if you plan to visit the Royal Deck Tea Room, you must factor in another 30 to 60 minutes. 

Visits during July and August tend to take longer because of the crowd. 

Kids up to four years get the maximum discounts at Britannia, Edinburgh – they get in for free. 

On the adult ticket price of 17 Pounds, children aged 5 to 17 years get almost 50% discount and pay only 8.75 Pounds.

Seniors who are 60+ and students with valid educational ID cards get a 2 Pound reduction on the full ticket.

People in the Armed Forces (with valid ID) can also claim the reduced price of 8.75 Pounds. 

However, this Armed Forces discount is available only at the Britannia ticket office.

Every Britannia Yacht entry ticket comes with a complimentary audio guide.

While receiving the audio guides at the Handset Desk, you can ask for straps to wear the audio guides around the neck. Headphones are also available.

Kids can opt for the children’s version of the audio guide.

The audio tour is available in 30 languages; English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Dutch, Finnish, Greek, Russian, Czech, Polish, Hungarian, Korean, Japanese, Urdu, Mandarin, Hindi, Arabic, Thai, Turkish, Cantonese, Punjabi, Portuguese-Brazilian, Welsh, Romanian and Gaelic. 

Besides the audio guide, visitor guides are also available through the tour route to help if you have questions.

Royal Yacht Britannia afternoon tea

The Royal Deck Tea Room is on board Britannia and tables are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is a perfect restaurant to enjoy freshly prepared food and stunning views of the harbor. 

The menu includes specialty coffees, cocktails, tasty soups, sandwiches, cakes, scones, etc.  Download Menu

The Royal Deck Tea Room has 35 tables and can seat 133 people.

During the peak months of April to October, the Royal Deck Team Room opens at 11 am, and the last admission is at 3.30 pm. 

January to March: Opens at 11 am, last admission at 3.30 pm

November to December: Opens at 10.30 pm, last admission at 3.45 pm

Royal Yacht Britannia interiors

Many tourists wonder what’s inside the Royal Yacht before they book their tickets. 

Some out of curiosity and some to know if a visit to Royal Yacht Britannia is worth it. 

We list below some of the highlights of this Palace on water. 

State Apartments

The State Apartments are the collection of rooms where the Royals lived or entertained their guests. 

The Royal family relaxed in the State Drawing Room whenever they traveled together. 

It also acted as a reception room for up to 250 guests. 

The Verandah Deck was a private space for the Royals, where they could sunbathe or enjoy quoits or deck hockey. 

This area of the ship also had a collapsible swimming pool for the Royal Family to splash around if they wanted.

Sun Lounge at Royal Yacht Britannia

The Sun Lounge was one of the Queen’s favorite rooms onboard HMY Brittania. 

The beautiful teak-lined room was a designated family room and offered a lot of privacy from the rest of the ship.

This massive dining room onboard Britannia has played host to the world’s most influential people, such as Nelson Mandela, Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, etc. 

With its white paneled walls adorned with gifts received during State visits, this room represents ultimate luxury. 

Engine Room at Royal Yacht Britannia

The Engine Room is a testament to British marine engineering skills because, until the ship got decommissioned in 1997, everything was working fine. 

This room is full of gleaming brass, chrome, and white enamel with the ‘heavy stuff’ under the hood pumping 12,000 horsepower, which would help Britannia and her four-bladed propellers to a maximum of 22.5 knots.  

Eight men operated the Engine Room, Boiler Room, and associated machinery rooms.

The 240 Officers and Yachtsmen on board Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia sometimes had to change their uniforms up to six times a day. 

This is why it was the only ship in the Royal Navy to have a laundry service permanently on board. 

The laundry machines, dryers, and steam presses on the ship worked non-stop, and sometimes the temperature even went up to 48 degrees Celcius (118 degrees Fahrenheit)

Admiral’s Cabin at Royal Yacht Britannia

The Admiral was responsible for Royal Yacht Britannia’s safe functioning and commanded the 19 officers and 220 Yachtsmen who operated the ship.

He worked, entertained, and often ate (he couldn’t join the other officers in their mess unless invited) in the Admiral’s Cabin. Image: Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk  

Royal Yacht Britannia's Bridge

The Bridge was HMY Britannia’s center of command and control on all her journeys. 

From here, the officers reporting into the Admiral navigated, passed orders, recorded the logbooks, etc.

Back then, all Royal Navy ships had a Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute shop, known as the NAAFI. 

The crew members and the officers would shop for their daily needs, such as toothpaste, shaving creams, magazines, etc. in this shop. 

Sources # Royalyachtbritannia.co.uk # Architecturaldigest.com # Wikipedia.org # Tripadvisor.com The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy .

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Urvashi Goyal

She is a city fanatic who loves exploring different cities, understanding their culture, meeting people, and discovering hidden gems. She likes to holiday in offbeat places that mainstream tourists are yet to discover. When on holiday, she avoids crowded tourist traps. Favourite cities: Bern, Los Angeles, and San Francisco

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Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth Visiting?

Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth Visiting? – The Royal Yacht Britannia recently won the best historic attraction award from Which so that’s a very positive start. There are five decks of ship to explore, including the Queen’s bedroom, the honeymoon suite, a fleet of v cool vehicles plus a corgi treasure trail for kids. This attraction works in all weather, but makes an excellent Edinburgh rainy day activity, so here’s the lowdown.

is royal yacht Britannia worth visiting

After decommissioning in 1997, the esteemed Royal Yacht could have docked anywhere. Competition was fierce to host it, but the pitch that won brought the vessel to Leith . Visitors get a real ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’ experience comparing how the Royals lived, in contrast with the ‘work hard play hard crew’.

You can get to Leith via bus, tram, taxi or the hop on/hop off bus . The tour bus is cancellable 24 hours beforehand so book now and decide later. Access to the ship is through the Britannia reception area within the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre (which is also home to shops and a soft play centre). Pick up your audio guide at the Britannia reception, which is v simple to operate. Then it’s time to step aboard.

getting to the royal yacht britannia

The tour starts at the bridge with all the steering, gadgets and power, and great views over the bow where the Royals would position themselves to wave at the crowds. Then you visit the Verandah deck with its thick teak floors that had to be cleaned daily by 8am without disturbing the Royals. This was an area for games, sunbathing, events, whatever was required. My favourite room came next, the Sun Lounge (pics above). Turns out it was the Queen’s favourite room too. It’s airy and relaxed and the sea views must have been fantastic.

For a full guide to Edinburgh activities click here. 

is royal yacht Britannia worth visiting

Within the State rooms things get intimate. It’s fascinating to see the relatively simple bedrooms of the Queen and Prince Philip, plus the honeymoon suite installed at Prince Charles’ request. I was drawn to the relaxed country feel of the chintz  State Drawing Room (above). It’s nowhere near as grand as it sounds, and appears to be a comfortable family room. On the other hand, the Dining Room  feels appropriately formal and has hosted SO many international leaders the mind reels.

getting to the royal yacht britannia

A guide to free things to do in Edinburgh.

is royal yacht Britannia worth visiting

On the lower decks discover the quirky lives of the crew. The segregation between ranks is clear, with different bars and restaurants reserved for different sailors. Tales of a toy wallaby in a ceiling fan, plus a wooden monkey make it clear the crew got up to a fair amount of mischief.

The practical side of the ship is also clear – this prestigious ships was carrying the Queen after all and required everything she may require to look amazing, keep healthy and keep safe. There’s a huge floating laundry room, a very well-equipped sick bay for any emergency, plus a fleet of vehicles including a grand Rolls Royce, a Landrover and a v James Bond style landing vessel.

getting to the royal yacht britannia

Finally, take a coffee break or have lunch at The Royal Deck Tea Room. It’s only open to those who  visit Britannia so should never get too busy.

getting to the royal yacht britannia

Families – Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth Visiting?

When your kids have completed the Corgi Trail and found all the corgis hidden around the ship, they can claim a badge in the gift shop. The gift shop is extensive, and also sells soft toy corgis if you wish to take one home.

Find the best afternoon teas in Edinburgh here.

Where to Stay

View our favourite apartments in Edinburgh here.

getting to the royal yacht britannia

Browse accommodation in Leith/Edinburgh here . Or book into the yacht’s partner ship, Fingal . Fingal is a former Lighthouse Board vessel that underwent a £5 million conversion to become a luxury floating hotel. It’s really something! Royalty has stayed here when conducting business aboard Britannia. And any guest aboard Fingal receives complimentary tickets to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Fingal’s restaurant boasts two AA rosettes, and welcomes non-residents too. I enjoyed my starter of Orkney scallops with ruby grapefruit and taramasalata. Then I opted for a vegetarian main, and it really delivered – harisa roast celeriac with hispi cabbage and potato fondant.

is royal yacht Britannia worth visiting

Afternoon tea is also available, served Wednesday – Sunday from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. It starts with an amuse bouche of sweet potato velouté. The savoury highlight for me was the Wye Valley asparagus and chorizo tart. And the sweet treats included a gorgeous Amaretto and raspberry white chocolate bar and a lemon and poppyseed macaron.

Have a glorious time in Edinburgh.

Free Scotland Itinerary here

Book more activities in Edinburgh here.

Free East Coast of Scotland Itinerary here .

Browse all our Edinburgh material here.

Book accommodation at Booking.com.

If you found this guide helped you plan a break then please consider subscribing  here  or  buy us a cuppa  to support our work. Please join the conversation on  Facebook,  or check out the bonny photos on  Instagram . For any queries or opportunities please email [email protected] . Content and images copyright of Scots2Travel. Contains affiliate links. Check out our  Privacy Policy here . I visited Fingal on a press trip, receiving complimentary DBB and stay with Afternoon Tea. 

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The Royal Yacht Britannia : A History of Queen Elizabeth II’s Favorite Palace

By Lisa Liebman

The Royal Yacht Britannia in Hong Kong during its last voyage in July of 1997.

The christening of The Royal Yacht Britannia serves as a cheeky season opener to  The Crown . Black-and-white Pathé News–style footage shows a soon-to-be-crowned Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) cheered on by shipbuilders as she launches her new 412-foot yacht. “I hope that this brand-new vessel, like your brand-new queen, will prove to be dependable and constant. Capable of weathering any storm,” she says about the royal replacement for the  Victoria and Albert III . By the series’ season finale, set 44 years later, both the sovereign and the floating palace she christened  Britannia will have hit rough seas—the cost of repairing the creaky old vessel and the modern role of the monarchy both in question. Ultimately, the yacht that undertook 968 official voyages all over the world, hosting dignitaries—including 13 US presidents—at receptions and banquets, was dry-docked near Edinburgh, Scotland, where it continues to be a popular tourist attraction. Here are some of the most buoyant facts about the palace the Queen famously said was “the one place where I can truly relax.”

