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The Royal Yacht Britannia

Experience Tripadvisor's Best UK Attraction 2023. 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 Attraction 2023, Best UK Attraction (Which magazine readers) and Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award winner 

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

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 you board this famous ship where you will discover the history of Royal Yachts and view displays and historical photographs of Britannia's fascinating past 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 .

HELPFUL INFORMATION:

-  Please note that due to upcoming construction work at Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre, Britannia will be closed 11 - 23 March and 25 - 28 June. -  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 via our Visitor Centre on the 2nd floor of Ocean Terminal shopping centre.

How to get here?

By tram: Take the tram to stop 'Ocean Terminal' (Newhaven direction).

By bus: Majestic Tour Bus and Lothian Buses 10, 16, 34 and 35 run from the city centre towards Ocean Terminal. Majestic Tour buses depart regularly from Waterloo Place / St Andrew Square in the centre of Edinburgh. The Majestic 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 (level E is nearest). For satnav our postcode is EH6 6JJ. Go inside the shopping centre for Britannia’s visitor centre 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 .  

OPENING TIMES

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

www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk See our reviews on Tripadvisor Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Pinterest Follow us on Instagram

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Transport and Parking

• On Public Transport Route
• Public Parking Nearby

Accessibility

• Hearing Loop
• Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
• Lift or stairlift
• Large print, braille or audio
• Level Access
• Wheelchair access throughout
• Accessible toilets
• Wheelchairs or mobility aids provided
• 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
• Coastal Location
• Sea/Loch View

Awards & Schemes

Related items of interest

• Sailing on Royal Racing Yacht Bloodhound

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What's Nearby

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

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

Graham Grieve

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Royal Yacht Britannia

Top choice in Leith

Built on Clydeside, the former Royal Yacht Britannia was the British Royal Family's floating holiday home during their foreign travels from the time of her launch in 1953 until her decommissioning in 1997, and is now permanently moored in front of Ocean Terminal . The tour, which you take at your own pace with an audio guide (available in 30 languages), lifts the curtain on the everyday lives of the royals, and gives an intriguing insight into the Queen's private tastes.

Britannia is a monument to 1950s decor, and the accommodation reveals Her Majesty's preference for simple, unfussy surroundings. There was nothing simple or unfussy, however, about the running of the ship. When the Queen travelled, with her went 45 members of the royal household, five tonnes of luggage and a Rolls-Royce that was carefully squeezed into a specially built garage on the deck. The ship's company consisted of an admiral, 20 officers and a 220-strong crew.

The decks (of Burmese teak) were scrubbed daily, but all work near the royal accommodation was carried out in complete silence and had to be finished by 8am. A thermometer was kept in the Queen's bathroom to make sure the water was the correct temperature, and when the ship was in harbour one crew member was charged with ensuring that the angle of the gangway never exceeded 12 degrees. Note the mahogany windbreak that was added to the balcony deck in front of the bridge: it was put there to stop wayward breezes from blowing up skirts and inadvertently revealing the royal underwear.

Britannia was joined in 2010 by the 1930s racing yacht Bloodhound, which was owned by the Queen in the 1960s. Bloodhound is moored alongside Britannia (except in July and August, when she is away cruising) as part of an exhibition about the Royal Family's love of all things nautical.

The Majestic Tour bus runs from Waverley Bridge to Britannia during the ship's opening times.

Ocean Terminal

Get In Touch

https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

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A Visitors Guide to The Royal Yacht Britannia

Launched in 1953, The Royal Yacht Britannia served the Royal Family for nearly 50 years, until it’s decommissioning in 1997. Aside from the Royal Family, the yacht also welcomed a number of high profile politicians and celebrities, including Frank Sinatra, Liz Taylor, Nelson Mandela and Sir Winston Churchill.

Being based near Edinburgh, I was amazed when I discovered that Damon had never visited. I hadn’t been in nearly 10 years so one rainy weekend we decided to take the full tour and enjoy the tea room.

• Location and Getting There

Opening Times

Ticket types and prices, royal deck tea room, location and getting there.

The Britannia is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal, Leith just north of Edinburgh city centre.

Parking At Royal Yacht Britannia

Parking is free at Ocean Terminal if you’re taking a car. The blue car park, level E, is closest to the Visitor Centre.

You can find the Visitor Centre on the 2nd floor of the shopping centre, towards the Debenhams end.

The easiest way of getting there is by using Google Maps . Alternatively, use the postcode EH6 6JJ or follow signs for Leith, then the brown Royal Yacht Britannia signs.

The 11, 22 or 35 Lothian Bus services will take you to the Britannia from the city centre of Edinburgh. Tickets can be purchased with correct change on the bus (no contactless payment option), online , from the Lothian Buses m-tickets app or from a preloaded citysmart card.

