britannia yacht hotel

• Rooms & Suites
• Food & Drink
• Gift Vouchers
• Packages & Offers
• Events & Meetings
• What's On
• LUXURY CABIN
• SKERRYVORE SUITE
• LUXURY DUPLEX SUITE
• CLASSIC DUPLEX SUITE
• CLASSIC CABIN
• Festive Afternoon Tea
• Afternoon Tea
• Private Dining
• Exclusive Use
• Christmas Dining
• Wedding Spaces

The spirit of the sea

Welcome aboard fingal hotel.

A luxury floating hotel permanently berthed on Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront, just two miles from the city centre.

A hotel with all the glamour and style of a superyacht but with an old-world elegance that is completely unique.

Christmas Gift Vouchers

Experience the magic of this season with Festive Afternoon Tea, private dining for friends, family or with colleagues in The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.

Food & Drink

The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar has a relaxed, luxurious feel and vast floor to ceiling windows.

Serving breakfast, Afternoon Tea, dinner and spectacular cocktails.

Awarded 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence.

An Award-Winning Hotel

Step aboard and discover something completely different. Awarded Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Luxury Hotel, Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Small & Boutique Hotel and AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, Fingal Hotel is a five-star (AA) hotel and a world-class destination.

Discover stunning Classic, Luxury and Duplex cabins, with nautical features. The magnificent Skerryvore Suite includes a separate sitting room and private deck area, perfect for stargazing and Champagne.

Events & Weddings

Fingal Hotel is the perfect venue for exclusive use events, weddings, private functions, product launches and corporate celebrations.

Our elegant Ballroom, with two grand sweeping staircases, can seat up to 60 people for dinner.

This enchanting room also features a removable skylight and raised gallery for music and entertainment.

Sustainability

Our crew are on a journey to ensure that sustainability is front of mind, making both big and small improvements wherever possible. 

• Newsletter Sign-Up
• Our Environmental Commitment
• Press & Media
• Explore Edinburgh
• Booking Terms

Give the gift of Fingal Hotel this festive season!

• Royal Deck Tearoom
• Group Visit
• Accessibility
• Annual Pass
• Our Green Tourism
• Weekly Snaps
• Things to do in Edinburgh
• What's On
• Private Events
• Private Dining
• Drinks Reception
• Private Tours
• Burns Supper
• Meet The Team
• Historical Timeline
• Explore Britannia
• Royal Residence
• Life Below Decks

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

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

• Search this website

Planning a visit?

Please pre-book your tickets to guarantee admission.

Getting Here

Looking for directions? Find out how to find Britannia via tram, bus or car.

STEP ABOARD FOR A GREAT DAY OUT

A Royal residence for over 40 years, The Royal Yacht Britannia sailed over 1,000,000 nautical miles on 968 state visits with the Royal Family where they entertained prime ministers and presidents. Now  Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 - 2024 , you can discover across five decks stories of life at sea for both the Royal Family and the 220 Royal Yachtsmen who served on board. Our five-star visitor attraction is located in Leith, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre.

What will I see?

• Britannia’s five decks with your  free audio guide
• Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge
• Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments
• See Queen Elizabeth II's favourite room
• Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters
• Admire a tour highlight, the gleaming Engine Room
• Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition
• Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones in the  Royal Deck Tearoom
• Admire the stunning waterfront views from the Best UK Attraction (Tripadvisor)

Ongoing Maintenance

Owned and cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, our dedicated Maintenance team work 363 days of the year to ensure Britannia is preserved for future generations. 

Opening Times

* The last admission to the Royal Yacht on 24 December is 2:30pm.  The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on on 25 December and 1 January. 

Tickets & Prices

We recommend booking in advance. Any tickets purchased in person, please note you can pay via card or contactless only.

**Armed Forces (includes veterans and active duty members), student and carer tickets are only available at the ticket desk. They cannot be pre-booked, but are available on the day of visit.