The sun room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1981.

The sun room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1981. 

In a nod to the country’s post-war austerity, Elizabeth scaled back the design of the ship that her father, King George VI, had commissioned just two days before he died. Rather than following the opulent plan laid out by the Scottish firm McInnes Gardner & Partners, she opted for the understated elegance envisioned by architect Sir Hugh Casson, who described “running a lawn mower over the Louis XVIl adornments” in favor of simple white walls, lilac-gray carpeting, and “a bit of gilding in grand places.” Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Phillip, were said to have personally chosen the furniture—much of it, including linens, recycled from the  Victoria and Albert —fabrics (florals, chintz, toile), and paintings. 

Prince Charles and Princess Diana on board the Royal Yacht Britannia as they prepare to depart on their honeymoon cruise...

Prince Charles and Princess Diana on board the Royal Yacht Britannia as they prepare to depart on their honeymoon cruise in 1981.

As a former Royal Navy Commander, Prince Phillip also saw to the ship’s technical details, and his Bluebottle racing yacht inspired the Britannia ’s navy-hued hull. Outer decks were made of two-inch Burmese teak. The steering wheel was reclaimed from Britannia ’s namesake, King Edward VII’s 1893 racing yacht; a wheelhouse wheel came from George V’s racing yacht; and a gold-and-white binnacle (housing the ship’s compass) was salvaged from King George III’s yacht and installed on the Veranda deck. Fittings from former royal ships were also reused. 

The drawing room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1978.

The drawing room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1978. 

The 4,000-ton yacht had a crew of 220 Royal Yachtsmen who lived on board, about 45 household staff, and occasionally a 26-member Royal Marine embarked to entertain dignitaries. The monarch often welcomed guests from the ship’s grand staircase. (Stairs leading from the Veranda to the Royal deck were sometimes transformed into a water slide for the kids.)  Britannia ’s apartments were designed like those of a first-class ocean liner. A 56-seat state dining room, where many of the gifts given to the monarch (a wood-carved shark from Pitcairn Island, a bejeweled gold statue from Bangkok) were displayed, was the scene of formal dinners with guests such as Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Nelson Mandela, and Bill and Hillary Clinton. More intimate gatherings were held in the Queen’s official reception room, a smaller state drawing room with floral upholstered pieces, simple wood tables, an electric fireplace, and a Welmar baby grand piano bolted to the deck—played by everyone from Sir Noël Coward to Princesses Diana and Margaret. The teak-clad sun lounge, with rattan furniture and a toile loveseat, was Elizabeth’s favorite place—where she had her breakfast, afternoon tea, and also enjoyed her favorite Dubonnet and gin cocktails.

The Queens sitting room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1981.

The Queen’s sitting room on the Royal Yacht Britannia as photographed in 1981. 

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A ship elevator reserved for royal use moved between the Upper and Shelter Decks. The latter is where four Royal Apartments (bedrooms), including the Queen and Prince Phillip’s connecting compartments, were located. Hers featured florals, his had red accents. Elizabeth’s understated Upper Deck private sitting room, done in pastels and neutrals, served as the office where she conducted state business. Phillip used his sitting room, with its wood desk facing a model of his first command, the HMS Magpie , as his study. Below deck there was a wine cellar, as well as a cargo hold that could carry a barge, speed- and sailboats, plus a royal Range Rover and Rolls-Royce. The yacht could also be converted into a hospital (though it never was).

The Queen shed a tear at the decommissioning ceremony for thye Royal Yacht Britannia.

The Queen shed a tear at the decommissioning ceremony for thye Royal Yacht Britannia.

As depicted in  The Crown, Britannia ’s final official trip was to Hong Kong in 1997, where Prince Charles attended the handover of the territory to China. By then, Prime Minister Tony Blair’s administration was complaining that the £11 million a year needed to keep the boat afloat couldn’t be justified. With Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and all of their children in attendance,  Britannia was decommissioned at a ceremony in Portsmouth, England on December 11, 1997, with the monarch seen wiping away a tear. The yacht, now docked in Leith, Scotland, is open to the public as a museum and events space. (Prior to their wedding, Princess Anne and Mark Phillips’s daughter Zara Phillips and her fiancé Mike Tindall had a celebration there.) Visitors will note that every clock on board reads 3:01, the exact time the Queen disembarked her beloved  Britannia for the final time on that December day.

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Royal Yacht Britannia

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The Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Drive, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ

Tel: 0131 555 5566 Email us: [email protected]

Britannia will be closed 11-23 March and 25-28 June due to the redevelopment of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre

Royal Yacht Britannia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pre-book tickets? 

We strongly recommend pre-booking tickets online to guarantee admission.

How are the tickets sent?

Tickets will be e-mailed to the e-mail address providing during ticket purchase. This e-mail can be shown on your phone/tablet or printed out. 

Can I pre-book with my vouchers?