UberX, UberXL and Exec are available in and around Edinburgh. Prices vary but use our Uber code: andrewy2730ue or sign up here to get a free ride.

The Britannia

The Britannia is open all year round, with the exception of the 25th of December and the 1st of January.

Admission Times are also dependent on the season:

*Last admission is 2:30pm on December 24th and 3pm on December 31st.

For updated opening times, check out this page on the official website.

The Royal Deck Tea Room

**The Royal Yacht Britannia is closed on December 25th and January 1st. Last admission to the Royal Deck Tea Room is 2:45pm on December 24th and 3pm on December 31st.

Ticket prices remain the same all year round. We’d recommend booking through Viator .

There are a range of ticket types available, including discounts for senior citizens (60+), children (5-17), students and members of the armed forces (with identification).

Your ticket will grant you access to the visitor centre, the yacht itself (self guided tour with included audio guide) and the Royal Deck Tea Room.

Groups of 15 or more get access to special rates which you can find more information about here .

Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can apply for a free annual pass (just ask at the till), allowing you to visit during the following 12 months. The Annual Pass will also entitle you to a 15% discount at the tea room and the gift shop.

The Annual Pass is a great idea, especially if you’re considering a return visit to the tea room. We’ll talk in more detail about the Tea Room later on but for now I’ll just say a return visit might be likely.

Audio Guide

After purchasing your ticket at the till, you’ll first take a walk through the Britannia Visitor centre where a short exhibition will tell you about the history of the ship.

After that, you’ll get given your audio guide , which 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.

There are also English audio guides available for children, visually impaired visitors and for those with learning disabilities. For those with hearing difficulties, a British Sign Language tablet or printed script can be provided.

The tour of the ship itself lasts approximately one hour.

You will get to see the full five decks of the ship.

Near the top of the ship, towards the stern you can find the teak-lined sun lounge. This was a private family room where The Queen would enjoy afternoon tea.

The state dining room, the largest room on board, hosted royalty, prime ministers and presidents. Sir Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher were all entertained in this venue.

The room is still actively used as an events space and can accommodate up to 196 dinner guests.

One of the surprises on the tour was the freshly made fudge, which you could sample for free on one of the lower decks.

When Damon and I thought about going to tour the Britannia, we read that there was a tea room on board. We didn’t, in all honesty, expect much, based on our experience with most museum cafés. But this completely surprised us.

The Royal Deck Team Room sits in a beautiful glass box on Britannia’s top deck, with stunning views over the Forth and the bridges in the distance.

The menu offers a range of soups, sandwiches and cakes. You can also choose from a selection of teas, coffees, alcoholic (wine, champagne, whisky, cocktails etc.) and non-alcoholic soft drinks.

Damon and I both opted for the Britannia Special (a soup and sandwich platter). Everything on the plate was delicious, from the Cullen Skink soup to the chicken sandwich and the smoked paprika potato wedges.

The whole experience, from the view to the food and the silverware really surpassed our expectations.

Is Afternoon Tea Served On The Royal Yacht Britannia?

No traditional afternoon tea is served in the Royal Deck Tea Room aboard the Britannia. Instead, it is served aboard the Fingal (see below). There are instead 3 specials options in the tea room:

Moët Cream Tea Special For Two: Bottle of Moët Imperial NV plus a sandwich (from their list) and a scone or slice of cake. Loose-leaf tea or coffee is included - £57.50

Cream Tea Special For One: Pot of loose-leaf tea or coffee, plus a sandwich (from their list), a scone or slice of cake and a glass of sparkling Rosé - £26 (£28 for Moët Imperial NV option)

Britannia Special: Soup and a sandwich. Served with paprika potato wedges and garlic mayonnaise - £15.95

Cost Of Afternoon Tea On The Fingal

Afternoon tea is served on board the Fingal (Britannia’s sister ship also docked in Port Leith - 10 mins walk from the Britannia).

The afternoon tea costs £40 per head and includes a selection of sweet and savoury delicacies.

accessibility

A central lift makes the Britannia accessible on all levels and accommodates wheelchair users or those with specific access needs.

Ocean Terminal, where you gain entry to the Britannia, has disabled Parking on every level and lifts connect each floor.

Recognised assistance dogs are welcome on board.

For further information, check out this page on the official Royal Yacht Britannia website.

Take The Tour In The Morning

A morning tour will likely be quieter than an afternoon tour. Naturally, the ship has some close quarters so the less people the better.

Buy Tickets online To Skip The Queue

If you purchase your ticket online, you won’t have to wait at the till. On peak days, especially during summer, this can save you a lot of time. Tickets are priced exactly the same.