  See our FAQ page for further details.

Our Hotel, Fingal

Our sister ship, Fingal Hotel is a world-class experience from the moment you step aboard. Awarded Tripadvisor's No.1 UK Luxury Hotel and No. 1 UK Small & Boutique Hotel 2024, the 22 luxurious cabins are inspired by its rich maritime heritage and are an indulgent experience like no other.

Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 - 2024

We are delighted to be Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023 - 2024  and a Best of the Best award winner.  Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel.

Experience the Royal Deck Tearoom

Enjoy scones, cakes, soups and sandwiches with stunning waterfront views. No need to pre-book, head up to the Tearoom during your tour!

HM The King's visit

On 3 July 2023, His Majesty King Charles III attended a reception on board The Royal Yacht Britannia for the Association of Royal Yachtsmen to commemorate 25 years  since Britannia arrived in Leith.

Give The Gift Of Fingal Hotel

Give the best present under the tree this Christmas with the gift of Fingal Hotel. Choose from our range of gift vouchers, to stay, to dine, to relax. 

Purchase Gift Vouchers

Sustainability

At Britannia, we are committed to ensuring that we have environmentally sensitive policies and best practice procedures throughout all aspects of our business.

Visiting Britannia

TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK ATTRACTION 2023 - 2024

PLEASE PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS TO GUARANTEE ADMISSION Start your tour at our entrance, currently located on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal. Please note that tickets purchased in person are by card/contactless only. 

Click on the Visit page  for more information 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. 

TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK LUXURY HOTEL TRIPADVISOR'S NO.1 UK SMALL & BOUTIQUE HOTEL AA Hotel of the Year Scotland, AA five-star hotel and 2 AA Rosettes

Learn more: fingal.co.uk

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Review Highlights

“ What you can see is: the sleeping rooms of the royal family ; those for the staff and the guests. ” in 26 reviews

“ They also offer audio guide at the entrance so we could have better understanding of what is what. ” in 13 reviews

“ The entrance in the Ocean Terminal is great, the audio tour is excellent and the boat is laid out perfectly. ” in 14 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Ocean Terminal

Edinburgh EH6 6JJ

United Kingdom

Amenities and More

About the business.

Experience the UK's No. 1 Visitor Attraction (Best UK Attraction Which? Magazine). The Royal Yacht Britannia proudly served the Royal Family for over 40 years, sailing over one million miles around the world. Now berthed in Edinburgh, you can follow in the footsteps of Royalty and world leaders with a fascinating complimentary audio tour of her magnificent five decks, available in 27 languages. Tablets are available with the British tour in British and American Sign Language. There is an audio handset tour in 'Basic English' for visitors with learning disabilities. From the Royal Apartments to the Crew's Quarters and Engine Room, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Treat yourself in the Royal Deck Tea Room with delicious menus made on board in the Royal Galley, stunning waterfront views and waiter service that will make you feel like Royalty. Complete your tour with a browse round the fabulous Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal. The Royal Yacht Britannia is also an exclusive private events venue. …

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

A bit of a tourist trap but it is interesting in a way. I have a hard time understanding hereditary monarchy in this day and age. But it was quite interesting to see how the royals were cared for

See all photos from Dan C. for The Royal Yacht Britannia

So cool to roam the yacht that Queen Elizabeth loved and used regularly... Had lunch at the tea room really good chicken salad definitely suggest this tour you get a handheld recorded device in your own language. That helps understand the history.

See all photos from M M. for The Royal Yacht Britannia

We took the hop on hop off bus here. Unfortunately, the ticket agent didn't reduce our ticket prices with tour ticket for the bus; however, we contacted them afterwards and they made arrangements for the proper credit. Wonderful customer service! The vessel itself and the interiors were all excellently preserved and a marvel to see. You could imagine when the royals were milling about or the many staff were busy to keep the yacht moving and operating. We enjoyed the self guided tour. There were plenty of restrooms on board for public use. There was also a cafe for tea and a fudge shop.