It is not possible or necessary to pre-book with Britannia Gift Vouchers/Virgin Experience Days/Leisure vouchers. Please follow the instructions on your voucher and then bring your vouchers with you on the day and our team at the ticket desk will process your admission.

Do you offer military discount? 

Yes, we offer a   rate of £9.25. These discounted tickets are only available at the ticket desk on the second floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Please be reassured, even though it is not possible to book these discounted tickets in advance, you will still be able to buy your tickets and visit on the day.

Do you offer NHS discount?

How do I get to Britannia?

Click here for directions . 

When does the Yacht close and how long do I have after last admission?  

Our tickets are sold by arrival times and once you are on board you can stay as long as you wish within our opening hours. We close 2 hours after the last admission. 

* Due to the  upcoming construction work at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre , Britannia will be closed 11 - 23 March and 25 - 28 June. As part of this redevelopment, Britannia will also be gaining a  new Visitor Centre and Gift Shop  which will involve us operating out of temporary accommodation whilst these new facilities are being created. Our temporary Gift Shop is now open on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 1 January and 25 December. Last admission on 24 December is 2:30pm. 

Can I change my date/time slot if I can no longer make it?  

Yes,  please  contact us on 0131 555 5566 or email  enquiries@tryb .co.uk , Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00.

Can I get a refund?

Bookings can be moved free of charge. Refunds are available up to 48 hours before your visit. To request a refund please e-mail [email protected] with your order reference.

I pre-booked my ticket but I'm running late, can I still visit?   

Yes, you can still visit within our opening hours. Our team at the Visitor Centre will let you on board as soon as possible on your arrival.

How do I listen to your audio guide as I tour Britannia? 

Tours are self - guided and include an audio tour available on your mobile or an audio handset which is included in the  price of admission.  If possible, please bring your own headphones for use with your mobile phone. However if you are unable to do so, we do have headphones available on request from our handsets desk.   

Is Britannia accessible? 

Britannia is highly accessible via a central lift. For further information please see  our   accessibility page  where you can find our  access statement .  

Please note, should you visit with someone acting in a carer capacity, they will receive free admission to Britannia. This ticket is only available on the day from the ticket desk on the ground floor of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. It is not necessary or possible to book this in advance, however please be reassured that they will be able to visit with you on the day. 

Is there a dress code to visit?

There is no formal dress code to visit however due the nature of the decks on board the ship, please wear sensible shoes, no high heels. Please wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for touring the five decks.

Will the Royal Deck Tearoom, NAAFI and Gift Shop be open? 

Yes, our Tearoom, Gift Shop and  NAAFI will be open. 

Will there be facilities and catering? 

Yes,  all of  our toilets and  the  Royal Deck Tearoom will be open. 

Can I pre-book a table in the Royal Deck Tearoom? 

No, as tables are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that you must purchase a Britannia admission ticket or be an Annual Pass holder to visit the Royal Deck Tearoom.

Can I leave luggage somewhere while I take the tour? 

Yes, we can store luggage while you enjoy your tour of Britannia.

What safety and hygiene measures will be in place? 

Please find further info rmation on our Safety Measures page here . 

Can I pre-book with my Annual Pass? 

Annual Pass holders do not need to pre-book, just come along at your chosen date/time within our admission hours and show your pass at Reception.

Is there parking? 

Visitors to Britannia should use the Ocean Terminal car park. Parking is free. There are accessible parking spaces and dedicated parent and child parking bays available on this level.  

Is there motorhome parking available? 

There is no allocated motorhome parking. Car parking is free in the multi-story car park. There are however, frequent bus services to Ocean Terminal.  

How long is a typical tour of Britannia? 

We recommend you allow 2 hours for your visit. Please allow longer if you wish to visit our stunning  Royal Deck Tearoom .  

Can I bring my dog on board? 

We welcome guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs. It is not possible to bring other dogs into Ocean Terminal or on board Britannia.  

Can I take photographs on board? 

You are welcome to take photographs on board. There are some great photo opportunities, especially on the outer decks.  

Does Britannia have hotel accommodation? 

There is no hotel accommodation on The Royal Yacht Britannia. Our sister ship,  Fingal Hotel , offers 22 luxurious cabins, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage and named after Stevenson Lighthouses. Fingal Hotel is now permanently berthed just moments away from Britannia in the historic Port of Leith. Open to both overnight guests and non-residents, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in  The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar , serving  Afternoon Tea , dinner   and spectacular  cocktails .  

I am an international traveller, can I visit following Brexit?

See advice for international visitors from national tourism agency VisitScotland here . 

Do you have a risk assessment?

Yes, you can see our risk assessment here .

Last updated: January 2024

Visiting Britannia

Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023

getting to the royal yacht britannia

Due to upcoming construction work at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre , Britannia will be closed 11 - 23 March and 25-28 June.

Click on the Visit page  for all you need to know before you visit.

Step aboard to enjoy a great day out!

Fingal Hotel

Get away from the everyday aboard Britannia’s sister ship, Fingal.  Extend your visit with a stay in one of Fingal’s luxurious cabins, your own oasis by the sea. 

AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes

getting to the royal yacht britannia

Learn more: fingal.co.uk

Accessibility Guide for The Royal Yacht Britannia

Logo of a navy blue, red and white graphic of The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Guide last updated: 27 February 2023

  • At a glance

Getting here

Getting around inside, getting around outside.