Don’t Miss It If your Cruise is Berthed Nearby

Cruise ships regularly dock in Leith. The Britannia Visitor Centre is likely only a 5 minutes walk from your cruise ship.

Take Advantage Of Free Parking At Ocean Terminal

You wouldn’t normally see ‘Edinburgh’ and ‘Free Parking’ in the same sentence so take full advantage if it’s the easiest way to get there for you. Ocean Terminal, Blue Car Park, Level E.

Take Advantage of The Free Annual Pass

We only discovered this was an option after our visit. When we ate in the tea room, we thought we’d like to go back but we didn’t want to have to pay full admission again for the privilege. This, for 12 months at least, solves that problem.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is consistently rated one of the top tourist attractions in Scotland and, after my return visit and Damon’s 1st visit, we could see why. Have you visited the Royal Yacht Britannia? Or do you have any questions before your trip? Let us know in the comments down below.

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

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

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Tripadvisor’s No.1 UK Attraction 2023

Step aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia

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 floating palace. A great day out for all the family at this top attraction in Edinburgh.

Temporarily Closed

11 - 23 march and 25 - 28 june.

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

Ticket information, opening times and more.

Buy Tickets

Pre-book your tickets to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia, top attraction in Leith.

Homemade soups, sandwiches and cakes, along with speciality teas and coffees.

Apply for 12 months' free admission after your first visit.

Stay at our luxury floating hotel, Fingal, AA Hotel of the Year Scotland.

Find souvenirs and gifts from Britannia's online Gift Shop.

Visiting 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

Learn more: fingal.co.uk

Royal Yacht Britannia

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Parking near Royal Yacht Britannia

• Thread starter martin2603
• Start date Jun 20, 2018
• Jun 20, 2018

Does anyone have experience of parking to visit Britannia in Edinburgh 8.5meter MH !  

mike mcglynn

We went up there a few years back and parking was not a problem as the ship is berthed near a big shopping centre at Leith docks ,but best to have a look on google as things change very quickly these days, especially when there is money at stake .  

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Caravan and Motorhome Club site at Marine Drive, Edinburgh. Bus close by will take you to Leith. Trevor  

Don't forget English bus passes don't work in Scotland (or Wales)...  

we have parked on street nearby, and there is a bus come cruise line car park next to terminal that you can park on.  

The THS at the Drum Estate is finished for now. The next group to use this site will be the Scottish Region with a THS from 3rd August until 27th August which will cover the Fringe, Festival & Tattoo. I am sure there is on street parking near the Ocean Terminal, certainly within reasonable distance.  

C CC Drum Estate is perfect for visiting Edinburgh etc and is in a superb location within a secure private Estate. There is a Co-op just across road from entrance barely a 5 minute walk, Chemist, Post Office and Chinese restaurant 10 minute walk. Best bit for last the bus stop is 80 yards from gate, fare into Edinburgh is £1.70 single or best value a day rover ticket at £4 per person this allows travel into Edinburgh and beyond including Leith, Musselburgh and beyond at no additional cost and can be used on Edinburgh City trams till midnight on day of purchase. Just spent a week there and it is a superb location.  

Deleted User

Malcolm Bolt

• Jun 21, 2018

FLTs can park and overnight at the quay at Musselburgh. Then use the bus for the short cheap journey into the city.  

stewartwebr

stewartwebr said: The large overspill carpark for Ocean Terminal, of which Britannia's Visitors Center is part of has been blocked off with large rocks. It was becoming very popular with motorhomes and some where actually using it as an Aire. Click to expand...

GJH said: And yet some still query why motorhomes are unpopular in certain quarters Click to expand...

stewartwebr said: I think it would make an excellent Aire but guess the landowners are not too keen on the idea. Must be some legal issues as the land is now lying empty and unused. They do open the carpark as overspill at Christmas time. Click to expand...

GJH said: I would guess it's a combination of the land being potentially more valuable for some other development and the owners not being interested in running an Aire/caravan site. Click to expand...

monzer said: You could also park at genting casino. It's never busy and a pleasant half mile walk to Ocean Terminal. Click to expand...

GJH said: As has been pointed out, English passes are not valid but we have found day tickets to be good value in the past. Click to expand...

Borderland said: Just remember to have the correct fare for the bus as they don't give change. Click to expand...

Puddleduck said: Also be aware that part of Leith Street has been closed as there are redevelopment works and all traffic is diverted. Click to expand...

GJH said: Still? It was like that last time we were there 2 years ago They don't build quickly in Edinburgh do they? Click to expand...

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Accessibility Guide for 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.

• 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

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..

Ocean Terminal lift

Lift between decks

Internal Lift

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.

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.

Public toilet

Visitor Centre toilets

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

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.

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.

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.