A unique experience. The rich history and opulence are unparalleled. The tour includes many different areas and allows you to see the areas that visitors did not see (such as the laundry room).

I've been wanting to visit the Queen's Royal Yacht since I was a kid. I just knew I couldn't visit Scotland without seeing it, so it was the first thing I did after I arrived in Scotland. Parking was plentiful on my visit, however, I had a hard time locating the parking garage. I had to drive up and down the street a couple of times before I realized where the entrance was. Totally my fault because I was still learning the methods of driving in Scotland at this point. I purchased my timed entry ticket a month in advance, but I was running 30 minutes late for my entry window due to heavy rain and even heavier traffic from Glasgow. I was worried that they would deny me entry when I got there per the entry rules on their website. However, when I arrived, they scanned my ticket with no issues. I was very happy I purchased my ticket in advance because they were extremely busy. I do wish they would remove the timed entry though, it's truly stressful when things happen out of your control and you can't make your entry window. After my ticket was scanned, I waited in line to pickup an audio headset for the tour. The audio tour is great because it gives you some history and insight into what you're seeing as you move along the Yacht. I'd set aside 3 hours for the tour if you want to see, read, and hear the audio in every room. If you're short on time, 2 hours is the minimum amount of time I'd plan around. The Yacht is huge and if it's busy, you'll have to do a lot of waiting in line before you can move forward. It was raining and cold during my visit, so guests who didn't have umbrellas huddled into some of the warm rooms to get out of the rain and warm up. This really made it harder to see and capture pictures in some of the key areas. I highly suggest you bring an umbrella just incase, it's Scotland after all, and it will make your tour easier if it does rain. The Yacht was absolutely amazing. It was cool to see Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's bedroom's, as well as the Royal Dining Room that hosted President's, World Leaders, and other Notable persons. My absolute favorite was the Sun deck. I could totally visualize Princess Margaret sitting in a lounge chair with a cigarette in one hand and a glass of something strong in the other as she looked out at the ocean. I'm sure the Royal children including King Charles have some great family memories on that sun deck. Lastly, I really enjoyed learning about the Royal Navy and other service staff who manned and lived on the Royal Yacht. It's amazing to think it took 300 service people to run this ship anytime the Queen, Prince, or other Royals were on a voyage. It's nice to know the service staff were well taken care of as well. Ticket prices are well worth everything you get to see and learn about while on the Royal Yacht. Queen Elizabeth II truly lived a Royal Life made for a Queen. I'm grateful I was able to get a glimpse of the life she was given. People say Scotland was Her Majesty's favorite place in the world, it's only suitable that her home on the sea rest in Scotland as well. I highly recommend a visit to the Royal Yacht if you ever find yourself in Edinburgh, it's definitely worth the visit.

See all photos from Monica H. for The Royal Yacht Britannia

It's a wonderful venue to visit. it shows you a lot about how the British Royal family lives.

Amazing to the opulent wealth of British Royals. Captains were admirals in the royal navy. Used for weekend cruise ship. Costing millions of pounds. For no other purpose than spoiling incredible wealthy people at taxpayer expense. Peasants.

Great trip through history and the exhibits on the yacht are fantastic. The tea room was also a great experience and the entire staff were helpful and friendly.

Vies from the tea room

We visited the Royal Yacht Britannia years ago and this is the first time we have been back. What a great decision. The entrance in the Ocean Terminal is great, the audio tour is excellent and the boat is laid out perfectly. The tea room during the middle of the tour is lovely with a service befitting the setting. All in all a lovely 1 1/2 hour visit.