Customer care support

The Royal Yacht Britannia is a 5 star tourist attraction and exclusive use evening events venue, berthed in Leith, Edinburgh. It has been judged Best UK Attraction (Which Magazine readers). Britannia is also Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner, and the top 1% in the world in its category. 

The Royal Yacht Britannia was home to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over 1,000,000 miles around the world. Now berthed in Edinburgh, you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty to discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.

An exterior side view of The Royal Yacht Britannia berthed at Leith's Ocean Terminal against a bright blue sky.

  • Level access icon Level Access
  • Hearing icon Hearing
  • Visual icon Visual
  • General icon General

Level access

There is level access from the main entrance to:

Travel by public transport

In order to reach our Visitor Centre from the bus stops use Ocean Terminal's main entrance and proceed to the second floor. This can be accessed by the escalators or by a lift which is located opposite the Waterstones entrance at the rotunda. The Visitor Centre is located near Pure Gym.

Travel by taxi

Passenger drop off point in front of Ocean Terminal

Path to main entrance

Main entrance

There is seating available on entry to the Visitor Centre. The area is lit well by both compact fluorescent bulbs and spot-lighting. There is a podium at the front of the Visitor Centre where a member of the team can give information about tickets and the local area..

The entrance to Britannia's Visitor Centre

Ocean Terminal lift

Ocean Terminal Lift

Lift between decks

Britannia's lift to take you between decks.

Internal Lift

Britannia's original internal lift - exterior.

Ticket/ information desk

Visitor Centre ticket desks

The first ticket desk in our Visitor Centre (on the left) has a lower counter area suitable for wheelchair users. The payment/information desks area has a hearing loop. Britannia operates a complimentary ticket policy for carers.

There are 5 wheelchairs available to borrow free of charge. Please ask at our ticket desk, if required. We can offer a pen and pad of paper to assist people in the ticketing area and also have a magnifying glass available.

Britannia ticket desk

Things to See and Do

The Royal Yacht Britannia tour route

Many exhibits within the Visitor Centre and on board have a descriptive sign next to them in English.

There is background noise/music on the Bridge, in the Officers’ Wardroom, in the CPO’s and PO’s mess, Royal Sailing Exhibition, Tea Room and Shop.

There are no displays that use flashing lights.

There are guides located along the route who will be delighted to help with any queries or requests.

Seating is provided throughout the tour route.

The Royal Deck Rea Room

The Royal Deck Tea Room can be accessed via the internal lift; please ask our staff if you wish to use this.

If the lift is not required to access The Royal Deck Tea Room, there are external stairs up from the Verandah Deck. There are 15 stairs, with handrails either side. These stairs are original, and narrower in depth than is normally the case.

The Royal Deck Tea Room

Public toilet

Visitor Centre toilets

Visitor Centre toilets are located just before you collect your handsets, after you have paid for your tour.

Visitor Centre toilets

Tea Room toilets

Gold level toilets

Grey level toilets

Please note, there is a slight slope in this toilet, due to the camber.

The Royal Yacht Britannia Gift Shop

Britannia's gift shop is located within Ocean Terminal shopping centre, adjacent to the Visitor Centre entrance and can be accessed at the end of the tour, or directly from Ocean Terminal, without having to visit Britannia itself.

Access from Ocean Terminal is via an open doorway with a width of 2700mm. On exit from the Britannia tour, the entrance to the Gift Shop is 1700mm in width.

The flooring within the shop is wooden, and level throughout. The tables and fixtures have spacing throughout to enable wheelchairs/pushchairs to browse the shop. Fixtures include shelving units, tables and gondolas.

A magnifying glass is available.

There is background music in the shop and a Britannia DVD which plays on a screen, with sound. There is a hearing loop system within the shop. Britannia staff are happy to offer any assistance where required.

Britannia's gift shop

Place to eat and drink

The Royal Deck Tea Room

The Tea Room has 35 tables and can seat 133 people. Table height is 720mm with chairs without arms. Guests are waited on with table service, by our staff.

There are floor to ceiling windows throughout,as well as spot lighting.

The flooring is original wooden deck. The menu caters for vegetarians and there are gluten, wheat free cakes, scones, soups and sandwiches available. Our staff will happily read out the menu to customers. A magnifying glass and reading glasses are available, on request. Please ask a member of our staff.

Crockery is white, with silver tea pots. Our table tops are cream coloured. There are accessible WCs within the Royal Deck Tea Room.

There are high chairs available for younger children, baby changing facilities, bottle and food warming.

All soups served are gluten free with gluten free rolls to accompany them. We also have gluten free bread available for our sandwiches and our potato wedges are gluten free. There are gluten free fruit scones and two gluten and wheat free cakes – the mini ginger loaf and the mocha syrup cake.

The Royal Deck Tea Room

While the majority of the tour is under cover, some areas are out in the open such as the Verandah deck and the area by the Royal Barge.

Please note that the decks can be slippery when wet but our staff will do everything they can to minimse this and will advise of any hazards.

All outside areas are still accessed by the lift towers and are highly accessible.

We provide braille and large print scripts for our audio guides as well as a British sign language tablet. Earphones and lanyards are available for use with our audio guide to allow visitors to keep their hands free.

