Royal Yacht Britannia

Royal Yacht Britannia
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring heritage elements, boating and interior views
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views, heritage elements and boating
Royal Yacht Britannia which includes heritage elements and boating
Royal Yacht Britannia featuring interior views and boating


Glimpse the life of royalty in the elegant rooms of what was once the Queen of England's personal cruise liner and Britain's ambassadorial ship overseas.

The magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia, docked at Ocean Terminal, provides fascinating insight into the wealth and opulence enjoyed by Britain's head of state. The craft, which served the Windsors for over 44 years, is 412 feet (126 metres) long and classy from bow to stern. Follow in the footsteps of Britain's monarchs and explore the sumptuous bedrooms and gilded staircases.

The Britannia first launched in 1953 and served the Royal Family as a floating residence and for transportation to visit other nations. The yacht was used as both a venue for entertaining guests from around the world and a floating home for Queen Elizabeth II.

Start in the Visitor Centre in Ocean Terminal before boarding. Photos from the ship's history shed light on the legacy of the craft.

Visit five decks, which contain fancy dining rooms, servants’ quarters and Her Majesty's bed chamber. Imagine being the Queen's engineer in the shiny Engine Room and inspect the various dials and pistons. Other rooms below the decks include the Sick Bay and Galley.

The luxurious State Apartments offer even more clues about the life of a travelling monarch. See the Rolls-Royce that the Queen would have been chauffeured in around foreign nations and the dining room where other dignitaries and heads of state were entertained.

Use one of the audio guides, included in the ticket price and available in multiple languages, to learn about the gigantic vessel. Visiting families can choose tours with child-friendly narration.

Stop for an afternoon drink or a light lunch in the on-deck tearoom, which was once the dining room of royalty. Enjoy a cup of tea served in fine china, with views over the water to accompany your refreshments.

To get here, take a bus to Ocean Terminal, which is a 2-minute walk from the yacht. Free parking is available for drivers. Your ticket to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is open every day of the year except Christmas and New Year's Day, entitles you to apply for a free annual pass that means you can visit again and again.

Reviews of Royal Yacht Britannia

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
231
5 - Excellent 68%
4 - Good
80
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
26
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Note that you can convert your ticket to an annual one at no cost. Cafe very good (and a bit pricy) but does get busy although the (limited) range of food is excellent. Staff superb.

5/5 - Excellent

Ishbel

Parking in multi-storey car park alongside Britannia is easy to reach and free.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Excellent place to visit, All staff very friendly and professional

5/5 - Excellent

Dave

This is a bit out of central Edinburgh so you'll need to get the bus if you're near the centre. You have to go through a shopping centre to get to the ticket office.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Hotel staff v helpful, told me which bus to catch, and gave me a 10% discount card

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great to see. Well worth it.Easy bus route and shops near by

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG

3 out of 5
Britannia Way, Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, Scotland
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh - Leith Waterfront by IHG
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Malmaison Edinburgh

Malmaison Edinburgh

4 out of 5
1 Tower Place Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Malmaison Edinburgh
Ocean Mist Leith

Ocean Mist Leith

2.5 out of 5
14 Shore, Edinburgh, Scotland
Ocean Mist Leith
3 Johns Place Townhouse

3 Johns Place Townhouse

4 out of 5
3 John's Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
3 Johns Place Townhouse
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel

Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel

5 out of 5
Alexandra Dock, Historic Port of Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fingal - A Luxury Floating Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Pillars House

Pillars House

3.5 out of 5
125 Constitution Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Pillars House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Yacht Britannia

At the Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can enjoy an enriching audio tour that reveals the fascinating history of this iconic vessel. For those seeking adventure, explore the nearby attractions featuring vibrant art, festivals, and theatre, offering a taste of Scotland's rich cultural scene. Avid boaters will appreciate the stunning waterfront views and opportunities for sailing in the picturesque surroundings, making it a delightful experience for all.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, a mere 161m from the Royal Yacht Britannia, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. Additionally, St James Quarter and Multrees Walk, both 3.2km away, provide vibrant city vibes and excellent shopping options.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, a mere 6.4km from the Royal Yacht Britannia, offers exhilarating sports experiences that energise the spirit. Meanwhile, Queen's Hall, located 4.8km away, presents a vibrant atmosphere filled with captivating music performances. For family-friendly fun, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, also 4.8km distant, provides a refreshing aquatic retreat.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 3.2km from Royal Yacht Britannia. For an adrenaline rush, try Urban Paintball Edinburgh, merely 1.4km away. Alternatively, embark on an exciting adventure at Bedlam Paintball, also 3.2km from the yacht, perfect for thrill-seekers.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Royal Yacht Britannia. Enjoy a captivating performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, indulge in adventurous fun at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, or unwind with a drink at Canongate Tolbooth, where romance and entertainment blend seamlessly.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Yacht Britannia

Visitors to the Royal Yacht Britannia can immerse themselves in a variety of attractions, including vibrant streets, captivating galleries, and historical monuments. These points of interest offer a delightful blend of culture and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Explore the rich heritage and scenic surroundings that Edinburgh has to offer, ensuring a memorable experience during your visit.

  • Royal Mile: A historic thoroughfare stretching through the heart of Edinburgh, the Royal Mile is alive with vibrant city vibes. Explore its charming shops, traditional pubs, and street performers, all while soaking in the rich history that surrounds you.
  • St. Giles' Cathedral: Known for its stunning architecture and intricate stained glass, St. Giles' Cathedral radiates culture vibes. This iconic landmark serves as a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, offering a glimpse into Scotland's religious heritage.
  • St. Andrew Square: A lively urban square, St. Andrew Square blends city and natural vibes. Enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens and public art installations, making it a perfect spot for relaxation amidst your sightseeing adventures.

Best time to go to Royal Yacht Britannia

The best time to visit Royal Yacht Britannia can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Yacht Britannia falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Yacht Britannia falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Yacht Britannia

To save money on your visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Booking about a month in advance or exploring last-minute deals on Expedia can yield savings. Stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, and use the site’s filters to find eco-friendly options within your budget. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can further reduce costs. Don’t forget to look for special offers like anniversary deals for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Yacht Britannia are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Royal Yacht Britannia is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Yacht Britannia is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Yacht Britannia is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Royal Yacht Britannia with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.