Our visit aboard the RYB was so much more interesting than we imagined it would be! This was Queen Elizabeth & Royal Family's home away from home from 1953 to 1997. It sailed 1,000,000 nautical miles. It's a fascinating contrast with the stately private and public rooms that the Royal Family occupied and the below deck quarters of the "Yotties" who served aboard. The RYB hosted 968 state visits with such luminaries as: Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan and Rajiv Ghandhi. There were many other official receptions, four Royal honeymoons and over 44 years of Royal holidays spent aboard. I especially liked the Queen's bedroom and Prince Phillip's next door, the state dining room with ornate place settings, the "casual" wood floored sun room and the top deck Tea Room. The officers' pub below decks, the non-officer lounge and the various gifts from around the world were also worthwhile. It's £16 for adults and a free audio set (a bit clunky and unwieldy though) is included in the price. There's a really well-stocked gift shop with lots of variety and they sell the ship's homemade fudge both onboard and in the shop. Your admission helps to preserve the ship via the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust. This was the last of 83 Royal yachts in a tradition that began in the 1660's! There is free parking at the Leith mall where it is located. We took the city bus from the Royal Mile and the bus drivers were kind enough to help us with the fare. I usually don't say this about "tourist" attractions, but I'd come back for high tea on that beautiful upper deck with a view. Yelp Challenge 2018: 70/100

1 other review that is not currently recommended

Collections Including The Royal Yacht Britannia

By Torterry C.

Our Scotland Trip!

By Jared M.

By Pamela S.

By Trent W.

By Kevan M.

People Also Viewed

The Bonham Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Hotel Edinburgh-Royal Mile

Intercontinental Edinburgh The George

Assembly Rooms

The Counting House

Holiday Inn Edinburgh City West

Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh West

Other Venues & Event Spaces Nearby

Find more Venues & Event Spaces near The Royal Yacht Britannia

Related Cost Guides

Boat Charters

Golf Cart Rentals

Karaoke Rental

Party & Event Planning

Photo Booth Rentals

Valet Services

Venues and Event Spaces

We've noticed that you're using an out of date browser. We recommend that you update to the latest version to enhance your browsing experience.

Availability Search for  The Royal Yacht Britannia

Terms & conditions.

This booking system and any information appearing on this page relating to the availability of any accommodation is provided by third parties and not by VisitScotland. It is intended to provide real time availability information relating to accommodation which is also provided by third parties. You may use this booking system to place direct bookings with third party accommodation providers. Any booking you make will not be placed with VisitScotland and we will have no liability to you in respect of any booking. If you proceed to make a booking you will leave our Website and visit a website owned and operated by a third party. VisitScotland does not have any control over the content or availability of any external website. This booking system and any information appearing on this page is provided for your information and convenience only and is not intended to be an endorsement by VisitScotland of the content of such linked websites, the quality of any accommodation listed, or of the services of any third party.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Experience Tripadvisor's Best UK Attraction 2023-24. Follow in the footsteps of Royalty and explore this floating Royal residence with a fascinating audio tour of five decks (available in over 30 languages).

Tripadvisor's Best UK Visitor Attraction 2023-2024 and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner. 

Visit this award-winning attraction, just two miles from Edinburgh's city centre at Ocean Terminal.  The Royal Yacht Britannia played host to some of the world’s most famous people, from Nelson Mendela to Winston Churchill, but above all was home for the British Royal Family for over 40 years. Now you can discover the heart and soul of this most special of Royal residences.

You'll receive a truly warm welcome at Britannia's Visitor Centre before boarding Queen Elizabeth II's former floating palace.

What will you see?

Tour Britannia’s five decks

Feel like the captain of the ship in the Bridge

Follow in the footsteps of Royalty through the State Apartments

See Queen Elizabeth II's favourite room- the Sun Lounge

Discover below decks in the Crew’s Quarters

Admire a tour highlight, the gleaming Engine Room

Take in the Royal Sailing Exhibition

Enjoy soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones in the Royal Deck Tearoom and admire the stunning waterfront views

The tour is available in:

Audio handset tour, available in over 30 languages

Children’s audio tour

Audio tour for those with sight loss

ASL and BSL tablet

Braille script ​​​​​​ ​​​​​

Complete the Britannia experience with a visit to the  Gift Shop in Ocean Terminal, where you’ll find exclusive Britannia souvenirs, china, toys, gifts and nautical items.