Emergency evacuation procedures

We have an ongoing programme of training with our staff.

There is a first aid room on board and 34 members of staff are trained in general first aid.

getting to the royal yacht britannia

The ultimate royal travel guide to Britain, from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle

T he British landscape is awash with royal properties, from stately palaces to historic castles. These include three of the monarch’s official royal residences; Buckingham Palace , Windsor Castle , and Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

But while these historic buildings may have the level of grandeur you might imagine when you picture the Royal family at home, in truth, royals are only ‘resident’ in these buildings on occasion. For some, they are even considered business premises – though they rather put the rest of our offices to shame. 

When it comes to days off from official business, members of the Royal family are more likely to be found in their private homes, such as the King and Queen’s Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, or the Prince and Princess of Wales’s family home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park. 

While the private homes are exactly that – private – there are plenty of places around Britain where you can walk in the footsteps of the Royal family and get a small glimpse into their lives. Here are some of the best. 

Buckingham Palace, London

Let’s start with the most famous of all royal residences: Buckingham Palace. Elizabeth II largely regarded it as her office, spending weekdays there attending to official business before retreating to Windsor at the weekends.

Now, of course, the palace – whose origins can be traced back to the reign of King James I in the early 17 th century, but which has been the London home of British monarchs since 1837 when Queen Victoria moved in – is the King’s official London residence.

Buckingham Palace is the setting for royal and national celebrations and commemorations; who can forget catching a glimpse of Royal family members from the famous balcony? It’s also where the monarch hosts dignitaries and official banquets – on September 18 2022, the King held a reception for world leaders at the palace on the eve of his mother’s funeral.

As it is a working palace, Buckingham Palace is only open to the public at set times. For 10 weeks each summer, its grand state rooms are opened up. During this time, visitors can see the crimson-and-gold Throne Room, the Royal Mews, and the enormous Ballroom, where all those extravagant state banquets are held. In addition, there are exclusive guided tours at select dates throughout the year.

Those without a ticket or travelling at the wrong time of year can still watch the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard, which takes place outside the palace several days a week at 10.45am (weather dependent but check the schedule ). 

The ceremony has its roots in the reign of King Henry VI and sees the New Guard of soldiers – wearing the customary bearskin hats – march to Buckingham Palace from St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks accompanied by music. They parade in front of the palace and relieve the ‘Old Guard’ (the soldiers on duty). 

If you are lucky and the King is in residence (the Royal Standard flag will be flying) then there will be an even higher number of sentries than normal taking part in the ceremony.

How to do it

Buckingham Palace (0303 123 7300) is open for 10 weeks each summer (July 14–September 24 2023). The Goring (read our review here ) has double rooms from £710 including breakfast.

Windsor Castle, Windsor

At the start of the Covid pandemic, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip retreated to this castle on the banks of the River Thames to shield with 22 staff members in what became known as ‘HMS Bubble’. After Prince Philip’s death in April 2021, the late Queen remained at Windsor; indeed, she never spent another night at Buckingham Palace.

The castle was originally built for William the Conqueror to defend London from western approaches, but it became a royal palace under King Henry I. Subsequent monarchs extended the palace with its most ambitious makeover undertaken by King Charles II who wanted to emulate the opulence of his cousin Louis XIV’s Palace of Versailles.

As well as seeing the rich interiors of the castle, visitors can pay their respects to the late Queen by visiting her final resting place within the King George VI Memorial Chapel inside St George’s Chapel.

In 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales moved to nearby Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – who attend school locally. It may well be that they will eventually move into the castle itself.

Windsor Castle (0303 123 7300) is open daily (summer). Castle Hotel Windsor (read our review here ) has double rooms from £132 including breakfast.

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

The King’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is a rather grand building that sits at the opposite end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to the castle. The palace has links with many famous figures from Scottish history – including Bonnie Prince Charlie, who set up court here in 1745 – but the person most visitors want to hear about is Mary, Queen of Scots. Her bedroom can be reached via a winding staircase in the north-west tower of the palace, and is a delight to discover with its low doorway (despite Mary being around 6ft-tall), decorative oak ceiling and painted frieze.

The reigning monarch stays at the palace every year during Holyrood Week (or Royal Week) from late June to early July. During this time they take part in the symbolic Ceremony of the Keys in which the monarch is handed the keys to the city of Edinburgh by the Lord Provost amid much pomp and ceremony.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse (0303 123 7306) is open daily July-Sept; it’s closed Tue-Wed in all other months. Cheval Old Town Chambers (read our review here ) has double rooms from £190 including breakfast.

Highgrove House, Gloucestershire

When they are not on official duties, the King and Queen love nothing better than to return to their countryside home of Highgrove in the Cotswolds. As the house is a private home, you can’t peek behind its neoclassical façade, but tours of the exquisite gardens – which Charles has dedicated himself to creating since buying the property in 1980 – are lovely. 

An experienced guide will take you through the gardens, which are a real passion project of His Majesty. You will then be led to the Ante Room, where bespoke Highgrove products – including food and drink made from produce grown here – can be bought and artworks by the King himself admired. This is all followed by cream tea in the Orchard Room, making it an idyllic way to spend an afternoon.

Highgrove is open on select dates for tours between April and September. Calcot & Spa (read the review here ) has double rooms from £364 including breakfast.