Berthed just moments away, Britannia's sister ship, floating hotel Fingal, offers 22 luxurious cabins inspired by the former Northern Lighthouse Board tender's rich maritime heritage. For further information, visit Fingal's website .

-  All weather experience -  Highly accessible for wheelchair users, single buggies and those with limited mobility. Read our accessibility statement here . -  Free Annual Pass for 12 months' admission included -  The entrance to Britannia is temporarily on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal shopping centre.

How to get here?

By tram: Take the tram to stop 'Ocean Terminal' (Newhaven direction). For further information, please visit Edinburgh Trams  

By bus:  Regal Tour Bus and Lothian Buses 10, 16, 34 and 35 run from the city centre towards Ocean Terminal. Regal Tour buses depart regularly from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in the centre of Edinburgh. The Regal Bus Tour is operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours .

By train:  Arrive in the city centre at Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, just 2 miles from Britannia. 

By car: Follow signs to Edinburgh and Leith or North Edinburgh. Then follow brown tourist signs for Britannia. Free car parking at Ocean Terminal multi-storey car park (level C is nearest). For satnav our postcode is EH6 6JJ. Go inside the shopping centre for Britannia’s entrance and the start of the tour. By plane: Britannia is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh Airport.

For further information on finding Britannia, please see here .  

Please check the Britannia website for full opening times and prices.

The last admission to the Royal Yacht on 24 December is 2:30pm. The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on on 25 December and 1 January.  EVENING EVENTS Exclusive dinners and receptions can be hosted on board. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 and see how we can create your event of a lifetime, or visit the events section of our website .

PRIVATE TOURS A private tour on board The Royal Yacht Britannia is an exclusive experience, giving you access to Britannia’s five decks, and a unique insight into the history of the Royal Yacht and how the Royal Family and crew lived and worked on board. Both morning and evening tours are available. Call our events team on +44 (0) 131 555 8800 or for more information visit click here . PRESERVING BRITANNIA Britannia is cared for by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust , a self-funding charity registered in Scotland (SC028070). By visiting Britannia you will be helping us to preserve this important piece of history for future generations.

Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Public Parking Nearby
• No Pets Allowed

Accessibility

• British Sign Language
• Hearing Loop
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Lift or stairlift
• Large print, braille or audio
• American Sign Language
• Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchair access throughout
• Suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Dietary Options

• Gluten Free

Typical Prices

• Baby Changing Facilities
• Public Toilet Facilities
• Lunch Available
• Licensed Bar
• Cafe or Restaurant

Payment Methods

• American Express
• Diners Card
• Credit Card

Awards & Schemes

Related items of interest

• The Royal Deck Tearoom aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia

Cookies are required to view this content. Change your preferences at Manage Cookie Settings

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

What's Nearby

Accommodation, attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

A guide to free things to do in Edinburgh.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Similar Posts

Scottish Ballet for Kids – Wee Hansel & Gretel

I really want to get my tots into dance, any type of dance, therefore I’m quite delighted that Scottish Ballet has adapted its winter  performance…

Afternoon Tea with Kids at Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House

Afternoon Tea with Kids at Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House  Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House hotel, a beautiful country pile in rural Aberdeenshire, now offers a startling…

Things to Do in Arbroath

Things to do in Arbroath with Kids – This small Angus town, just north of Dundee, boasts vast stretches of coastline, history and fun in…

Things to Do in Millport and Cumbrae

The ten best things to do with kids in and around the small but perfectly formed Isle of Cumbrae.