Llwynywermod, Llandovery

The Royal family also has a Welsh home. When he was Prince of Wales, Charles bought the 192-acre estate of Llwynywermod in Carmarthenshire, Wales, in 2006. Comprising a farmhouse building, where he and Camilla would regularly holiday, and three cottages, Charles soon set about renovating the house and its adjoining properties in a greener way, using locally sourced materials. 

On Charles’ ascension to the throne, the property was passed on to William, the new Prince of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, who also have a strong affection for the Welsh countryside, having spent some of the early years of their marriage living in Anglesey.

What’s special about here is that two of the cottages are available for holiday lets – North Range, for instance, is a beautiful whitewashed converted barn that sleeps six guests across three bedrooms and comes with a flagstone floor, open fire, Welsh furniture and lots of character. The smaller West Range sleeps four guests.

North Range and West Range can be booked through the Duchy of Cornwall (01579 346 473) and cost from £1,225 per week.

Balmoral, Aberdeenshire

Elizabeth II spent her final weeks in Balmoral and this palace in the Highlands was reputedly her favourite home. 

She is not the only royal to have felt an affinity for the place. Queen Victoria, who fell in love with the Highlands during her very first visit in 1842, was the first monarch to call it home. She and Albert loved to escape public life here, embarking on expeditions incognito through the Highlands. 

The late Queen spent every summer at Balmoral (August–October) and she would regularly be joined by other members of the Royal family. When the monarch is not in residence, the site is open to visitors. 

Although you can only see a small section of the castle’s interiors – including the ballroom where Ghillies Balls have historically been held – it’s the majestic setting amid acres of greenery with views across to the Cairngorms that makes a visit here worthwhile. 

The Royal family are considered locals in the nearby village of Ballater and are regularly seen attending services at nearby Crathie Kirk. Indeed in April 2023, Charles and Camilla surprised residents by making an unexpected visit to a new fishmongers and restaurant in the village during a pre-Coronation holiday at Balmoral.

Balmoral (01339 742 534) is open for pre-booked self-guided tours every summer (1 April to 16 Aug 2023). The Fife Arms (read the review here ) has double rooms from £250 including breakfast.

Read more about where the Royal family like to holiday here .

Sandringham, Norfolk

The Royal family traditionally spends Christmas at the sprawling estate of Sandringham. The private country retreat has been a popular haunt since 1862, when the Jacobean house was built for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra while Edward’s mother was still on the throne.

It was also a favourite of King Charles III’s grandfather, King George VI, and great-grandfather, King George V, who both died here. The house and gardens are a joy to explore. Norfolk is also where Anmer Hall, another of William and Catherine’s homes, is located.

Sandringham (01485 544 112) is open Sat-Thu (summer). The Brisley Bell (read the review here ) has double rooms from £133 including breakfast.

Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh

Until 1997 the Royal family would take annual holidays around Scotland’s Western Isles aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia . After the yacht was decommissioned, it was docked in the seaside Edinburgh suburb of Leith in Edinburgh and has since become one of Scotland’s most popular attractions.

A tour of the yacht allows you to peer into the bedroom that Queen Elizabeth II slept in while on board and reveals a glimpse of what life in the Royal family is like when the eyes of the world are not upon them. The late Queen clearly missed her days on board; after the yacht was no longer available to her, she chartered the Hebridean Princess , which offers small-ship cruises, on two separate occasions for special celebrations.

The Royal Yacht Britannia (0131 555 5566) is open daily (summer). Fingal (read the review here ) is a luxurious floating hotel nearby. It has double rooms from £300 including breakfast. The Hebridean Princess (01756 704 704) offers cruises from March to November with prices from £4,420pp for seven nights).

Read more about the travels of Elizabeth II here .

Kensington Palace, London

This west London mansion was the beloved home of Princess Diana and both the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Diana Memorial Playground can be found in its gardens. Apartment 1a is still the London pad of the Prince of Wales and his family. 

For many years, Kensington was known for the magnificent balls that were held across its ornate interconnected rooms and began in the late 17 th century during the era of King William and Mary. The already grandiose interiors were later added to by the Georgians when Kensington became the hub of high society. Elaborate decoration, such as the painted walls around the King’s Staircase which features many characters from George I’s court, were also added. 

As well as standard tours of the palace, regular exhibitions draw on its rich history, telling the stories of past and present royals in new and dynamic ways. Victoria: A Royal Childhood tells the story of one of the palace’s most famous residents. Queen Victoria was born here and the exhibition includes personal items such as her doll house. Other rolling exhibitions let visitors see precious items from the palace’s archive; often including iconic outfits worn by various members of the Royal family.

Kensington Palace (0333 320 6000) is open Wed–Sun (summer).  Baglioni (read the review here ), opposite Kensington Gardens, has double rooms from £494 including breakfast.

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From stately palaces to historic castles, there are plenty of places where you can walk in the footsteps of the Royal family - Getty

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  5. Royal Britain: A Tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia

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  6. A private tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia

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  1. Look Inside The Royal Yacht Britannia

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  1. Royal Yatch Britannia

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    Step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia. Britannia will be closed 11 - 23 March and 25 - 28 June due to the redevelopment of Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre. Explore each of the five decks of The Royal Yacht Britannia, Best UK Attraction (Tripadvisor) and discover what life was like during Royal service on board Queen Elizabeth II's former ...