Welcome to Scots2Travel – Aberdeen Travel Blogger

If you’re as alert as a meerkat you may have noticed that Tots2Travel has a new name and a new look. I’m quite exhausted and…

A Scottish Winter Wonderland? Found It! A magical Aberfeldy Airbnb

aberfeldy Airbnb – Winter wonderlands are beginning to be portrayed in the media.  ‘We’ll get a cottage’ someone suggests, ‘a cute winter wonderland cottage’, but…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Skip to main content
• Skip to after header navigation
• Skip to site footer

Truly Edinburgh

Visitor Guide & Content Hub

The Royal Yacht Britannia: history and visitor information

The Royal Yacht Britannia, once a grand symbol of the British Royal Family, is now permanently docked in Leith the port of Edinburgh .

©Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia

Today visitors to Scotland’s capital city can explore the magnificent ship that served as a floating palace for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her family for over four decades.

The role of the Royal Yacht Britannia in the British royal family

The yacht provided a sanctuary for the royal family offering them a respite from the demands of public life.

It allowed them to escape the prying eyes of the media and enjoy moments of relaxation and privacy.

As they travelled the world it was, said the queen, the one place she could truly relax.

Today the world’s most famous yacht is an Edinburgh five-star visitor attraction and exclusive events venue.

the Royal Yacht Britannia history

Plans to build a new yacht to replace the ageing Victoria and Albert III had first been considered in 1938 during the reign of King George VI but in austere pre-war Britain, it didn’t seem appropriate.

However in 1951, with the king’s health failing, the government decided to push ahead with their plans for a new ship. Sadly King George died before the work was completed.

construction and design of the Royal Yacht Britannia

Like two of the other great ocean-going passenger liners, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II, the royal yacht’s life began on the River Clyde. 

It was built in John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank near Glasgow and launched on 16 April 1953.

Following sea trials, the ship was commissioned into the Royal Navy the following year.

It was the latest in a long line of royal yachts that stretched back to the seventeenth century when the Dutch gave the world’s first royal yacht Mary to Charles II as a gift.

Original designs of the ship had specified a dual role – a hospital ship to be used in times of conflict and a royal yacht. She was never used in the former capacity.

However, in 1986, during a voyage to Australia, without the Queen aboard, the ship diverted to Aden to help in the evacuation of those trapped on the beaches by an ongoing war in the region.

Over 1,000 terrified people were rescued and crammed into every available space.

Both the Queen and Prince Philip took a keen interest in the design of the vessel, working with Sir Hugh Casson on plans for the interior decorations.

The young couple selected fabrics, furniture and paintings, many of them taken from the Victoria and Albert III in an effort to keep costs under control.

The state apartments aft of the funnel were not extravagantly decorated.  Instead, they have a traditional ‘country house’ feel.

This is particularly noticable in the drawing room where chintz-covered armchairs and sofas sit on a plain silver-grey carpet overlaid by a magnificent Persian rug. 

A baby grand piano stood in the corner often providing after-dinner entertainment. Princesses Diana, Margaret and Alexandra were all known to enjoy playing. 

Famous guests aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

Writer Brian Hoey reminds us of the night Sir Noel Coward came to dinner during a Caribbean cruise. 

“He literally sang for his supper, playing many of his own compositions into the wee small hours. Even on the royal yacht, there was no such thing as a free meal.” 

Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor also pulled up a chair in the State Dining Room.

Of course, they weren’t the only well-known people to visit the yacht.

Over the years Rajiv Gandhi, Sir Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela were only a few of the others on a long list of the world’s most powerful people who enjoyed royal hospitality.

© Mark Millar, Royal Yacht Britannia

Supper’ in Britannia’s dining room could be a splendid occasion. In preparation for a state banquet, Royal Navy stewards would lay the burnished mahogany table with military precision. 

They would carefully place the floral decorations, candelabras and exquisite crystal wine glasses.

With a ruler in hand, they measured the precise position of each shining piece of silver cutlery. Menus were printed and seating plans were discussed before Britannia set sail. 

The Queen and Prince Philip had their own bedrooms and sitting rooms, decorated to reflect their personal taste. The Queen preferred chintz and floral while the Duke liked the more functional wood panelling. 

This elegant lady became a favourite with all generations of the royal family but particularly the Queen who always said it was the only place she could truly be at ease.

Honeymoons at Sea

Four royal couples opted for a honeymoon at sea, onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.

They were Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Princess Diana

A young Princess Diana was happiest when proceedings were kept informal, she was a very special guest as far as the naval crew were concerned. 

On one memorable occasion, she was found in the Junior Ratings Mess leading the crew, or yachtsmen, as they were called, in a rendition of What , Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor. 

One remark in particular sums up the feeling and affection the crew had for her.  “There are 275 men aboard and every one of them is in love with Princess Diana.”

It’s fitting that Prince William and Prince Harry, who often spent their summer holidays on trips to the Western Isles of Scotland loved the freedom and privacy the royal yacht allowed them.

Ambassador for Britain

Beyond its role as a private residence, it was an unofficial ambassador for Britain serving as a platform for diplomatic and official engagements.

Britannia undertook numerous state visits, carrying the royal family and government officials to countries around the world. The yacht became a powerful symbol of British soft power, projecting an image of elegance, grace, and stability to the international community.

On what became known as Sea Days, it would throw open the doors to the world of commerce.

That allowed businessmen to showcase the best of British craftsmanship and design and promote their companies and products to the world.

The yacht became a floating showroom for British excellence, helping to boost exports and attract foreign investment.

The Overseas Trade Board estimated that between 1991 and 1995 the exchequer benefited to the tune of £3 billion.

Decommissioning and the transformation into a visitor attraction

After over four decades of service, the Royal Yacht Britannia was decommissioned in Portsmouth on 11 December 1997.

During that long service, the ship sailed over one million nautical miles stopping at 600 ports in 135 countries. 

Rather than being sold or scrapped, the decision was made to preserve the yacht as a visitor attraction, allowing the public to experience first-hand the grandeur and history of this wonderful vessel.

At the Paying-Off Ceremony, the queen clearly sad at the occasion, said: “Looking back over forty-four 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.” 

What are the highlights of a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia

• Enjoy freshly made food and a warm welcome at the Royal Deck Tearoom.
• Visit the gleaming Engine Room to inspect the John Brown built turbines which drove the ship over a million nautical miles in its many years of service.
• The Wheelhouse , not on the Bridge as you might expect, is on the deck below. Yachtsmen unable to see ahead followed instructions from the officers through voice pipes.
• Admire the lavish State Dining Room , decorated with gifts received on foreign visits.
• Visit the Officers’ Wardroom , sometimes compared to a gentleman’s club, where officers would relax after work. Traditionally the captain did not dine there unless invited.
• Crew’s Quarters: These are much more cramped than the royal and officers’ quarters. They give a glimpse into the living conditions of the working crew. You can also visit the sick bay and the laundry room.

Special events

The Britannia also hosts a series of special events throughout the year, including music evenings and cocktail nights. It is also available for private hire, with the State Dining Room being a popular venue for dinners and receptions.

If you’re visiting during the busiest periods and just turn up, the queues can be long, so be prepared for a wait.

However, many of the available tour options will let you avoid queuing and you can book online on the official Britannia website.

But if you prefer to explore yourself, there are free audio guides in 30 languages to help you find your way around. A range of concession prices is also available.

Can you stay overnight on the Royal Yacht Britannia?

While you cannot stay overnight, you can at the nearby Fingal, a floating hotel moored nearby.

This unique hotel is also owned by the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and is one of E dinburgh’s luxury hotels.

Also nearby is the newest Edinburgh whisky distillery –the Port of Leith Distillery which opened in October 2023.

Visitor information

For further information on admission times and help planning your visit, go to the Britannia website.