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    The Britannia's Drawing Room. The ship's wheel was taken from King Edward VII's racing yacht, also named Britannia, according to Boat International, and the 126-meter ship could reach speeds of 22.75 knots, or a seagoing cruising speed of 21 knots, according to Super Yacht Times. Other fun facts: The yacht could produce her own fresh ...

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    Britannia is open 9.30am - 4.30pm (April - October) and 10am - 3.30pm (November - March). The Royal Yacht is closed on 1 January and 25 December. At last admission (3.30pm/4.30pm respectively) you still have 2 hours to complete the tour with an average audio guided tour lasting 1.5 hours. If you wish to visit the Royal Deck Tea Room, we ...

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    Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia, is the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in service from 1954 until 1997. She was the 83rd such vessel since King Charles II acceded to the throne in 1660, and is the second royal yacht to bear the name, the first being the racing cutter built ...

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    Access to the Royal Deck Tea Room is only available if you have purchased a ticket to tour the Royal Yacht Britannia, and they are unable to accommodate reservations. The Royal Yacht Britannia: A Fantastic Gift Shop. After finishing your tour of the ship and having a bite in the tea room, do not miss the gift shop at the end of the tour.

  10. Royal Yacht Britannia

    Our complimentary audio guide is the perfect way to explore The Royal Yacht Britannia's five decks and learn the interesting history of the Yacht's 44 years of service. Britannia is easily reached from Edinburgh's city centre with local buses, 11, 16, 34 and 35, as well as the Majestic Tour Bus, travelling to Ocean Terminal, where the ...

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    About. Discover Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Attraction, The Royal Yacht Britannia. For over forty years, the Royal Yacht sailed over one million miles on nearly a thousand official visits for the British Royal Family. Now berthed in Edinburgh's historic Port of Leith, just two miles from the city centre, Britannia is a fascinating visitor ...

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    Queen Elizabeth once said that the Royal Yacht Britannia was the only place she could truly relax, and we're inclined to agree. After 968 official voyages worldwide, which counted for over 1 million nautical miles to 135 countries, the Royal Yacht Britannia is now a tourist attraction just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre. The Royal Yacht Britannia has been visited by several world ...

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    The Royal Yacht Britannia is Leith's most popular attraction. Great Britain has had a very strong connection with the seas and oceans for centuries. Plan your trip for a tour of the iconic royal yacht Britannia in the beautiful city of Edinburgh in Scotland. Rated as one of the top 5 tourist attractions in the UK, this is truly a must-visit place. Here is a brief information about the story of ...

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    Royal Yacht Britannia, City Of Edinburgh Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia, is the former royal yacht of the British monarchy. She was in service from 1954 until 1997. She was the 83rd such vessel since K ing Charles II acceded to the throne in 1660, and is the second royal yacht to bear the name, the first being the racing cutter built for the Prince of ...

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    Get Directions. The Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed in Leith, Edinburgh, just 2 miles from the City Centre. Britannia's Visitor Centre is on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, just 15 minutes' drive from Edinburgh City Centre. Ocean Terminal is soon going to be re-branded as Porta. There are many ways to get to the Royal Yacht. By Train

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  18. Edinburgh bus Station to HMY Britannia

    Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia, is the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in service from 1954 until 1997. She was the 83rd such vessel since King Charles II acceded to the throne in 1660, and is the second royal yacht to bear the name, the first being the racing cutter built ...

  19. HMY Britannia

    Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia is the former royal yacht of the British monarchy.She was in their service from 1954 until 1997. She was the 83rd such vessel since King Charles II acceded to the throne in 1660, and is the second royal yacht to bear the name, the first being the racing cutter built for the Prince of Wales in 1893. During her 43-year career, the yacht travelled more than a million ...

  20. Is the Royal Yacht Britannia worth Visiting?

    Or book into the yacht's partner ship, Fingal. Fingal is a former Lighthouse Board vessel that underwent a £5 million conversion to become a luxury floating hotel. It's really something! Royalty has stayed here when conducting business aboard Britannia. And any guest aboard Fingal receives complimentary tickets to visit the Royal Yacht ...

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  23. FAQ's

    As part of this redevelopment, Britannia will also be gaining a new Visitor Centre and Gift Shop which will involve us operating out of temporary accommodation whilst these new facilities are being created. The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on 1 January and 25 December. Last admission on 24 December is 2:30pm.

  24. South Queensferry to HMY Britannia

    Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia, also known as the Royal Yacht Britannia, is the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, in service from 1954 until 1997. She was the 83rd such vessel since King Charles II acceded to the throne in 1660, and is the second royal yacht to bear the name, the first being the racing cutter built ...

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    The Royal Yacht Britannia is a 5 star tourist attraction and exclusive use evening events venue, berthed in Leith, Edinburgh. It has been judged Best UK Attraction (Which Magazine readers). Britannia is also Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner, and the top 1% in the world in its category. The Royal Yacht Britannia was home to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the ...

  26. The ultimate royal travel guide to Britain, from Buckingham ...

    The Royal Yacht Britannia (0131 555 5566) is open daily (summer). Fingal (read the review here) is a luxurious floating hotel nearby. It has double rooms from £300 including breakfast.